Reviews history of writing portfolios, emphasizing differences between portfolios designed for instructional purposes and those intended to serve as tests. Suggests that because even carefully designed portfolio systems do not function as intended, portfolio users should expect evaluation and adjustment to be part of the portfolio process.…

Discusses indicators of high-quality care for school-age children, and examines the relationship between these indicators and provincial and territorial regulations for the licensing of school-age programs. Considers the effect of regulations on the wide age range of children attending school-age programs, suggesting ways to meet the needs of 9-…

Examines how the policy of decentralization has affected the governance of universities in Guangdong, China. Focuses on the reform of the financing and management structure, the merging of universities, and joint development programs to enhance competitiveness. Asserts that the state role as a regulator has actually been strengthened. (Contains 79…

Argues that because of research evidence linking competent assessment with academic achievement, all states should require assessment competence for teacher, administrator, and counselor licenses; reviews current status of state requirements; briefly describes assessment standards developed by several national organizations; describes several…

Consumer interest in healthy foods has spurred approval of several health claims for foods and dietary supplements. Although undergraduate and graduate food science curricula address food laws and regulations, nutrition claims may not be fully addressed. We posted a survey on the Internet for 2 mo for food industry professionals and others…

Thousands of California students were left to look for new schools after one of the nation's largest charter school operators shut its doors. The closure of the 5-year-old California Charter Academy (CCA), which ran about 60 schools under four charters and enrolled some 10,000 students, represents one of the largest charter school failures since…

The purpose of this document is to establish the statewide policy for the participation of students in the Utah Performance Assessment System for Students (U-PASS). The central elements of this policy are: (1) Rules for inclusion in the statewide assessment program (U-PASS); (2) Limited allowances for exempting or excusing students from…

For the current study, institutions evaluated education and general (E&G) buildings on their campuses using an assessment format established in the original deferred maintenance study conducted in 1994. The joint study, "Deferred Maintenance, An Analysis of South Carolina's Facilities Portfolio," conducted by the Commission on Higher…

Policy discussions about teacher quality and teacher "shortages" often focus on recruitment and retention of young teachers. However, attention has begun to focus on the incentive effects of teacher retirement benefit systems, particularly given their rising costs and the large unfunded liabilities. In this paper we analyze accrual of…

There is significant interest in reforming retirement plans for public school employees, particularly in light of current market conditions. This paper presents an overview of the various types of state regulation of public pension plans that affect possibilities for reform. Several states have legal protections that effectively prevent a state…

In this comprehensive effort to study Indian education policies, the report categorizes the policies of five Northwest Region states based on 13 key policies identified in the literature and describes the legal methods used to adopt them, such as statutes, regulations, and executive orders. The study found that six of the key policies had been…

In the Fall of 2007, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) established the following strategic priority: Develop policy and program recommendations to improve the professional development of English language learner…

This document is a compilation of state laws relating to Michigan libraries, intended as a tool for library managers and as an expression of continued commitment to strengthening library services throughout the state. It reprints legislation directly related to libraries of all levels, including: library networks; regional libraries: district…

Confusion and frustration can often accompany local school boards of education and facilities designers who attempt to meet classroom facilities needs pursuant to North Carolina legislative requirements when building or renovating schools. This booklet identifies a number of procedures, regulations, and agencies associated with the construction of…

A study examined ways that charter schools serve children with disabilities. This report provides the results of field-based data collection with parents, teachers, administrators, and students on how well charter schools are working with students with disabilities. It presents evidence on the reasons parents are enrolling students with…