New Jersey Education Association policy regarding testing is presented. The policy recognizes the need of teachers, students, parents, and other decision-makers for continuous and comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of student progress, but opposes the use of tests for denying opportunities, allocating school funds, evaluating teachers or…

Describes school improvement programs established by universities, state agencies, and school districts. All are based on effective schools' research. (Author/JM)

Presents the results of a study comparing several sources of state-oriented curriculum materials conducted as part of the Wisconsin Development Project (WDP), and outlines the reasons for the use of ERIC as the most efficient means for locating such materials. Two tables accompany the text. (JL)

Reports fourth-grade results in a statewide science assessment program in Minnesota for grades 4, 8, and 11 and a comparable study conducted in Minneapolis. Suggests that hands-on, materials-centered elementary science programs properly managed and accompanied by inservice education are effective. (DC)

Describes goal/objectives, course content/materials, context/users/beneficiaries, and transferability of the Maine Studies Curriculum, a state-validated demonstration project taught as part of the regular school curriculum. Also describes project evaluation (pilot testing, interpretability of measures, credibility of evidence, evidence of impact…

Dr. Saul Cooperman, newly appointed Commissioner of Education in New Jersey, discusses his views on state aid cuts; the "Thorough and Efficient" Law, formally known as the Public School Education Act of 1975; paper work, urban education, good schools, and other issues facing New Jersey public education. (Author/LC)

The author states that the National Institute of Education should not be the sole provider of educational research. He argues that educators can gain important knowledge from business and industry as well as from research generated at the federal and state levels. (Author/CT)

A school-based dental health screening and referral program in the state of New York is described. The program provides examinations to children and referrals for those in need of treatment. By encouraging the dental health program, school officials serve as positive role models. Since screenings are conducted at a local level, community interest…

Collected survey data relating to new driving courses and refresher driver courses for the older driver in the U.S. Findings indicated there are no statewide programs to assist senior citizens in obtaining driving skills and 37 percent of the states have no training programs for drivers who transport senior citizens. (Author)

Five major components of the Florida Vocational Instructional Materials Development System are (1) state division of vocational education, (2) instructional materials assessment survey, (3) Florida educators' information service, (4) decentralized instructional materials development, and (5) local educational agencies. Ten priority courses have…

To clarify the New Jersey State Department of Education's compensatory education requirements, the Instruction Committee of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) submitted a list of 12 questions to the Department's Office of Compensatory Education. This article contains the Department's answers to 7 questions and the Instruction Committee's…

Two years after the implementation of Florida's Educational Accountability Act, which mandates statewide competency testing in reading, writing, and arithmetic, the author cites the advantages of the program, refutes criticisms of it and reviews the challenge to it in Federal District court, the Debra P. V. Turlington case. (SJL)

Describes the formation and organization of a statewide energy consortium consisting of faculty from 19 campuses of the California State University and Colleges system. Also describes three major consortium activities and reasons for its success. (SK)

Singer Vocational Evaluation Systems in use in Nova Scotia create a simulated work setting with which the individual can readily identify and experience job tasks in a noncompetitive atmosphere. Work behavior and performance are evaluated to identify what individuals can and like to do. (JOW)

Reports on the organization and results of a state-funded program that provides the opportunity for adolescents in foster homes or institutions to make the transition to self-sufficient living arrangements. (SS)