As the focus on school improvement at a state education agency moves from mostly a compliance approach to playing a greater role in capacity building, the agency's leadership needs to rethink student and learning supports. That is the focus of this report. Given that almost half of the chief state school officers have assumed their position in the…

At a small, northeastern suburban elementary school, the records used to characterize the skills and to anticipate the needs of the diverse students in transition (between grades, school levels, or special to regular education programs) did not provide receiving teachers an effective assessment of current performance levels; nor was there adequate…

The purpose of this document is to identify the essential components of appropriate programming that are mandated by Alberta Education for students with special education needs, to provide examples of effective practices, to establish a common understanding of the terminology associated with this specialized field, and to clarify the meaning of…

This is one of a series of guides to self-evaluation building on the advice given in the publications "How good is our school?" and "The Child at the Centre." It also shows how the relevant National Care Standards can be applied alongside performance indicators and quality indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of…

This monograph presents 11 papers which bring together information to help administrators, faculty, and staff in institutions of higher education better understand the needs of college freshmen and other new students with disabilities, including ways to meet those needs and the legal requirements which affect decision-making about service…

This guide is designed for Alberta (Canada) parents of French immersion students beginning formal English language instruction for the first time. In question-and-answer format, it discusses issues commonly of concern to these parents. Issues addressed include the following: why English instruction is introduced in the second or third year of…

The purpose of this guide is to assist those involved in the transition planning process to help students with disabilities achieve a smooth transition from school to adult life. The guide addresses topics that deal with the preparation of students with disabilities as they leave high school. The guide's eight chapters deal with: (1) defining…

A study of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education in the United States is summarized. Focus is on special challenges in providing ESL education and promising ways in which providers are meeting those challenges. An introductory section describes the context of current ESL instruction, including the nature of the learners' needs and…

The purpose of this publication is to identify the essential components of appropriate programming mandated by Alberta Education for students with special education needs, to provide examples of effective practices, to establish a common understanding of the terminology associated with this specialized field, and to clarify the meaning of…

The Aboriginal Learning Subcommittee looked specifically at developing recommendations that address First Nations, Metis and Inuit learning needs and supports. The Subcommittee proposes policy actions and recommends that all stakeholders work together to implement these actions. The first recommendation for action is to build on partnerships to…

This publication is designed to address new paradigms such as research, policies, and daily school practices which tend to reduce or perpetuate inequities in educational opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. This particular issue includes articles that discuss referrals of…

This handbook is designed to help Alberta (Canada) elementary school administrators facilitate efficient and successful experiences for French immersion students receiving formal English language instruction for the first time. In question-and-answer format, it discusses briefly the following issues: what administrators need to know about students…

The purpose of this manual is to guide Individualized Education Program (IEP)/transition planning teams in assessing the transition needs of individuals with dual sensory or multiple impairments, who are between the ages of 14 and the mid-20s. It presents a person- and family-centered approach that develops a personal profile of the individual in…

The book is an introduction to the teaching of students whose first language is not English, especially limited-English-proficient (LEP) students, in the regular classroom. An introductory chapter defines terms, offers guiding principles, and outlines issues in the education of this population. The second chapter looks at the characteristics of…

The purpose of this publication is to identify the essential components of appropriate programming mandated by Alberta Education for students with special education needs, to provide examples of effective practices, to establish a common understanding of the terminology associated with this specialized field, and to clarify the meaning of…