This paper introduces the purposes of school learning communities. Section 1, "Foundations of a Learning Community," presents a definition and discusses different approaches to reforming schools. Section 2, "Key Aspects of a Learning Community," highlights three components of learning communities (student learning, teacher…

Using the Progress Measures Survey, data was collected from 770 school-to-work (STW) partnerships in 34 states that encompassed almost 36,000 secondary schools with nearly 18 million students, nearly 178,000 employers, and almost 2,600 postsecondary institutions. Substantial gains were found in provision of STW opportunities in schools and modest…

This guide is designed to lead program planners through the course of building and implementing a family literacy program. It provides planning teams with an orientation to a four-component model of family literacy, community resources, planning strategies, examples of programs in Missouri, recent research findings, case study vignettes, and…

This report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) identifies systemic weaknesses in the operations and programs of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The office provides accurate financial information to make informed decisions, manage for results, and ensure operation integrity. Vigorous fraud investigations are continuing. Audits reveal…

This report describes and evaluates the Raven School, a charter school established in 1998 to serve adjudicated youths ages 16 to 18. The school is administered by the Gulf Coast Trades Center, a private nonprofit organization located in the Sam Houston National Forest in rural Texas. In addition to academics and GED preparation, other program…

This paper addresses how to measure the performance of programs by measuring the outcomes of program participation for learners. Based on studies conducted in Tennessee in which adult learners reported a broader and more complex set of outcomes than the three "core indicators" mandated by Title II of the 1998 Workforce Investment Act…

Designed to offer more than slogans and buzzwords to practitioners who are grappling with an array of education controversies, this book provides classroom teachers with a spectrum of information about current controversies so that they will be better equipped to blend action with reflection. The book deliberately resists extremes and argues for…

In 1995, the Albuquerque (New Mexico) school district devised a plan to merge special education, cross-cultural education, Indian education, and Title I with the general education program, designated the Unified Education System (UES). Considering the abrupt implementation of UES in the first year and subsequent confusion regarding staff positions…

A study explored performance of the Arizona School-to-Work (STW) system in meeting the six goals established by the state STW Division. Goal 1 was to create a self-sustaining STW system at the state and regional levels. The state developed state policies and goals and provided implementation funding to partnerships, but no continuation funding.…

The BEST (Building Exemplary Systems for Training) Initiative was evaluated in meeting the following goals for youth workers: (1) increase and strengthen training opportunities at the local level; (2) help communities develop professional development systems; (3) build local capacity to make training accessible and supported by youth-serving…

High/Scope preschool curriculum is a model for developing high-quality early childhood programs that encourage and support children's initiatives and active learning experiences. This revised manual for early childhood practitioners and students presents essential strategies adults can use to make active learning a reality in their programs. The…

Although early intervention programs have enjoyed popular and legislative support, little hard data exist on the long-term consequences of these efforts. This study examined the long-term effects of the Child-Parent Center (CPC) program in Chicago. Begun in 1967, the program operates out of 24 centers, located in proximity to the elementary…

The Community-Based Education Model (CBEM) at Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) in New Mexico was studied to determine the elements that contribute to its success and that may be replicated in other community education projects. The CBEM engages students and tribal communities in issues related to their environment, natural resources, and health in an…

The Central Regina Early Learning Centre is a community-based, early intervention program that aims to break the cycle of disadvantage for 3- and 4-year-olds in Regina, Canada. This report documents an evaluation of the program offered by the Centre from 1992 to 1994 and makes proposals for future program development. Chapter 1 of the report…

This monograph provides a status report on issues related to accountability, including standards and assessments, data systems, and the role of incentives for schools, teachers, and students in improving student achievement. Using information gathered from the literature and interviews with state administrators of vocational education, this paper…