Discusses Illinois' activities and processes in developing a 5-year State plan as required by the Education Amendments of 1976. Focus is on vocational and technical education. (TA)

This article describes the development of statewide system change in positive behavior support being implemented by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs in collaboration with the University of South Carolina. Key areas discussed include the impetus for change, the development process, plan components, capacity building,…

Linking scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to statewide test results was studied. Results based on an equipercentile procedure suggest that such a link does not provide precise information. Information from a linking study should be limited to rough estimates of students in each NAEP achievement level. (SLD)

Connecticut has two statewide student assessment programs. The Connecticut Assessment of Educational Progress uses sampling procedures to examine state program effectiveness periodically in 11 mandated subject areas. The Connecticut Mastery Tests annually monitor mathematics and language arts progress for every fourth-, sixth-, and eighth- grade…

Examines the statewide testing programs of North Carolina and Alaska, showing how the legislative goals, objectives, and expectations for these tests are seldom met. Such testing programs cannot realistically serve both accountability and achievement monitoring functions. (12 references) (MLH)

A survey of 498 firms that applied for Michigan Job Opportunity Bank-Upgrade grants received 157 responses, including 66 grant recipients. Data showed receipt of grants associated with large, significant (though one-time) increase in training hours and lasting reduction in product scrap rates. (SK)

The directory lists federal programs for the deaf under the Office of Special Education Programs, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the 10 regions of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. It also lists vocational rehabilitation offices for states, territories, and the District of Columbia. (DB)

Presents a procedure for standard setting that involves the cluster analysis of test takers to discover examinee groups that are useful for envisioning marginally competent performance or defining borderline or contrasting groups. Illustrates use of the procedure with a statewide mathematics test, and concludes that cluster analysis is useful in…

Describes the career of Don Carl Smellie who has exerted leadership in the promotion of new technologies for instruction in education, industry, and government. Discusses his founding of the Department of Instructional Technology at Utah Sate University (USU) and its efforts in distance education, technological innovation, international service,…

Provides an overview of the recently developed state accountability system for public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island. Discusses accountability systems as technologies of social control and considers the costs, benefits, uncertainties, and necessary tensions associated with accountability systems. (Author/SLD)

Discusses why many states are turning to community colleges to help them meet the growing need for elementary- and secondary-school instructors. Includes a sidebar with examples of such teacher education programs. (EV)

Examines the interpretation and implementation of the policies affecting the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs in Texas. Provides recommendations for consideration by the legislature, local school districts, and county juvenile agencies. (Author/JOW)

Since 2000, North Carolina has offered an alternative route to licensure for adults who desire to move into teaching from other careers. NC TEACH is a statewide alternative teacher preparation program aimed at recruiting, supporting, and retaining highly skilled mid-career professionals who seek to enter the teaching profession through the lateral…

A small state agency used the FLC model to collaborate with campuses on faculty development efforts that resulted in successful implementation of pedagogically robust and technologically enhanced programs. 2003-04 Ohio Learning Network Faculty Learning Communities are appended.

A new club in Rhode Island invited every Rhode Islander to read the same book and participate in the conversation on importance of reading. Narrative, analytical and various responses of students on reading "Wish You Well" are mentioned.