Research has shown that teachers have the greatest impact on student learning more than any other factor (Haycock, 1998). Thus, highly qualified and effective teachers are the most important resource for schools and districts in order to educate all students. In a time of increased accountability and alternatively certified teachers, effective and…

The American Association of School Administrators is concerned that past federal professional development activities have centered on colleges and universities rather than on school districts where teaching and learning occur. When reexamining the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress should fund only local initiatives aimed at quality change and…

Public schools must make available special education and related services to all IDEA-eligible (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) students with disabilities beginning at age three and through age 18. Services to students, ages 19, 20, and 21, are permissive. That means the decision to serve 19, 20 and 21-year-old students is determined…

The Improving America's Schools Act amends the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act making professional development a central component of its emphasis on improving teaching and learning through Titles I and II. A statement of principles of high quality professional development has been issued in support. (SLD)

In 1965, the United States Congress established the Teacher Corps with the ultimate goal of broadening teacher preparation programs and improving educational opportunities for children from low-income families. The program requires that local projects incorporate characteristics that reflect current educational concerns. (JN)

Notes the different labor acts and policies that create confusion over whether centers must pay staff for training time if such training is required by law. Also notes state variations on this matter. (MOK)

This publication describes several national initiatives focusing on the need for cultural pluralism among professionals and support services for parents of young children with disabilities. The publication begins with a discussion of new laws, funding initiatives and programs, and special projects of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S.…

Goals 2000 differs from previous educational legislation because it requires systemic reform and partnerships. The article discusses Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, explains how legislation is developed, and examines Goals 2000's main provisions, content and performance standards, role in professional development, and ties…

This report presents samples of models and strategies for determining professional development needs of special education personnel. The following areas are covered: definitions of needs and the needs assessment process; personnel needs assessment regulations under the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development, the Individuals with…

This report examines the current status of federal and state involvement in educational personnel development. First, it describes the federal legislative process, and offers a list of members of Congressional committees dealing with education legislation. Next, it analyzes involvement of the U.S. Office of Education and of individual states in…

This article identifies challenges to incorporating occupational, physical, and speech-language therapy into early childhood programs under Parts B and H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Challenges include transforming traditional medical model services, meeting the need for qualified personnel, and adequately preparing…

This technical assistance document discusses retraining of speech-language personnel and formulating and implementing programs to comply with federal legislation. It addresses priorities in the use of qualified personnel to provide services in schools, planning and implementing of statewide retraining, approaches to retraining to meet the highest…

This monograph presents results of a 6-month study of the federal government and the Clinton Administration's proposal for a decade-long process of re-inventing the federal government's operations. Each of four major principles are presented in a chapter organized around specific steps towards its implementation. These principles are: cutting red…

This report presents the findings of a rapid response inquiry about the new training opportunities afforded through an amendment to Section 353 of the Adult Education Act that increased the state set-aside for innovative demonstration projects and teacher training projects. The report also describes a number of activities supporting the newly…

This publication reports on progress 1 year into the Clinton Administration's "Reinventing Government" initiative, a long-term effort at significantly revamping the federal government's operations. A preliminary chapter notes the culture change involved in the reinvention process. Individual chapters then report progress for each of the…