Designed to develop a conceptual perspective, this paper focuses on three tensions: between cognitive and behavioral views of learning and thinking; between factory-model and information-age models of schooling; and between externally-mandated testing and internally-guided assessment. The paper first provides a brief sketch of developments in the…

The California Assessment of Academic Achievement Act of 1995 mandates the development and adoption of statewide academically rigorous content and performance standards in core curriculum areas. This brochure summarizes the findings of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) standards task force. The brochure is organized around…

This paper is intended to support art education advocates and policymakers as they formulate strategies for broadening the base of school offered visual art experiences through discipline-based art education (DBAE). The study is divided into three sections. The first section of the paper concerns assumptions, ideas, and perspectives underlying the…

Since the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 116, Accounting for Contributions Received and Contributions Made, in June 1993, guidance has been sought in understanding its impact and implementation. Specific key provisions deal with contributions received and contributions made,…

The Alliance of Quality Schools is a research-based, learner-verified, academic, and behavioral intervention model involving reading, spelling, writing, and mathematics. The alliance provides coordination and support to students and fosters academic success as well as social skills, self-esteem, and positive attitudes toward school. This report…

This publication reprints the text of the Accountability Framework for the Adult Literacy Education System and Core Quality Standards for Programs in Ontario. The framework describes how the Ontario Training and Adjustment Board (OTAB) is accountable to Ontario's adult literacy education system and explains how OTAB-funded programs are accountable…

This proceedings presents the discussions, business meetings, lectures, and speeches delivered at the 104th Annual Meeting of The National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, including the organization's financial statements for December 31, 1990 and 1989. In addition, the proceedings lists the past elected heads of the…

Learning outcomes are one part of an educational strategy to promote greater accountability, equity, access, and quality in Ontario's colleges. Learning outcomes describe the academic standards against which learners and college programs will be evaluated and academic credit will be granted. Several projects undertaken by the College Standards and…

This book describes a strategy for school reform, "planning backwards from exhibitions," which is a collective invention of the Coalition of Essential Schools. The strategy is based on the principle that graduation from high school should be based on genuine achievement. The first article, by Joseph P. McDonald, explains that the purpose of…

This study examines restructuring from principals' perspectives. It explores restructuring as a "deal" between a district and individual schools, wherein the school receives greater autonomy over budgets, personnel, and school policies, in return for stricter accountability for results, usually defined in terms of student achievement.…

This volume presents feature articles and other information about institutional research and the North East Association for Institutional Research (NEAIR). The four feature articles are intended to provide a comprehensive guide to doing effective institutional research. These articles are: (1) "On the Nature of Institutional Research and the…

This report proposes changes to the current higher education budget development process in Illinois in order to provide more information to institutions and to make the process more inclusive and open. It argues that budget development should be goal-based and accountable, responsive, incentive-based, recognize diversity of institutions, stable…

An audit was conducted of the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Potsdam, evaluating controls over access to student accounts and the collection of revenue at remote sites for fiscal year 1997-98. The objectives of the financial-related audit were to determine whether SUNY's controls over access to student accounts were adequate enough…

In the cities of Cleveland, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, more than 4,500 students are receiving public money in the form of scholarships and vouchers to attend private schools. The Milwaukee school choice program began in 1989, and the Cleveland scholarship program began in 1996. These school choice programs have spurred much debate, with…

Human-service experts have addressed the complex social-service needs of children and families by creating increasingly diverse community-based programs. To assist human-service-program professionals in their efforts, this report explores some new tools for program planning and evaluation that combine results-based accountability systems and a…