This volume provides a collection of research that documents the effectiveness of 50 strategies for improving student learning and schoolwide performance. Much of the research, and resulting strategies cited here, was prompted by No Child Left Behind. The 50 strategies address the following topics: basic education; best pedagogical practices;…

Title I programs focus on improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged. This document is the sixth in a series designed to provide: (1) consistent, reliable indicators to allow analysis of trends for each state over time; (2) high data quality for comparability from state to state; and (3) accessible indicator formats. The state…

Research indicates that the important attitudinal, behavioral, and occupational skills needed for work and life are best learned in the workplace or through applied, contextual settings which mirror workplace environments, as opposed to traditional classrooms. This argues for creating stronger relationships between high schools, their communities,…

This book by a former university president examines the state of the research university faculty, focusing on teaching and how success at teaching can be evaluated; ethical problems in reviewing the work of others, research and how it is supported; outside commitments; and research misconduct. Chapters include: "Academic Freedom, Academic Duty,"…

This report reviews existing research on the effects of high stakes tests on students, particularly students with disabilities. The review focuses on potential effects on the curriculum, student learning, attitudes and school climate, and the costs versus benefits of high stakes testing of students with disabilities. Results indicate that research…

In order to investigate the types of testing accommodations allowed for students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) on exams used to determine whether a student earns a diploma, a study examined 18 states' written accommodations guidelines and testing policies. Each of the 18 states studied used a different test for its graduation…

This report discusses the many issues that need to be considered as states and districts begin to design and implement alternate assessments, which are used for students with severe cognitive delays or multiple disabilities or students who require such significant accommodations that the validity of the test would be compromised. The report…

In Kentucky, high stakes assessment of schools and school districts resulting from the state's educational reform initiative raises the issue of fairness. Should educational officials and teachers be held accountable for student performance despite vast differences in the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding communities when extensive…

Teacher warranty programs are one way that teacher preparation programs can provide follow-up support to their graduates and assurance of the quality of their graduates to employers and the general public. A survey of 105 teacher preparation institutions revealed that only 8 have implemented warranty programs, but their experience suggests that…

This study shows the relationship between English language proficiency and achievement. A consistent pattern is demonstrated that the English proficiency level of English as a second language (ESL) students can predict student performance on state measures --the high stakes Texas Educational Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS). TAAS is a…

The standards-based reform movement has the potential to improve American Indian education. The philosophy underlying the language arts standards that promotes the active use of authentic language and the teaching of skills in context, and the constructivist theory of learning reflected in the mathematics and science standards are both consistent…

This publication explains promising practices in improving teacher quality. Chapter 1, Achieving Excellence in the Teaching Profession, discusses educational, economic, and social change; teacher recruitment and development challenges; and opportunities for renewing the teaching profession. Chapter 2, Recruiting Talented and Diverse People into…

The fourth statewide administration of Minnesota's Basic Standards Tests in Reading and Mathematics took place in the spring of 1999. The first administration of the statewide Test of Written Composition for 10th graders also took place in 1999. Beginning with the class of 2000, students are required to pass these tests by the time they complete…

This report details a study of how inclusive practices for students with disabilities are being developed and implemented in eight countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The study aimed to describe national, regional, and local policies on inclusion and school-based practices and…

President Bush's comprehensive education plan includes major initiatives in areas ranging from accountability to school safety. While breaking new ground in some areas, Bush's plan accelerates the progress states have made in improving quality, performance, and flexibility in public education. This status report reviews the progress of states in…