The right-to-read effort in Florida is a statewide program to encourage and expand the teaching and learning of reading on all educational levels. The program depends on the coordination of state-level activities with activities of local school districts, colleges, and universities. State-level activities include program development, assessment,…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a report of some differences between the Australian states in practices and organization in education. It points out the problems that may confront the increasing numbers of students who transfer from one state to another during their elementary and high school years. The…

This report discusses the State role in providing education for its citizens in a changing society. The author suggests that, although the idea of local responsibility for education is still valid, States should be responsible for developing adequate educational policies for local systems to implement. The report also suggests that the States, in…

This report is one of a series of statements relating to the Oregon Board of Education priorities for Oregon education. It first identifies the factors contributing to the financial problem and then proposes activities to (1) simplify the structure by which education finance operates, (2) stabilize financing of the education program, (3)…

Reviews recent state and federal court decisions dealing with issues relevant to educational finance. Within the broad area of elementary-secondary education, specific cases involve school tax assessments, allocation of state school aid, school tax levy elections, and public support of a private segregated school. (JG)

The author recently took a look at how Denmark encourages experimental schools and suggests that, in Britain, there should be a new form of direct grant, which allows and encourages local groups to set up their own schools. (Editor/RK)

In theory, Illinois community colleges are governed and controlled by local boards; in reality, much of this control has shifted to state agencies such as the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Specific areas affected by this shift are budget, courses and curriculum, leases, and renovations. (LS)

In a recent letter to NJEA President Frank Totten, Education Commissioner Fred Burke reviewed his Department's approach on the T & E (Thorough & Efficient) Law and its accompanying Administrative Code. (Editor/RK)

Fourteen states have had three to five years of experience with school-finance reform--enough to begin to provide evidence as to which, if any, fears and criticisms are valid. Here is a list of questions frequently raised in debate over school-finance reform and the answers suggested by the findings in the states with the most experience with it.…

Discusses the impact of federal and state government on the autonomy of local school districts, particularly in the area of curriculum reform. Examines the effect of recent state legislation on New Jersey school districts, describing two local school district programs that illustrate the influence of state and federal government. (JG)

Despite their eroding fiscal positions, state governments are responsible for establishing budget policy for both public elementary/secondary and higher education. As a Utah case study shows, the current political structure creates pressures for both competition and cooperation in optimizing scarce resources. This study advocates limited…

Examines historical and philosophical issues that have affected the involvement of state arts agencies in elementary and secondary school arts programs. Analyzes the arts education activities of 47 Arts in Education coordinators and discusses emerging trends in agency activities that appear to be important to future school-based program…

The activities and results of a comprehensive three-year evaluation of Utah's Title IV-C programs are summarized. They demonstrated that evaluation can produce valuable outcomes in addition to complying with federal requirements. State officials gained insights into program improvement; local officials gained expertise in program operation and…

American public education faces increasing pressure to demonstrate the competence of all of its students as they progress through the grades and, especially, as students exit their high schools. In response, policymakers are developing sophisticated accountability and support systems in efforts to steer schools toward improved performance. These…

These two technical assistance papers are designed to provide further clarification to Florida school districts regarding the completion of matrices for students with disabilities and on the documentation of the amount of services a student receives on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The "Matrix of Services" is used to…