To address the findings of the Kirby Review (that early school leaving is motivated by a desire for work and lack of interest in school), a new qualification, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) was introduced on a trial basis in 2002. The Northern Metropolitan Institute of TAFE (NMIT) Youth Unit offers programs at three northern…

This document is comprised of the 12 monthly issues of a newsletter providing support and information for providers of child care for school-age children. The featured articles for each month are: (1) "Reflections on the School-Age Field" (September); (2) "Tips for Effective Service-Learning Projects in Out-of-School Time…

Presents a case study of the development of kinship care policy in Illinois due to court decisions regarding the provision of financial support to relatives acting as foster parents. Compares recent reform of kinship care policies in Illinois with welfare reform efforts across the country and their national implications. (SD)

This article describes how the Professional Development School without Walls, a partnership between the Departments of Special Education and Elementary Education at the University of South Florida and two large school districts, was developed; the challenges, needs, and contexts influencing the development and implementation process; and the…

This document presents and examines Iowa's adult basic education (ABE) program benchmarks, which have been designed as criteria for evaluating the following aspects of the performance of ABE programs in Iowa's community colleges: educational gains; program planning; curriculum/instruction; staff development; support services; and…

This study analyzed state policies on the identification and education of gifted students as reflected in legislation, regulations, rules, recommendations, and guidelines provided by 49 states. The elements examined include: (1) state mandated services, (2) district plans for the gifted, (3) gifted education as part of special education, (4)…

This book tells the story of the Kids are People School in Boston, Massachusetts, which began as a day care facility, enthusiastically welcomed children with special needs, and developed a multicultural inclusive elementary school. It is the story of the school's determination to provide the therapeutic services essential for each child's…

A study assessed the needs of Wisconsin single parents, homemakers, and displaced homemakers and identified barriers they encounter in obtaining education, training, and employment. A total of 770 new participants from 15 vocational/technical colleges responded to the written survey; 335 responded to the program completers' survey; 15 lead staff…

This 3-year follow-up report describes actions taken by the Illinois Council on Vocational Education (ICoVE) during 1989, 1990, and 1991. It addresses the 66 suggestions and 56 recommendations of 9 technical reports (spanning 1987 and 1988) related to special populations. Recommendations from 1987-88 and follow-up actions are reported on the…

A method for evaluating and improving the secondary school environment for limited-English-proficient students is presented. The first section outlines research findings about elements in the school context, curriculum, and staffing found effective in serving LEP students. Desirable factors in the school context include: valuing of students'…

Best practices in trade union-sponsored adult guidance programs were identified through five case studies in the United Kingdom and one in Denmark. The case studies from the United Kingdom focused on the following: a partnership between local trade unions and a city center education guidance service supported by a local college of further and…

This planning guide defines the steps for creating an effective substance use prevention program for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). It is written for administrators, health educators, counselors, social workers, and any other professionals involved with planning and implementing school-based programs and services. Chapter 1 summarizes…

In exploring the integration of school and work, the question arises as to what secondary school programs will cost and who will pay. Jobs for the Future explored strategies that offer a more structured transition from high school to high skills careers for young people who are unlikely to complete college. The youth apprenticeship programs…

This document reports the findings of Project Respond, a program designed to develop a model for assessing and addressing risk to children in the St. Louis community. Section A concerns: (1) a definition of risk; (2) effects of profound sociological risk on children; (3) social and economic costs of sociological risk. In Section B, the Project…

Vocational staff from 10 Pennsylvania vocational schools were given information and instructional materials to enable them to create effective programs for disadvantaged populations. A needs assessment was conducted to identify specific needs of the participating vocational staff pertaining to programming for disadvantaged students. After…