On September 8, 2005, 43 Tennessee state educational and policy leaders participated in the Tennessee Education Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss ways to improve students' transitions from high school to postsecondary education and careers. The forum was sponsored by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the League for…

Improvement efforts in American education must be supported and sustained. The 1997 "Education Agenda" identifies the Education Commission of the States' priorities for 1997-98 and describes the broader context within which education systems exist. It provides an overview of the following transformational forces in education: the impacts…

This document contains a program evaluation of science education in grades K-12 in the Des Moines Independent School District in Iowa. Sections include: (1) an abstract of the evaluation; (2) a preface containing mission statements; (3) the context evaluation referring to curriculum, goals, and demographics; (4) input evaluation with budgetary…

In light of the continuing debate over the relative merits of various ways of assessing student achievement, it seems appropriate to examine longitudinal data which reflect student performance on one measure as a basis for recognizing and utilizing the measure's particular strengths. This study is the follow-up to an earlier study conducted using…

The North Carolina School Improvement Panel was created in August 1995 to frame a single plan for improving public education in North Carolina by pulling together the four major reform initiatives already under way in the state. The resulting plan, as presented to the State Board of Education in 1997, has four priorities: high student performance;…

The Michigan English Language Arts Framework (MELAF) offers an illustrative case of top-down and bottom-up confluences in curriculum policymaking. In several distinct ways, state policy met local initiatives to create dynamic partnerships to spread change. State systematic reformers looked to the grass roots for ideas and percolating initiatives.…

This booklet profiles "leading edge" schools committed to ensuring that all students meet challenging academic standards and are prepared for college and careers. In 1996, these 10 New American High Schools were chosen by the U.S. Department of Education for their innovation and commitment to academic excellence. As these award-winning,…

Technology permeates the lives of most Americans: voice mail, personal computers, and the ever-blinking VCR clock have become commonplace. In schools, it is creating educational opportunities at a dizzying pace and, within and beyond the classroom, it is providing unprecedented access to a universe of ideas and resources. As a next step, the…

This report details the recommendations of a Wisconsin education task force charged to develop strategies for the enhancement of students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to sustain lifelong participation in the democratic process. The report states that the Civics Action Task Force strongly recommends that action be taken by the…

This theme issue explores the connection between service learning and standards-based education. In the lead article, "Service Learning and Standards: Are They Compatible?" (Brian Loney), an educator applies his extensive experience with Active Citizenship Today, a successful social studies service-learning program, to a representative set of…

This Ohio model competency-based arts program connects the four arts (dance, drama/theater, music, visual art) with educational, historical, personal, and social contexts in order to bring relevance and understanding to all students. The document is intended to provide guidance to local Ohio school districts in creating their own arts programs.…

Colleges and universities engaged in the preparation of art teachers address a broad range of issues. Questions concerning specific education requirements leading to certification, approaches to curriculum development and assessment, opportunities for clinical experiences, and exposure to teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies…

High-stakes testing is one of the hottest topics in education today. Although most states use some form of testing, fewer than half administer tests linked to state education standards and goals, often called criterion referenced tests. Fewer still use statewide tests with high stakes for both the students enrolled in the public schools and the…

This booklet of academic standards spells out what students should know and be able to do in Grade 10 English/Language Arts. The booklet gives examples to help students understand what is required to meet the standards and provides a list of 10 things parents can do to help their child get a good education. It outlines the following seven…

This booklet of academic standards spells out what students should know and be able to do in Grade 11 English/Language Arts. The booklet gives examples to help students understand what is required to meet the standards and provides a list of 10 things parents can do to help their child get a good education. It outlines the following seven…