The Texas Education Code requires the Commissioner of Education to develop and propose alternative methods of assessment for students who have not passed the exit level test. The goal of this requirement is an alternative mechanism by which a student can demonstrate the knowledge and skills measured by the exit level test and thus earn a high…

In 1995, the North Dakota Head Start-State Collaboration Project (HSSCP) was initiated to create a statewide early childhood system to increase access to comprehensive services and support for all low-income children. This report details the project's accomplishments over its initial 5-year period, emphasizing accomplishments of the final year.…

These hearings transcripts present testimony on the impact of the Head Start program for preparing disadvantaged children for school, to inform the reauthorization of Head Start. Opening statements by U.S. Representatives Michael Castle (Delaware) and Lynn Wolsey (California) focused on needs for improving Head Start. A written statement by…

In June 2002, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) adopted a new set of goals for the 21st century. Those goals included reaching every student, from preschool to high school, to ensure that achievement exceeds national averages and that performance gaps are closed. According to this brief report, research clearly shows that quality summer…

This document presents an action plan developed by the Minnesota Early Care and Education Finance Commission during two years of study and deliberation to finance a state early care and education system that supports families and is focused on school readiness. Recommendations are presented in three categories: (1) more time and tools for better…

This report is a response to the Governor's Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2003-04 for the state of New York. The report begins with an introduction, which attacks the budget, particularly in light of "NCLB schools and districts" (NCLB schools and districts are those designated by the New York State Education Department [NYSED] in need…

This guide provides the administrator of a Texas Even Start Family Literacy program with the information and materials necessary to implement and conduct the program. It begins with these introductory materials: vision statement; overview of the Even Start Program; text of enabling legislation; and information on program applications, fiscal…

This instructional guide for a one-half-credit technical course for grades 10-12 focuses on personal development, interpersonal relationships, effective individual and family functioning, and career preparation. Introductory materials consist of a course description; overview of course design; facilities, equipment, and resources; and a section on…

Based on the premise that the best teachers are those who have a firm understanding of the developmental needs of children and plan learning experiences to meet these needs, this resource guide was designed to provide prekindergarten teachers with a collection of classroom ideas and activities that serve as examples of how educators can facilitate…

Family literacy program development is a complex process involving numerous partners, integration of four components (adult education, early childhood education, parent education and support, and adult and child interactive activities), and a blending of resources for ongoing program support through collaboration. This workbook offers the…

Smart Start is a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive, community-based initiative to serve North Carolina children under age 6 and their families to ensure that all children enter school healthy and prepared to succeed. To achieve this, local county partnerships have focused both their attention and their funds on implementing child care programs,…

A prevailing assumption underlying statewide performance-based assessments is that they not only serve as motivators in improving student achievement and learning, they also encourage instructional strategies and techniques in the classroom that are more consistent with reform-oriented educational outcomes. Given these high expectations, more…

Research identified a literacy assessment program applicable to the adult population functioning at pre-General Education Development (GED) test levels. An attempt to align the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) with the Illinois State Board of Education Learning Standards failed. ACT Work Keys emerged as the recommended and most effective…

This report provides highlights and updates regarding state actions on child care and early education issues during 2000. The information in the report was collected by means of written and telephone surveys with advocates or state child care administrators in each state. The final draft was reviewed for verification by advocates or a state child…

Arizona businesses are facing a dearth of skilled workers. The work force deficit is about quantity and about quality. It is both an immediate problem and a long-term problem. It is a threat to business competitiveness and Arizona's competitive advantage, and it challenges both industry and government to find solutions. Currently the State of…