The Center for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) studied the background, implementation, and effects of curriculum policies, including graduation requirements, student testing, curriculum controls, and indicators. This document examines the findings about curriculum policy in the school context. A total of 188 interviews were conducted at the…

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is concerned with creating experiences in which children face the mysteries and wonders of the natural world and understand their connection with nature. The purpose of the forum was to support the growth of these experiences and the people who create them. The forum covered three broad topics: (1) visions for the…

This document describes in detail the processes by which curriculum frameworks are developed and instructional materials are evaluated and recommended for adoption at the state level in California. The document is organized around two major processes--the process of curriculum framework development at the state level and the process for the…

This document contains a summary of a policy seminar, "Family Centered Social Policy: The Emerging Agenda," a background briefing report on the seminar, and a 50-item reference list. The first section summarizes presentations by K. M. Harris on a Baltimore study of teen mothers' welfare experience; Robert Lerman on young fathers; and…

The results of a survey of physicians actively involved at the state level in policy development for Part H of Public Law 99-457 are reported. A questionnaire was completed by a total of 125 physicians, including physicians identified as Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) members and physicians who served as state chapter representatives to…

This report describes the telecommunications systems currently available in Virginia to deliver educational materials and conduct administrative meetings and training in a cost effective manner. Examples are provided of how state agencies and institutions in Virginia are using each of the technologies and the future potential of each system is…

This policy memorandum provides a summary of what is known about voluntary activity in the United States in general and in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) service delivery areas (SDAs) in particular. It suggests possible short- and long-term policy strategies that might be used to increase the effectiveness of voluntary service in JTPA…

Guidelines for conducting a program quality review or school self-evaluation are presented. The program quality review process is designed to evaluate curriculum and instructional strategy effectiveness, guide the development of an action plan, and provide a model for school self-study. Part 1 describes applications of the quality criteria to…

School accountability options are briefly discussed in this exectuve summary of the document, "Accountability: Implications for State and Local Policymakers," by Michael W. Kirst. Six accountability policies are examined, which include performance reporting, monitoring and compliance, incentive systems, reliance on the market, changing the locus…

A starting point for self-discipline may be to compile a list of objectives that the particular school wishes to meet. The list should be assembled with faculty, administrative, parental, and, most importantly, student input. If a definite list of goals is draw up with student input then students will be able to form an identification with those…

Teachers need to become active participants in the political processes that have an impact on the quality of schooling. In order to be effective agents in the public forum, teacher candidates need to acquire the knowledge and skills that are derived from a solid grounding in the foundations of education. The areas of study commonly associated with…

This paper explores the relationships among policy, structure, and culture of educational organizations, specifically, the relationships between policy-mandated educational change and the organizational variables of coupling and culture. A framework for research on policy implementation is presented, which illustrates the interactive relationships…

This monograph presents the recommendations of the 15 organizations belonging to the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities concerning the reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, Public Law 100-146. Each issue is briefly presented with a specific recommendation for changes in the law. Major…

The strategies for school based management and shared decision making are seldom studied together. A written survey administered to practitioners currently using one or both of the strategies provides information for the implementation of shared decision making. Methodological limitations include a sample of 230 site personnel with a response rate…

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), an independent cooperative of research centers from about 45 countries, performs the type of research that provides data which can be used by policymakers as a basis for decision making about educational improvements. This paper describes: (1) IEA's mission and…