The recent evolution of second language teaching theory regarding language, learning, communication, and teaching is summarized, and factors contributing to resistance to core second language programs are examined. They include tradition, school programs, time of instruction, language of instruction, teacher training, attitudes, and…

Reviews the first twenty years of the Education Commission of the States, covering aspects of organization, administration, and activities (including the operation of the National Assessment of Educational Progress from 1969 to 1983). Describes recent changes in the commission's organization and focus, and considers changing expectations for the…

The steady emergence of small-college honors programs in the early 1970s and the subsequent rapid growth of community college honors programs after 1978 are reviewed. The many successes in these colleges to capitalize on their existing strengths have avoided the problems of larger, university programs. (Author/MSE)

The success of the South Carolina Assessment Center Project, the first statewide center, is credited to five basic principles that have guided efforts thus far: (1) establish credibility; (2) pay attention to details; (3) apply safeguards; (4) maintain public support; and (5) make the assessment experience humane. (TE)

The development of a system of resource allocation for an entire faculty of science at a major Swedish university, using program units smaller than the department unit, is outlined. Special problems of continuous evaluation, allocating additional resources, and initiating new specialties are discussed. (MSE)

The practice of reducing student aid packages by the dollar amount of private donors' gifts to individual students as a means of reducing institutional gift assistance is criticized as effectively subverting the donor's intent in giving the gift and as possibly placing the donor in legal jeopardy. (MSE)

Two federal laws with broad impact on adult basic education (ABE) have compelled the ABE system to contend with significant shifts in policy. Enacted in 1998, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) integrated ABE into the federal workforce development system. Historically, ABE had been funded through education-oriented legislation. The Personal…

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act requires each state to submit a biennial plan to implement the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This report summarizes information in the biennial plans submitted for the period October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2003. The analysis includes information from 50 states, the…

This book is a guide to the standards for programs designed for gifted and talented students developed by the National Association for Gifted Students in 1998. The guide is intended to provide practical help to practitioners by including annotations that supply a rationale and further explanations for each standard. A standard statement,…

This 12-section handbook, based on information for Colorado but applicable to other states as well, contains resources and lists and explains procedures to establish or expand a career guidance center in a school, government office, or organization. The 12 sections cover the following topics: (1) purpose and philosophy; (2) assessment, advisory…

This document consists of the four 2001 issues of a quarterly newsletter for Illinois early childhood program directors, providing information on current issues in early childhood education. Regular features in each issue include: "The Director's Toolbox," delineating practical suggestions for directors related to program policies and…

This report provides Year 2 data comparing two types of school breakfast programs in Minnesota to schools that did not serve breakfast at all (No Breakfast schools): Fast Break to Learning, a universal free breakfast program (Fastbreak schools), and programs with a sliding fee scale (control schools). Data were collected from 30 Fastbreak, 195…

This report describes and analyzes current information about the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) from a variety of sources, including State plans, expenditure reports, administrative data reports, and research. The report also includes information about training and technical assistance that is provided to States, Territories, and Tribes.…

Social, economic, political, and technological changes in the last quarter century have changed the volunteer sector. This publication identifies some of the trends and the issues they raise for the emerging profession of volunteer management. Volunteers are more diverse than ever in age and background. Volunteers' motivations and expectations are…

This paper presents thoughts resulting from review of proposals by state developmental disabilities authorities, submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that were designs for change initiatives in self-determination systems. These reflections on the use of service money and the provision of supports to people with developmental…