This case study shows how testing in Mississippi is used as an effective part of a statewide accountability and instructional improvement program. By using criterion-referenced testing as one aspect of a program evaluation requirement, Mississippi is basing instructional improvement on student performance. (Author)

Describes respite care, a temporary relief service for families with developmentally disabled members at home, as an essential element in preventing institutionalization of disabled persons. Major approaches for providing respite care are identified. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed. (Author/JAC)

Examined how six states provide educational services to students with special needs. Focuses on program models, requirements, financial support, and control mechanisms. Contrasts state approaches to the federal approach to providing services to similar populations. (GC)

Describes a system for providing educational resources to educators in Alaska's widely-dispersed schools, with specific attention to the communications systems developed for delivery of educational resources, the Alaska Knowledge Base, information retrieval, training for system use, and statewide dissemination. (JL)

Reports are given on the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools in five states. An analysis of the reports discusses various educational trends and implications evolving from computer use, including misapplied technology and the proper amount of learning and teaching via computers. (CJ)

Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCOR), a National Science Foundation-funded program is in the third year of its five-year grants to scientists in five states. Program objectives, financial support (including cost-sharing by states), state programs resulting from EPSCOR, and EPSCOR achievements are discussed. (JN)

A study traces changes in teachers' views of inservice education during the first three years of a state-administered teacher development program in Australia. The findings are compared with those of another national study recommending increasing the availability of inservice education. Strengthening current information systems of professional…

Outlines the objectives, process, and tasks of New York State's school-based comprehensive planning system, implemented to meet accountability demands and budgetary cutbacks. Process diagrams and sample forms are included. (SJL)

The major issue of educational quality is linked to the potential of national and state assessment programs. It is suggested that changes in assessment design, analysis, and reporting can significantly contribute to improvement in the policy development process. The California Assessment Program illustrates how state assessment information may be…

Describes the rationale, organization, and activities of a comprehensive system for professional development in New York state, the Clearinghouse of Resources for Educators of Adults. (SK)

Cost effectiveness of the program cannot be accurately determined. Assessment is based on actual self-care rather than proving poverty. A flexible approach is taken toward disability level and family support. States should keep community care flexible and available at acceptable cost. (JAC)

Discusses the methodology and results of a national survey of practices in environmental education for preservice Canadian teachers. Among the conclusions presented are those regarding methods, content courses, college faculty, certification, exemplary programs, and major problems in teaching environmental education. (WB)

Analyzes the South Dakota system of financing education in light of major cases considering the constitutionality of state finance systems and of the approaches courts have used in determining constitutionality. Examines the particular finance problems that face the school systems of South Dakota. Available from University of South Dakota School…

This report on the 1977 mathematics assessment of British Columbian students in grades 4, 8, and 12 describes the item specification model; test administration procedures; results for each grade level; and overall results correlated to sex, mother tongue, and parental level of schooling. (SJL)

Describes a project to develop and implement a system of followup for Alabama's secondary agribusiness education terminees (graduates and dropouts). Describes the objectives of this project, the instrument, and the sample, return, and results of the first Occupational Patterns and Program Assessment Survey (of 1973-74 terminees). (HD)