This article discusses how the concept of efficiency in special education services is translated into specific practices. A paradigm is presented that quantifies a measure of student need, ties school allocations to student needs, tracks actual expenditures on special education, and links those expenditures to quantifiable measures of student…

Explored the relationship between score changes from the Maryland State Performance Assessment Program (1993 -1998) and classroom instruction and assessment, learning and motivation, beliefs about the assessment, and school characteristics. Several factors from each dimension explained a significant amount of variability in school performance over…

Longitudinal case study of reform efforts centering on the Talent Development Middle School model at low-performing, high-poverty middle school in Philadelphia. Finds that student gains in mathematics, science, and reading achievement at subject school exceeded that of students in comparable school. (Contains 19 references.) (PKP)

Promising educational practices focus on achievement for all students and present evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness. Schools that have broken the mold are vision-focused and values-based. The most hopeful strategy for sustained, substantive educational improvement involves developing school staff into professional learning communities in…

This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). Noting the Commission's emphasis on accountability and results, it stresses the importance of being clear about desired outcomes, the need for sensitive and accurate ways of measuring…

Examines the current condition of the charter-school movement. On the one hand, the demand for and satisfaction of charter schools is high; on the other, opposition to charter schools is growing. Suggests that changes, including a national organization to press for accountability, are needed for the movement to succeed. (WFA)

Asserts that educators should reject test-based reform and focus instead on assessment practices that encourage higher level learning. Simply demanding higher scores, even with rewards and sanctions attached, is ineffective. Academic success comes not by teaching to standardized tests but by teaching for deeper, important meaning. (Contains 22…

The development of teacher evaluation systems that promote professional growth is discussed, based on studies in South Kitsap, North Haven, and Levittown of adult development and teacher evaluation and the professional experiences of D. L. Duke. "Decoupling" accountability from professional growth provides the best means of forwarding…

Summarizes major differences between, and compatibility of, site-based management (SBM) and choice as strategies for restructuring schools. Examines the following areas of comparison: focus; impact timing; nature of impacts; teacher empowerment; empowerment basis; roles assigned parents; professionalization strategy; accountability; change…

This article identifies several reasons for demands for teacher and student accountability. Minimum competency testing of students and teachers is discussed within the context of the accountability movement, and the implications of such testing as an evaluation tool are considered. (IAH)

Notes that criticism of the training offered by universities to future chemists is well documented. Suggests a 17-step model for the planning of a chemistry course that utilizes a competency-based training program. Explains each step and lists sample objectives. (MVL)

As part of its systemwide effort to improve teacher education and increase the number of qualified teacher education program enrollees, California State University expects all administrators and faculty to be involved in some way with teacher recruitment, education, and evaluation. (MSE)

Acknowledges that assessment is often perceived as a costly ordeal with minimal benefits to the institution beyond meeting external reporting requirements. Presents examples of assessment data already available in existing records, and ways in which colleges can leverage the results of assessment to serve multiple purposes. (MAB)

Describes 13 methodological options for assessing student learning and development, discussing advantages, disadvantages, techniques for reducing the disadvantages, and bottomline strategies as a guideline for selecting a suitable method. Indicates that it is crucial to use a multimethod approach to obtain maximum validity. (MAB)

Decentralizing the budget process not only empowers teachers to make decisions about instructional goals and fiscal planning but also involves other stakeholders, including parents, students, administrators, and business people. This article describes a three-phase system that enables secondary teachers to address issues relevant to their…