As of September 1995, a total of 19 states had passed charter school legislation and 226 charter schools were operating. This document presents an overview of state legislation and describes the status of charter schools in operation in the United States. Chapter 1 provides background information on charter schools--a discussion of trends leading…

By March 1994, eight states had adopted charter-school legislation. This report defines the charter-school concept and describes its advantages and disadvantages. Proponents argue that charter schools offer flexibility, decentralized decision making, a performance accountability, and school choice, and increased pressure for change. Opponents…

As of October 1995, 17 states had adopted charter-school legislation. The strength and scope of charter-school laws vary greatly among states. This report describes those state statutes, including the 1995 law passed by the Texas State Legislature. It describes specific provisions of the Texas law, including the home-rule district charter, campus…

Frederick Community College (Maryland) utilizes both the Instructional Accountability Program Review (IAPR) and the Career Program Review (CPR) to assess program outcomes and determine progress in meeting goals and objectives. The IAPR is a comprehensive review procedure conducted by faculty and associate deans to evaluate all transfer, career,…

This document presents results of an audit of the leasing practices of the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Syracuse covering the period April 1, 1993 through June 30, 1995. The audit investigated whether the Center and the Center's Clinical Practice Management Plan members engage in appropriate and economic leasing…

Setting forth the main components and major directions for California's College of the Redwoods and its district into the next century, this strategic plan represents a blueprint for college initiatives and budgeting. Following a letter from the college president, an introduction indicates that the plan has three main emphases: ensuring excellence…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the effect of British parents' social class on their ability to intervene in their children's schooling and to participate as "active consumers." In this case study of one school in England, data were derived from a questionnaire mailed to 491 parents of pupils in years 7, 9, and 11;…

This report is the result of a 1995 national mail survey of state special education administrators concerning mechanisms used by states to fund special education services for school-age children with disabilities and the costs to provide these services. All 50 states and the District of Columbia responded to the survey. Part 1 contains three…

This report examines the four program activities that account for two-thirds of delinquent debt owed to the Federal government: the Department of Education's Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) with $20 billion and the housing programs of the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Agriculture that…

A new national assessment system could lay a solid foundation for improving schools by monitoring the effectiveness of schools and teachers and student progress toward national goals. A sound national assessment system would: (1) allow valid comparisons between schools, districts, and states; (2) provide sound data on achievement, not just…

Reviewing the history and status of accountability efforts in the California Community Colleges (CCC), this document describes three accountability models. Following a brief history of accountability in the state, the accountability model established by 1988's Assembly Bill 1725 is discussed, indicating that colleges are required to report data on…

This report provides an overview of efforts undertaken by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) in 1990 to review and report on federal program areas its work identified as high risk because of vulnerabilities to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. It reviews the current status of efforts to address these concerns. The six categories of…

This booklet presents basic information about the Further Education Funding Council, which was established in 1992 to ensure the sufficiency and adequacy of further education facilities throughout England. Discussed first are the council's main responsibilities: ensuring sufficient further education opportunities for young people and adults…

Portfolios are collections of selected student work representing an array of performance. This "Consumer Guide" presents information on what has been learned about using portfolios for administrative purposes, the problems involved, and possible solutions to these problems. Student portfolios are being used administratively for…

This document is a strategic plan for action that reflects changing world realities, higher expectations, and new priorities. The strategic plan will guide policy and practice for vocational and adult education programs throughout Ohio by establishing the context and direction for all state and local planning. The plan was based on information…