This "sampler" package has been developed to provide immediate information on resources related to educational policy related to addressing barriers to learning. The first section lists 69 resources for information about educational improvement and learning, including ERIC. The second section lists 14 print resources for facts relevant…

The policy impact model can help state educational planners develop policies for local school districts. The model has four stages: forecasting, goal setting, policy analysis, and implementation. A project in Louisiana is used as a case study.

This analysis of an accreditation policy suggests that the policy process in general, and the implementation process in particular, tend to shape the policy outcomes through linkages between the various process phases and policy performance. (Author/IRT)

Important past research on the state role, particularly that of state education agencies, in making and implementing educational policy is reviewed and assessed. Gaps in research and current issues are identified, and suggestions are offered for the future. (RL)

The concept of secondary teacher training as a partnership between schools and higher education was formalized in Great Britain during the early 1990s. This paper considers how aspects of this new policy are working in the context of the Post Graduate Certificate of Education course, highlighting the partnership concept and individual…

Identifies themes in the theoretical literature on policy implementation that can be used to develop a research-based framework about how qualitative research can be used to analyze policy implementation through the investigation of informal and formal communication lines. (SLD)

Summarizes results of a 1997 survey of state and local Title I educators who are implementing the 1994 Title I reauthorization. Data indicate that the five major themes have been implemented. Results are compared to the previous year's survey and recommendations are offered for future research areas and future funding allocations. (MMU)

Documents local variability in response to state-mandated reform in Maryland and illustrates the challenges of implementing centralized policy as an educational improvement tool. Discusses a longitudinal project exploring student and staff experience at five diverse high schools. Advises improvement-minded state-level policymakers to be more…

Examines the implementation of educational assessment policy in the United States, England, and Wales from the perspectives of power, what educators need to learn, and legitimacy. Findings suggest that assessment policy is useful for promoting easily observable changes, but not for deep modifications of teaching practice. (SLD)

Restructuring programs and reallocating resources (to smaller classes, teacher planning, professional development, and tutors for struggling students) constitute a complex, large-scale change process. Steps include recognizing the need for change, evaluating strategies, and creating a new educational strategy for all organizational levels. (MLH)

The authors analyzed data from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000 to assess the associations between the presence of a district physical education coordinator and district-level physical education policies and practices recommended by federal government agencies and national organizations. The authors also examined the relationship…

This paper responds to a request asking for a Response to Intervention (RtI) background information and a scan of what states are doing in this area. This paper presents summaries that provide basic information about the status of state RtI initiatives in each of the southeastern states. The information was collected from State Education Agency…

One institution's attempts to implement an ambitious wholly online learning policy is examined in the Australian higher education setting. The conditions that led to a diversity of models of wholly online unit development are considered, along with teachers' design intents in establishing their online teaching and learning environments. The…

The Saint Paul Public Schools' Project Early Kindergarten program aims to improve the school readiness of Saint Paul children. The program offers a rigorous academic approach and targets children who are English Language Learners, come from low-income families, or need Special Education services. Ultimately, the program intends to help close Saint…

States have made tremendous progress in developing longitudinal data systems that can track student progress and answer critical policy questions. However, more work is needed, particularly on certain elements. Data on course-taking and grades (element 6), college readiness test scores (element 7), and other feedback from post-secondary…