This issue of "Changing Schools" focuses on character education. The lead article, "Character Education: Finding Ways To Foster Ethical Behavior in Youth" by Diane McIntyre Wilber discusses the character education programs that have spread to nearly every type of school, whether public, private, charter, or faith-based. Since…

Washington State faces the challenge of balancing a number of conflicting economic and political conditions that impact K-12 education either directly or indirectly. These include reduced vehicle license fees, an existing statewide spending limit, a state revenue surplus, proposals to provide property-tax relief, proposed voter initiatives to…

The 1997 Utah Legislature mandated the development and administration of assessment of students' early reading and numeric skills so that these students' instructional needs might be better met. This document provides answers to several questions regarding Utah's pre-kindergarten and end-of-level kindergarten assessments. The questions include the…

Based on the premise that the earliest years of a child's life are key to predicting ultimate success in school and life, this Texas Kids Count Project report examines early childhood education in the state, focusing on children from low-income families. The report discusses the importance of the early years of life for neurological development…

Discusses possible future trends in educational finance following the California court decision in Serrano vs Priest. (JF)

Describes secondary curriculum revision to develop skills and understandings which relate to a family of occupational fields. The outcome should be preparation for the next step: on-the-job training, community college, 4-year college, etc. (JK)

The Illinois State Board of Education provides a summary of its recommendations for improved practices in the areas of preparation, selection, performance, and staff development of educational personnel. (FL)

Reports results of statewide studies in Minnesota to determine curriculum goals and desired outcomes for secondary home economics. The conceptual frameworks of home and family are outlined, and a list of content areas and essential learner outcomes for each is provided. (SK)

Information from state assessment programs may be utilized to identify the characteristics of schools performing in an exemplary fashion, so that effective practices can be adopted and implemented in other schools. Various effective school practices and findings, revealed by school studies conducted in six states, are distilled in this paper. (AEF)

Presents results of an analysis of the academic programs of students who have completed undergraduate degrees through Illinois statewide nontraditional programs in order to determine student preferences and needed changes. Outlines the components of typical programs designed by students. Provides guidelines for universities developing a…

Traces judical and legislative developments at the federal level and discusses the approach California has taken in response. Conclusions are drawn on how states should and should not deal with the education of handicapped citizens. Available from Loyola of Los Angeles School of Law, 1440 West Ninth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015; sc $4.00.…

The next year or two will determine just how hard state park and recreation agencies have been hit by the troubled economy and whether or not they can maintain quality services while expanding where necessary to meet their share of society's leisure needs. (JD)

Perceptions of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process for children with disabilities were assessed in a statewide (North Carolina) survey of approximately 600 child service coordinators. Divergent viewpoints about the usefulness and process of developing the IFSP emerged, depending on the program with which the child service…