Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to comprehending, interpreting, and evaluating complex information. It begins…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to writing for a variety of academic and technical purposes, situations, and…

In December 2000, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) began working with low-performing districts and schools as part of a 5-year research and development effort to create and refine a systemic model for improving student achievement in reading or mathematics. SEDL hypothesized that as districts and schools increase their…

This digest reviews testing and score reporting requirements contained in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and examines factors that could delay or dilute the Act's guarantee of educational accountability for the academic achievement of all children. It outlines how states will implement federally-mandated testing requirements,…

This brief explores the challenges of documenting dropout rates and ways to support students with disabilities so that they meet academic standards and graduate. It begins by discussing the high dropout rate for students with disabilities and the rise of standards-based reform and high-stakes tests. Characteristics of high-risk students are…

Many national and provincial initiatives are underway to specify the technology skills that students must demonstrate at each grade level. The Government of the Province of Alberta in Canada has mandated the implementation of a new curriculum beginning in September 2000 called the "Information and Communication Technology Program of…

When U.S. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 in the wake of the Watergate scandal, it was only the second time that impeachment of a president had been considered. Although the U.S. Constitution has provisions for a person removed from office to be indicted, there are no guidelines in the Constitution about a President who has resigned. The…

Every 10 years since 1790, the U.S. government has taken a census to enumerate the population to apportion seats in the House of Representatives. In each decennial census, citizens from the famous to the unsung and the infamous appear. They include favorite figures of literature, such as Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder, who were not just…

In the mid-19th century people believed religious, moral, social, or political perfection was obtainable, not unlike Mrs. Amelia Bloomer. Bloomer's battles reflected and influenced gender roles in the 19th century as the United States debated social reforms and constitutional rights, such as the right to petition and the right to vote, among…

The study of U.S. history from 1877, taught in Mississippi secondary schools, builds on the study of U.S. history before 1877, offered in the eighth grade. Mississippi students, through studying U.S. history from 1877, gain an historical perspective of the nation's past. The study of the United States concentrates on cause-and-effect relationships…

This paper asserts that with the new NCATE 2000 standards placing a major emphasis on performance assessment, particularly regarding the impact college and university teacher education programs have on learners, it is essential that teacher education programs develop evaluation plans that include reliable, valid assessments focusing on the…

This curriculum packet contains two teacher-developed lesson plans for upper elementary students focusing on the built environment. The first lesson plan, "The Built Environment--An Integrating Theme" (Liesa Schroeder), offers suggestions for developing a walking tour around the school neighborhood, a historic area, or a city square. It…

This book presents 65 programs that are readily available in most school districts and communities and assesses each program's potential for serving the needs of talented students, based on levels of content acceleration, in-depth topic immersion, and interest exploration. The book begins by discussing hidden programs that are already in schools…

At the administration of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) science and social studies tests in 2000, a questionnaire survey was given to students in grades 4 and 6. Survey questions were developed in three categories: (1) Opportunity To Learn; (2) Science; and (3) Social Studies. Student responses were analyzed by test, grade, gender,…

The Excellence in Cities (EIC) program was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1999 to improve school achievement. It involves partnerships between the government, local education authorities, and local schools, and it works to transform and improve secondary education. This report describes how EIC has begun to transform the educational…