Eight British teachers who spent one year teaching history in the United States under the Fulbright program of international exchanges answered a questionnaire concerning their U.S. teaching experience. They commented on areas such as teaching materials, assessment methods, grading, teaching methods, and the structure and planning of history…

A survey of parents in urban and rural school districts showed a strong belief in the importance of elementary school social studies and more support for innovations such as the curriculum guidelines of the National Council for the Social Studies than publicity about demands to return to basics would suggest. (IS)

Educational policy climate of the 1980s is being shaped not by educational research but by appeals to public opinion that emphasize standardized achievements, local classrooms, heightened yet vague requirements of teachers, technological solutions to educational problems, and private school methods. (JW)

In the knowledge-based economy of today, training and retaining a college educated workforce is crucial to the vitality of Maine. Approximately one-half of Maine's high school graduates who go on to college leave the State to do so. A previous study, "Maine's College Graduates: Where They Go and Why" (2003), looked at the factors that…

ACT's Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS[R]) is designed to guide and support schools, districts, and states in their efforts to improve students' readiness for life after high school. EPAS provides a longitudinal approach to educational and career planning, assessment, instructional support, and evaluation. EPAS components are…

There has been a worldwide growth of interest among governments and international agencies in cross-national studies of the quality of education. However, such studies require careful planning, and have far-reaching implications for all concerned. Ministries of education should only become involved if they are prepared to actively engage in…

One out of every two new teachers will quit teaching within five years; however, studies show that comprehensive induction programs can slash attrition rates in half and dramatically accelerate the professional development of new teachers. This book combines an overview of the current state of induction and mentoring with cutting-edge strategies…

As educators work to address the challenge of students meeting state standards, alignment of what is tested with what is taught has been identified as a key to successful improvement efforts. This research brief focuses on what research and best practices say about improving alignment between state assessments and district and school curricula. It…

This small fact book explains both quantitatively and qualitatively why Maine must convert its technical college system into a community college system. The state ranks below the national average and last in New England for college attendance. One of the major factors in Maine's low college participation is the lack of a comprehensive community…

Noting that research in New Zealand and internationally indicates the importance of the early years for children's well-being, learning, and social participation in the present and for the future, this long-term strategic plan offers a comprehensive and cohesive policy framework, goals, and strategies for early childhood education in New Zealand…

This report on Institutional Effectiveness (IE) at South Texas Community College (STCC) analyzes the evolution of IE over a 5-year period. The report identifies four phases: (1) assessment (1996-98); (2) assessment and follow-up (1998-99); (3) unit planning (1999-2000); and (4) institutional effectiveness. The phased-in planning was instituted…

The Indian Education Formula Grant Program promotes high-quality student content and performance standards and strategies that build on Indian cultures and native languages. The purpose of the program is to support local education agencies in their efforts to provide Indian students the opportunity to achieve these high standards and meet the…

This document outlines a vision for adult and community education (ACE) in Victoria for the next 3 years and provides a broad map of how to reach that vision. A description of the context is followed by the ACE vision statement: ACE delivers accessible, quality, and timely learning in autonomous, community settings as a valued and essential…

In the spring of 1999, the Finnish Ministry of Education devised an information strategy for the period of 2000-2004. This is the second of its kind. The first strategy had been devised to steer national information society development in the fields of education and research from 1995 onwards. The new strategy has aroused a great deal of interest…

This paper outlines the issues relating to teacher education and teacher supply in Malawi. Malawi has a severe shortage of teachers. Over the years, particularly since EFA the student numbers has gone up yet the teacher supply has not followed the increased student numbers. This paper outlines the broader picture as a basis for further…