This guidebook is intended to help state literacy leaders evaluate their states' progress in implementing five key strategies for establishing an integrated literacy system. Chapters are devoted to each of the following strategies: determine the dimensions of the literacy problem, set priorities and performance expectations, create quality…

This report presents the results of a federally mandated biennial evaluation of the effectiveness of the coordination between vocational education and the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) in achieving the purposes of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and JTPA. An overview describes the Maine vocational system,…

This paper provides an overview of educational, legal, and philosophical aspects of integration of Massachusetts students with disabilities. It discusses effective practices based on current research, the experience of parents and practitioners, and model programs. Introductory sections consider the importance of the integration concept and offer…

This sample evaluation report is part of a series of resources developed for and by workplace education practitioners in business, education, and labor partnerships funded through the Massachusetts Department of Education's Workplace Literacy Program. Data included in the report are based on Project Health, which integrates the experiences from…

State and county initiatives in California have sparked a movement for integration of social services. The practical lessons learned by communities integrating services for children and families were studied and are presented in this report. The study draws on the experiences of seven California communities (Fresno County, Los Angeles County,…

This manual is written for state and local administrators and statewide child care and child health organizations looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their child care regulatory review, rule-making process, and enforcement system. Data collection procedures and a review team process, state administrators can identify…

In September 1996, the Missouri Commissioner of Education appointed a statewide task force on the Achievement of African-American Students. The findings of the state-level task force, the views of Missouri students, and the experience of successful educators all support the conclusion that the single most important nontangible element required to…

This report provides information on student performance at the state, regional, and school system levels on end-of-grade (grades 3-8 reading and mathematics) multiple-choice tests and end-of-course (high school subjects) multiple-choice tests administered in 1997-98 for 117 public school systems and 35 charter schools. Beginning in the 1992-93…

This document provides a side-by-side comparison of Virginia regulations governing special education programs, the Virginia Comprehensive Services Act, and the federal 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Differences and similarities are illustrated for sections relating to: (1) definitions; (2)…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Summary Data Tables on CD-ROM present mathematics and science results from the NAEP 1996 State Assessments. Mathematics results from 1990 and 1992 assessments are also provided for the nation and for states that participated in either or both of the assessments. The student, teacher, and…

A study investigated the nature and function of 206 New Hampshire and 74 Vermont conservation commissions empowered to protect natural resources. Qualitative and quantitative research methods gathered data from a small number of commissioners and identified common patterns, then tested their prevalence through a survey of all commissions. Patterns…

Chapter 188 of the Massachusetts Acts of 1985 established a statewide testing program that began in 1986. The Massachusetts Testing Program functions to improve curriculum and instruction in the public schools and districts, identify students needing assistance in mastering basic skills in the classroom, and make results available to the public.…

This document reports information and lists resources for educating homeless and at-risk populations in Iowa. Organized into 12 sections that are grouped into three areas, the document provides research reports, listings of resources, and policy guidelines. Sections I through III, titled "Homeless Information," contain the following: (1)…

This report provides a brief summary of the major findings and recommendations derived from an extensive study of educational technology programs funded by the State of California since 1984 under two legislative acts, AB 803 and AB 1470. An independent evaluation of educational technology programs required by AB 1470 was conducted by The Far West…

The Mississippi Teacher Assessment Instruments (MTAIs) contain 16 teaching competencies (14 competencies measured by 3 separate instruments of the MTAI, and 2 performance standards assessed by the local district). The Teaching Plans and Materials MTAI guides assessment of beginning teachers' competence in planning instruction, selecting…