Identifies situations in which there is disparity between coefficients calculated from aggregate versus individual level data. Determines the magnitudes of these discrepancies, and discusses the implications for test score reporting and policy decisions based in whole or in part on the aggregate level relationships and discrepancies identified.…

A restructuring of federal, state, and local relations is ceding considerably more control of education to the states. State mandates are now far more common than technical assistance and focus increasingly on the core of instructional policy, leading to a standardizing effect as local discretion declines. (DCS)

Does homework work? Homework is the cause of more friction between school and home than any other aspect of education and becomes the prime battlefield when schools, families, and communities view one another as adversaries. This comprehensive third edition tackles all the tough questions: What's the right amount of homework? What role should…

Concerns about enhancing availability and access to mental health services in schools range from sparse resources to the proliferation of piecemeal and overspecialized interventions arising from categorical funding. This paper discusses such concerns and stresses that they must be addressed from a perspective that fully appreciates the degree to…

The past five years have seen a ground swell in public attention and public policy aimed at increasing the availability of after-school programs for children and young teens during the "risk" hours when safety, supervision and homework are a top concern. Popularly called "after-school," these programs represent a new and growing variation on the…

School officials see a need for regulations that prohibit disruptive and inappropriate forms of expression and attire; students see these regulations as unwanted restrictions on their freedom. This paper reviews court litigation involving constitutional limitations on school authority, dress and hair codes, state law constraints, and school…

College and university trustees and administrators are employing various strategies to deal with financial challenges. These fall generally into five categories: (1) attracting additional revenues to help close the gap between resources and expenses; (2) reassessing tuition and financial aid policies to alter the size or mix of the student body;…

This paper describes a method for evaluating current discipline practices and provides a strategy for making decisions about adopting or adapting behavior change strategies commonly reported in the professional literature. The guide begins by explaining relevant terms and key features of effective behavioral support. The remainder of the text…

This document begins with a preface/introduction, describes the college's mission and philosophy, and provides statements on its vision, affirmative action, diversity, and academic quality. The rest of the section discusses the college's policies and procedures. Main headings include academic calendar, academic freedom and responsibilities,…

Secondary education in Romania is characterized by innovations introduced by the communist system and by recent efforts to restructure the system. This book presents a systematic and coherent exposition of the Romanian educational system, and outlines the essential problems the system faces. The book opens with the historical, social, and…

This two-part report by the Commission on Evaluation of Quebec's Council of Colleges focuses on the progress of the province's colleges in developing and implementing legislatively mandated policies concerning the evaluation of learning. Chapter 1 identifies the 107 of 112 colleges with written policies meeting the criteria established by the…

This policy guide reflects the concerns and priorities of education policymakers and administrators, addressing broad policy issues and focusing on physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco use prevention. Section 1, "Overview," reviews the issue and presents sample policies. Section 2, "The Art of Policymaking," discusses…

This survey examined alcohol and other drug use among full- and part-time undergraduate students from 18 colleges in New York State. Students (n=4,646) completed questionnaires on demographics; working and living arrangements; academics; perceptions of campus substance abuse policies; drinking behavior and substance abuse patterns; and…

This book is designed to be used by school counselors to help them respond to sexual issues of adolescence. Chapter 1, "Sexual Stuff: What's a Counselor To Do?" introduces the topic of knowing the boundaries of school policy, parents, values and religion, and confidentiality. A series of case studies are presented and answers common concerns…

The report presents findings from a study into the causes for modern language enrollment decline in Scotland's high schools. Data were drawn from teacher, students, and administrator interviews in 12 school studies and a survey of modern language teachers and a sample of students from 100 schools taking standardized modern language exams. Results…