This paper focuses on the initial phase of a curriculum mapping program as part of the development of a state-mandated school improvement plan. Mapping, a system of curriculum analysis and subsequent alignment, has been cited as a valuable component of curriculum renewal and staff development that has positive impacts on student achievement and…

As part of the educational planning process, the Oregon State Board of Higher Education requested this review of alternative models for the Oregon University System (OUS). Staff of the Board of Higher Education synthesized existing literature on the variety of U.S. higher education governance structures, including newer models such as the public…

Under a legislative mandate, the Maryland Higher Education Commission is required to update the State Plan for Postsecondary Education every 2 years. This is the first update of the State Plan. This update is not a new plan, but a reflective report on the progress made and the new issues that have arisen since the State Plan was approved in June…

This book presents the perspectives of experts from the fields of history, economics, political science, and psychology on what is known about accountability, what still needs to be learned, what should be done right now, and what should be avoided in devising accountability systems. The common myths about accountability are dispelled and how it…

This issue brief presents an overview of the teacher shortage problem nationwide, examining incentive programs that states have developed in response. It details the serious shortcomings that can be found in these approaches, examining state-level data collected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on a survey administered to the…

Inclusive assessment and accountability for all students with disabilities has been a significant focus of educators for the past six years. Yet only 35 states reported 1999-2000 test results for students with disabilities on some of their state assessments. Although the areas of assessment and accountability are just one focus of IDEA 1997 and…

This guidebook was developed by California's Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) to assist school districts in applying for and obtaining "grant" funds for the new construction and modernization of schools under the provisions of the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Senate Bill 50). It is intended to be an overview…

An Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax reduction and a wage supplement for low- and moderate-income working families. The federal government administers an EITC through the income tax, as do some states. States that enact EITCs can reduce child poverty, support welfare-to-work efforts, and cut taxes for families struggling to make ends meet.…

In state assessment programs in which performance has no real immediate consequence for the individual examinee, the issue of examinee motivation arises. Some examinees may respond to questions in ways that do not reflect their real knowledge of the test domain. In this study, a new approach was developed to identify students who have responded to…

This handbook provides information on Colorado's charter-school program. It explains the process for establishing charter schools and discusses the purpose these schools serve. Information on how to apply for a charter is given and includes the required elements of a charter application, such as goals and objectives, educational program and…

Assessment and evaluation can be important tools in improving the effectiveness and quality of programs, especially criminal justice programs, if they are integrated into the plans and designs of strategies instead of being added later. An evaluation systems approach to program development is needed to ensure that effectiveness and efficiency are…

This study shows that high rehabilitation rates correlated significantly with large caseloads, high program expenditures, low expenditures per client, and shorter duration of clients in the program. In sharp contract, rehabilitants' salary correlate significantly with small caseloads, small program budgets, select clients, high training…

The state of Georgia has developed a community based alternative to institutionalization of the retarded. (Author/DB)

Discusses the Iowa program offering publication workshops in its junior college journalism departments. (GB)

Describes the goals and activities of the Career Education Task Force of the California State Department of Education. (GB)