In 1996, many states took action to give parents greater control over the education of their children. Many local school boards adopted initiatives to give parents educational choice and the ability to use vouchers to help pay tuition costs at schools of their choice. Over 200 new charter schools opened in 17 states, and an additional 6 states and…

As a follow-up to an earlier ECS report on the extent to which states were prepared to implement President Bush's education plan, this report provides an in-depth examination of three major Bush plan initiatives: assessing student performance, motivating and assessing low-performing schools, and providing school-choice options. The report begins…

The need for an adequate financial base for the future of quality early care and education (ECE) for young children is being increasingly recognized. This document compiles four papers commissioned to frame the discussion at a 1999 working meeting of individuals from diverse fields to identify and explore possible actions related to financing ECE…

This report presents an analysis of the school choice movement throughout the United States, and a state-by-state analysis that provides snapshots of each state's progress toward school choice and charter schools. The Children's Scholarship Fund found that 1.25 million low-income parents would take advantage of scholarships that would allow their…

This handbook aims to acquaint American Indian college transfer students with the transfer process and to help both high school and community college students succeed in getting a degree from the 4-year institution of their choice. Chapters 1-2 introduce the handbook; examine the important role of tribal colleges; describe the current state of…

This report examines current policies and practices in regard to Oregon high school student participation in college courses and programs. A total of 112 of Oregon's public and private high schools responded to a January 1998 mailed survey concerning early college options programs and policies. It was found that an estimated 6,660 students were…

With escalating tuitions, the return to college quality remains an important consideration for students deciding whether to spend more money for a higher quality college education. This paper examines how students that transfer credit for an introductory-level course perform in a subsequent intermediate-level course. Using rich administrative data…

Educational services to adults in New York State are extensive and offered in many settings; credit is also available for learning outside the classroom. Adult learning needs and the services provided by the state, including basic education, external degree programs, occupational education, and correctional education, are summarized. (Author/JMD)

Describes four major tax acts which significantly impact businesses and individual taxpayers. Includes important issues affecting businesses, such as changes in minimum wage, depreciable personal property, pensions, and tax credits. Also describes important issues affecting individuals, including changes in spousal IRAs, adoption expense credits,…

Reports on the impact of extra-credit assignments on the academic performance of marginal college-level students. Finds that those who attempted the assignments improved their test performance, were less likely to drop out of the class than a control group, and evaluated the experience positively. (CFR)

Choice plans include private schools (voucher plans, tax credits and deductions, and contract services and charter plans) and public schools (intradistrict choice, interdistrict choice, and statewide choice). Issues spanning both areas are those of curricular choice and residential choice. (SLD)

Focuses on various provisions of the 1990 tax act. Offers insights into existing laws that require that day care center business transactions be properly structured. (BB)

Analyzes public opinion on school choice using telephone survey data from 1,508 Detroit (Michigan) metropolitan area residents. Examines within-district, cross-district, statewide, and tax credit options. Substantial support for school choice is demonstrated, and residents overall are receptive to choice, in spite of the area's history of extreme…

Discusses politics regarding children's and educational issues. Argues that the Bush administration did not advance a clear, sensible agenda and that those on the other side embrace a social spending agenda for children. Suggests that the best government policies should empower parents first. Provides recommendations for the Clinton…

This paper discusses theories and practices of the politics of curriculum reform tested while working to establish a freshman seminar course at the University of Prince Edward Island. The step-by-step procedure for negotiating the approval process is relevant to all types of curriculum reform. (Author/MLW)