Increased attention to proposed federal early childhood education (ECE) legislation has sparked a debate on what the future holds for state-funded ECE systems. This brief explores how the goal of universal preschool is being shaped by the federal agenda and examines state programs in various stages of development. President Obama's Preschool for…

Can a capacity building policy encourage school leaders to engage in professional development that will increase their focus on student achievement and understanding of instructional leadership? To explore this issue, school administrators were interviewed and a content analysis of plans for professional development generated during the first year…

The draft Master Plan was developed in response to requirements of the New Jersey Higher Education Restructuring Act of 1994. The plan proposes a vision and broad policy recommendations for New Jersey higher education into the next century. The focus of the plan is on the critical needs of the state and how higher education can help in addressing…

Ways in which computer technology can be used to support the development of a library network are proposed by the Computer Application Task Force, following the recommendations of the New Jersey Statewide Planning Group and its several task forces. A summary of three primary recommendations is followed by a general discussion of opportunities…

This state plan identifies New Jersey Department of Education activities for assisting local school districts in designing educational programs to meet the needs of intellectually and academically gifted students. The plan begins with an identification of needs in the area of gifted education, focusing on the need for multiple measures for student…

This report summarizes the 2.5-year process of the development and implementation of the New Jersey Library Network, including the formation of six Regional Library Cooperatives, hiring of staff members, and detailed regional planning. Following introductory material which includes listings of the members of the New Jersey State Board of Education…

Many colleges and universities are engaged in new efforts to assess the outcomes they produce. As a first step, these institutions usually examine their mission statement, goals, and objectives. These form the foundation for assessment but they are also fundamental tools for enhancing institutional effectiveness in general. This handbook was…

This report presents a brief history of the Abbott School Construction Program, describes the implementation to date, lays out some current challenges, and outlines lessons learned from the process so far--what is known now about how such an initiative should be planned and carried out. The report is intended to illuminate the complex process of…

This document comprises the final report of the Regional Exchange project, through which Research for Better Schools (RBS) has provided research-based information, technical assistance, and training services to the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, to assist state educational leaders in developing and implementing…

This report offers background information on the restructuring of higher education in New Jersey's State Department and Board of Higher Education in 1994, focusing primarily on the substance of the proposals, components of the legislation, and the process through which the changes were developed. Political debates and dimensions are not addressed…

This is the final report on long range planning for financial support for and investment in New Jersey's state colleges. Opening sections summarize the findings of the Advisory Commission on Investing in the State Colleges charged with examining the issues, origins, membership, charge and general principles of that Commission, the economic, social…

A long-range facilities plan includes anticipated large expenditures and contingencies. The plan should include an overview of existing facilities, enrollment projections, program changes, and projected capital improvements. A school-planning checklist is provided. (MLF)

Experiences in systems-development for state information systems are summarized for eight pilot-test state agencies, as part of the State Level Information Base project. Attention is directed to the evaluation of information needs; hardware and software choices; survey administration; data organization, storage, and linkages; and staffing…

Experiences of pilot-test state agencies in developing an information system are summarized, as part of the State Level Information Base project. The background and functions of each of the eight pilot-test state agencies are described, along with the information systems approach, and planning responsibilities (comprehensive planning, budgeting,…

This document presents policy recommendations for higher education planning in New Jersey, in light of the New Jersey Higher Education Restructuring Act of 1994. It articulates a vision and characteristics of excellence to inspire future action, coupled with broad policy recommendations to guide institutions and state policymakers in their…