The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have ardent supporters and strong critics. The actual effect of the CCSS, however, will depend much less on the standards themselves than on how they are used. Two factors are particularly crucial. The first is whether states invest in the necessary curricular and instructional resources and supports, and the…

The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) is a bit like the underdog candidate who wins the election when few think it possible. "Now what?" is the question facing the surprised victor. With an initial agreement for the Common Core State Standards to be developed, and visible progress toward their development and promulgation, what will…

The plan documents Minnesota's policies and procedures for implementing state and federal statutes concerning the education of handicapped students. The following topics are covered: right to education, full educational opportunities goal, policy on priorities, child identification, Individual Educational Programs, procedural safeguards, the least…

The booklet presents an overview of California's GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program. Following a brief introduction, the booklet presents a rationale and statement of program goals along with a discussion of legislative intent. Standards for quality programing are outlined. A model depicts the three major GATE components: (1)…

Trends described in the planning and management of block grant programs are based on 13 states' implementation of seven block grants: (1) alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services; (2) community services; (3) education; (4) low-income home energy assistance; (5) maternal and child health services; (6) preventive health and health services;…

This handbook provides suggestions useful in implementing supplemental services to children with handicaps in regular classrooms in Ohio. The information is organized into two major parts: administrative considerations and teacher considerations. Administrative considerations focus on the definition of a supplemental services program, determining…

The document specifies Louisiana's plan for special education in fiscal years 1984-86 as required by P.L. 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The document lists policies, procedures, and descriptions of the state's special education efforts, including the full educational opportunities goal, child identification, individualized…

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) demands from the American public school system that all students, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, must be held to the same academic expectations, and that their academic progress must be measured using a newly refined concept of adequate yearly progress (AYP). Success in complying with the…

This publication was developed by Alabama school library media professionals to help principals understand good school library media practices. The principal can publicize the school library as a center for student and family learning. He or she can actively promote the importance of information literacy as a basis for authentic, life-long…

This guide is designed to assist local educational agencies in the design, development, implementation, operation, and administration of vocational-technical education programs in Michigan. All aspects of this document are designed to concur with the Michigan State Plan for Vocational Education as well as the Michigan School Code and subsequent…

Connecticut's Adult Performance Program (CAPP), which was initiated in 1986, is a mix of policies, training, and technical assistance activities based on the following elements: specification of expected competency-based program outcomes; development of an assessment and instructional model to facilitate achievement of the program outcomes;…

This document is a technical guide designed for use in conjunction with the revised guidelines for staff development in Mississippi schools. It outlines and explains a step-by-step process for planning and implementing a staff development program that should foster the changes necessary to improve student and school performance throughout the…

This guide is designed for school principals who bear the responsibility for the successful administration of Virginia's Competency Program. Several aspects of the program are described: legislative background; graduation requirements concerning citizenship and qualifying for further education or work; tests used to assess reading and mathematics…

This document is intended to assist South Dakota schools in the development and implementation of Gifted Education Plans, and includes state laws and rules pertaining to gifted education, guidelines for reporting, and explanations of the necessary components of a district's written plan. A brief statement of philosophy addresses characteristics of…

This handbook is intended to assist South Dakota school districts in developing and implementing educational programs for gifted students. It is noted that state regulations provide a minimum standard for gifted programs, but do not limit services and leave room for flexibility in planning according to each district's needs. The first section…