A review of Utah service learning programs leads to the following recommendations: (1) listen to community needs; (2) involve youth in planning service activities; and (3) collaborate with other community programs serving youth. (SK)

Uses two sets of survey data from random sample of North Carolina school principals to investigate principals reported behavioral responses to the state's accountability and incentive program. Finds that the state's ABC program is a powerful tool for changing the behavior of school principals in both intended and unintended ways. (Contains 2…

Considered recommendations made by R. Linn (2000) and made a preliminary determination of the degree of cohesion between the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment, and Accountability (ACTAAP) program and those recommendations. The ACTAAP appears to be an exemplary program in the early stages of development. (SLD)

Describes the adoption of Internet-based testing that measures growth following a study of statewide testing procedures in Idaho. Discusses the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001; comparing paper and pencil tests with computerized testing; measurement techniques; how data from tests is used; and timeliness. (LRW)

Describes the scope of evaluation efforts of the Even Start family literacy program to date, summarizing the evaluation strategies, rationale, intended audience, and findings. Discusses the different lenses offered by evaluation at state and local levels. (SLD)

At Texas A&M University and the University of South Florida recent changes have limited some benefits of tenure. While these changes do not yet reflect a trend, some experts note that universities should deal with troublesome faculty members individually rather than by establishing rules eroding tenure for all. (SLD)

A cost-benefit analysis is presented for Illinois's statewide supported employment initiative for individuals with developmental disabilities. The analysis concludes that society realized a $0.75 return for every $1.00 invested in supported employment, while supported employees realized a 37 percent increase in their earnings. (Author/JDD)

Provides a discussion of findings from a nationwide survey of transition programs operated by state youth correction agencies for juvenile offenders. Discusses characteristics of these programs and the qualifications of staff. (JOW)

In Georgia 16 classes of second graders and 12 of fourth graders were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group was taught the Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum. Compared to controls' test scores, the experimental group effectively learned agriculture concepts regardless of whether they were in rural or urban areas, grouped randomly or by…

Describes the design and implementation of a mediation program for the resolution of child protection disputes in Nova Scotia. Focuses on the legal mandate for mediation, training programs for mediators, orientation programs for child protective workers, and the actual mediation process. (MDM)

This annual report of supportive and rehabilitative programs serving the deaf lists: federal programs, state vocational rehabilitation offices, regional and local programs, national professional organizations and centers, state associations of the National Association of the Deaf, and leaders of the Conference of Educational Administrators Serving…

Studied how school support-team systems have been developed and implemented across the United States. Responses from 43 state education agencies show that most states still do not have operating school-support systems in place, but those that do have varying outcomes based on a variety of program characteristics. (SLD)

Provides details of South Dakota's comprehensive career and life planning system, including programs, resources, tools, and best practices. Describes the foundation of academic-vocational integration and employability competencies. (SK)

Chronicles the history of prison education in Florida. Identifies issues surrounding correctional education in Florida and the evolution of education in a prison setting. (Author/JOW)

The purpose of this article is to examine how the relationship between comprehensive school reform (CSR) and state accountability systems helps or hinders school improvement efforts. This article draws on case study data collected in schools in 3 states that received funding to implement reforms through the federal CSR program. Findings show that…