In this case study, we use a consensus model as a framework for examining the professional development component of a standards-based reform effort initiated by a school district in the United States. We describe the district's actions, analyze the extent of adherence to the model, and identify reasons for what occurred. Although administrators…

This article reports how Louisiana officials take hits amid strain to start schools. A year after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, the state of Louisiana finds itself in the highly unusual position of essentially starting from scratch--and directly operating--a batch of public schools in the city. While much attention has focused on…

Each edition of the IDRA Newsletter strives to provide many different perspectives on the issues in education topics discussed and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. This issue focuses on Enlightened Public Policy and includes: (1) Texas Education Policy: Prospects for 2009 (Albert Cortez); (2) Bilingual Education in…

In the wake of Alabama's new rules requiring multicultural education in teacher education programs, a study examined whether multicultural literature was actually being taught in all levels of education in the state, how it was being taught, and who was teaching it. The study covered English language arts classes throughout Alabama in levels K…

Choosing to homeschool or to educate a child traditionally is often a difficult and confusing decision for parents and guardians. To help them make the best possible choice, this brochure answers basic questions about homeschooling and suggests other useful sources of information. The questions include the following: (1) Do families have a right…

In 1994, California regulations regarding distance education courses were changed to expand the range of allowed instruction, affecting regulations related to class size, instructor-student contact, and apportionment methods and requiring local curriculum committees to review and approve distance courses. To provide the committees with a basis for…

Although both the University of California and the California State University systems have the option to use plus or minus grades in student evaluations, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges (CCC) does not allow the use of such a grading system. Since 1985, the CCC's Academic Senate has lobbied the Board to allow local…

Education-agency and school staff are legally and ethically responsible for safeguarding student information. In addition to federal and state laws and regulations, education agencies need policies and procedures to guide their everyday information-maintenance operations. This document provides examples of policies and procedures as well as…

This new edition of the "Idaho Library Laws" contains changes through the 1996 legislative session and includes "Idaho Code" sections that legally affect city, school-community or district libraries, or the Idaho State Library. These sections include the basic library laws in "Idaho Code" Title 33, Chapters 25, 26,…

Based on the view that strong state child care licensing policies can influence the quality of child care and thereby enhance children's health and development, this report examines the status of state efforts to improve the quality of child care programs. Almost all data were collected for a 1993 Parenting Magazine survey, and were verified by…

This document was approved March 19, 1998, and describes standards for teachers of social studies in the state of Indiana. Sections of the paper include: (1) "Preface"; (2) "Standard 1: Civic Ideals and Practices"; (3) "Standard 2: Historical Perspectives"; (4) "Standard 3: Geographical Perspectives"; (5)…

This food manual for small Idaho residential child care institutions with 10-15 students and no full-time cook, is designed to help directors serve meals that promote healthy eating behavior in their residents, serve meals that meet the USDA's Healthy School Meals Initiative, and manage the food service to assure the fiscal integrity of the…

The Georgia State Department of Education recognizes two separate methods for utilizing construction management services by local school systems when state capital outlay funds are involved. This report details those two methods. The report first describes the Construction Management (CM)-Agency approach, which allows a CM-Agency manager to enter…

This report provides a bi-annual snapshot of how states regulate and support programs and services for gifted and talented learners. The report, developed from a survey of the state directors of programs for the gifted, covers questions about funding, state education agency support, mandates, identification, programs and services, personnel…

This paper examines accountability in public and private schools. It discusses the considerable authority the state has to regulate all schools, whether public or private, and focuses on how state constitutions constrain the states' ability to delegate to private actors the responsibility and funding for public education without accompanying…