A study examined the effects of statewide performance-based assessment (the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP)) on literacy instruction, administrative support provided to facilitate instructional change, and student and teacher affect in response to change in elementary classrooms. Of the schools in Maryland identified by…

The Success Stories project provides assistance to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) in selecting and recognizing 10 outstanding ABLE students via Midwinter Conference awards ceremonies and publication of their stories. Project staff edited the Success Stories nominations, made…

This document contains parts of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). Rubrics and released items are provided for four levels and areas of the test including high school, grade 5, grade 8, and graphing items. (CCM)

The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation has commissioned studies of state academic standards in five core subjects. This is the fourth of these studies, focusing on state standards for mathematics. For this evaluation of mathematics standards, researchers developed nine criteria under the four areas of: clarity, content, reason, and negative qualities.…

This paper outlines the dimensions of a customer-focused system of accountability and describes approaches taken at the state level to respond to the information needs of a broader client base for higher education. Section 1 traces current trends in the development and implementation of state-level accountability policy for higher education. It…

One of a series of reports concerning state policies and practices in child care and early education, this report provides highlights and updates regarding state actions during 1998. The report is intended to serve as a supplement and companion to the more comprehensive information presented in "State Developments in Child Care and Early…

An overview of the type and amount of grants provided by Alberta Education for basic education is presented in this report. Following a description of Alberta school jurisdiction revenues, the purpose and amounts granted to each of the following programs are described: the School Foundation Program Fund; the Fiscal Equity Program; special…

This document provides a glossary of terms related to children's services in California and a list of state and local organizations and agencies. The glossary includes such terms as Alternative Payment, Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, Child Support Enforcement Program, Employer-Supported Child Care, Family Reunification Program,…

This report begins by describing the activities of the members of the Nebraska Information Partnerships Planning Committee as they planned for the state conference, including a Delphi survey that was conducted to identify key issues and direction for discussion at the conference, and the selection of 100 delegates. Conference activities and…

This report from the Alaska Pregnancy and Parenthood Task Force to the Alaska State Legislature presents the group's mission statement, their goals and objectives, and resulting recommendations on pregnancy prevention and prenatal and parenting services. The bulk of the report proposes and discusses the following recommendations: (1) fund a peer…

The National Career Development Guidelines is one of several initiatives that has supported the expansion of state-level career development capacity and comprehensive, competency-based career guidance programs in various local program settings. This initiative, sponsored by the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC), has…

This publication provides advice and guidance to local governments that are considering hiring a records management consultant. Such consultants can play a beneficial role in improving local government records management programs. However, local governments should not become overly dependent on consultants for routine or continuing work that…

Two key pieces of legislation cover changes to Wisconsin's alternative education programs. The first bill is "1993 Senate Bill 88, Relating to Alternative Education Program, Children-At-Risk Programs, Granting Rule-Making Authority and Making an Appropriation." This bill creates an alternative education grant program of $3 million for…

This report describes the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's initiatives during 1991-93 and future goals. The goals of the Division for Handicapped Children and Pupil Services included increased leadership and awareness in alternative education programs, school restructuring, school-community collaboration, and educational equity. Future…

Tennessee's Better Schools Program includes a Master Teacher Program that has three components: teacher education, clinical supervision of beginning teachers, and a career ladder based on performance. In conjunction with the establishment of the Master Teacher Program, 23 master teacher competencies for teacher evaluation have been defined.…