This guide explains the results and other information contained in the "Test Item Analysis Report," the "Test Item Report Summary," the "School Report," and the "District Report" for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests of spring 2002.The report contains these sections: (1)…

This report shares with educators and the public all of the test items on which spring 2002 student results from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) are based. The release of these items provides information on the kinds of knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate on the MCAS tests. Local educators are…

The success of standards-based education systems depends on two elements: strong standards and assessments that measure what the standards expect. States that have, or adopt, test-based accountability programs claim that their tests are aligned to their standards. But there has been, up to now, no independent methodology for checking alignment.…

This study was conducted to investigate whether state departments of education still issue a certificate for the role of school supervisor, and, if so, to determine the nature of those certificates. The research will be useful in the debate about whether instructional supervisors should be eliminated. The primary sources of data were the…

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has collaborated with education leaders from colleges, universities, and elementary- and secondary-education institutions, business and industry leaders, and members of the state government to develop a strategic plan for higher education for Virginia. The plan acknowledges the enrollment…

This paper provides, in summary form, a discussion of the central issues arising from an examination of State Accountability Workbooks prepared for Peer Reviews through the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and subsequent approval discussions made by ED. These issues have their genesis in requirements set forth under the No Child Left Behind Act…

The Family to Family initiative has encouraged states to reconceptualize, redesign, and reconstruct their foster care systems. By 1996, the initiative was being implemented in five states, five Georgia counties, and Los Angeles County, California. To implement necessary changes, Family to Family sites have designed and tested an approach called…

The Family to Family initiative has encouraged states to reconceptualize, redesign, and reconstruct their foster care systems. By 1996, the initiative was being implemented in five states, five Georgia counties, and Los Angeles County, California. This paper describes some of the ways natural helpers can assist professionals achieve the necessary…

While the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 included many provision of concern to child advocates, the Act also gave states increased flexibility to design welfare programs in ways that support children, or that ameliorate some of the harshest provisions of the Act. This issue brief describes innovative…

Nevada statutes and administrative regulations specifically prohibit the disclosure of the content of examinations used in the Nevada Proficiency Examination Program. This document focuses on procedures to insure examination security. The state's test security requirements are outlined. Other sections deal with access to and copying of examination…

Describes a Florida childrens theater group led by Dr. Moses Goldberg that specializes in improvisational theater with dialogue that motivates children into taking an active and imaginative part in the play. (Author/GB)

Accountability is an issue of high visibility, high priority, and great controversy in the social work profession today. The authors try to show what accountability is about, where the profession falls short, and what might be done. (Authors)

Reviewed are accomplishments, problems, and frustrations faced by individual states in meeting requirements of P.L. 92-500, Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. State Environmental officials complain the new law may be a hindrance to established cleanup programs. Statistics and charts are given. (BL)