This guidebook describes large scale change strategies to develop inclusive approaches to educational policy and practice at the state and district levels. The information was developed under the auspices of a 5-year federally funded project, "The Consortium on Inclusive Schooling Practices," which gathered and synthesized information about…

Research indicates that teachers are the main influence on student achievement. However, standards and accountability related to teacher preparation, certification, and competencies are inconsistent. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has developed a more rigorous system of standards and procedures for teacher preparation.…

This document is intended to assist charter schools in providing accommodations for students with exceptional needs, while acknowledging the importance of the charter approved by the Minister, local autonomy, flexibility and choice. This document is organized into the following four areas: (1) Access to Accommodations (the provision of…

This guide to the Internet is designed to help parents, especially urban parents, find information they will need to participate in school leadership and in their children's education. The following sections explain the Internet for parents: (1) "How To Use the Internet"; (2) "General Sites"; (3) "Education Related Sites for Parents"; (4)…

An inevitable tension exists between what parents want for their own child and the educational opportunities that schools now provide for all children. This handbook shows parents and policymakers how to cooperatively improve schools for all children by explaining effective educational practices and suggesting educational policy reforms. Schools…

Intended for use in in-service instruction for preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade teachers, this publication addresses major issues related to student transition between grades. Contents reflect the practices, strategies, and ideas of discussants, who included principals, teachers and administrators who were members of a task force convened…

Those who are striving to improve schools, are educational leaders. Formal position, or what kind of school they are trying to make better does not matter, it's the effort to improve schools that puts them in a leadership position. Parents, teachers, students, administrators, graduate students, elected and appointed officials, agency staff, and…

The goals and measures identified in this report provide insight to policymakers, higher education analysts, and parents and students throughout the nation. They are tools to understand the trend of nationwide standards so that California can make informed decisions about holding its postsecondary institutions accountable for the quality of…

Input from a variety of viewpoints is essential in complex policy discussions. Families serving on local interagency coordinating councils (LICCs) and state interagency coordinating councils (SICCs) should reflect the diversity of families served within the early intervention or preschool service system with respect to income level, ethnicity,…

The purpose of this booklet is to introduce parents of students with disabilities to the "big ideas" contained in school improvement efforts under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and to provide them with the information they need to help ensure that their children…

This brochure describes a cooperative way to help resolve differences of opinion between New York parents and schools regarding special education programs and services. It describes special education mediation as a process in which the parent or guardian of a student with a disability and a representative of the school district meet with a…

This handbook presents annotated "snapshots" of 10 innovative family literacy programs, almost all of which were begun by an individual with a vision of a new way to solve a demanding educational problem. Profiles depict, in terms of background, characteristics, evidence of success, and advice to policymakers and practitioners, the: (1)…

Written for persons who serve as members of Committees on Special Education (CSE) in New York State, this guide reviews Committee responsibilities and various Committee management techniques. An introductory chapter outlines the impact of Federal, state, and local requirements and policies. The guide follows the sequence of Part 200 of the…

Summarizes "First Lessons," the author's 1986 report on elementary schooling. Acknowledges society's complexity, the nation's ethnic and socioeconomic diversity, parents' importance, and changing family structure. Examines curriculum content and quality, principal and teacher effectiveness, and school policy issues, including the need for rigorous…

To ensure quality programs in gifted education, parents, teachers, and concerned citizens should become involved in development of education policies. Influencing public policy involves determining which government structure has jurisdiction over the policy and lobbying for legislative action by attending public hearings, writing letters, working…