The National Academy of Education (NAEd) undertook this consensus report on the evaluation and improvement of teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Specifically, this consensus report aims to (1) identify and disseminate best practices for evaluating and improving TPPs to promote teacher effectiveness and student achievement; (2) provide…

Communities across the country are grappling with different approaches to improving their schools. Introducing or expanding charter schools is one of the approaches that states and school districts have considered or implemented. Charter schools serve more than 5 percent of public school students nationwide and make up close to 7 percent of all…

This is one the fourth in a series of reports that examine key issues related to family and community connections with schools. These research syntheses are intended to help local school, community, and family leaders obtain useful information derived from rigorous research. In addition to presenting findings from recent research, the synthesis…

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which help successful equity initiatives that had been seeded in technical and further education (TAFE) institutes through short-term funding to take root and spread. The report concludes that many equity programs remain stuck in the seeding stage and fail to thrive and grow. It suggests that…

Every state in the nation is currently charting a course to improve its public education system. As states raise education standards and invest in programs to improve student achievement, there are a number of reasons why it is essential that states consider the school facility needs of rural schools. This report is intended to assist state…

Clarifies the Navajo Tribal Council's policy on Navajo control of education. Asserts that education of this tribe's children has been disastrous and discusses priorities for strengthening it. Emphasizes the necessary involvement of family, community, and tribal government in structuring Navajo education and determining its goals. (KH)

This technical assistance handbook is designed to serve local educators, vocational education administrators, and advisory committee members as a guide and an initial source of information in the establishment and maintenance of local advisory committees. The handbook highlights the policies and procedures of the Idaho State Division of Vocational…

Evaluation criteria and a rating scale are provided for administrators, professional staff, and community representatives who want to assess school arts programs. These criteria may also be used to generate information to establish program goals, plan inservice programs, or plan and evaluate state and federal programs. Criteria are established…

Fears concerning possible results of including students with severe disabilities in regular programs are raised, including (1) the insinuation of constructivism into a system emphasizing inclusion (rather than instruction); (2) a lack of policies to preserve educational integrity; and (3) elimination of special education as a full partner with…

The efforts of one family to change the pesticide policy of their school district are described. Stressed is the need to educate teachers, physicians, and students. (CW)

The development of an effective Integrated Pest Management program is discussed. Provided are the common goals and procedures involved in adopting an Integrated Pest Management program for schools. (CW)

Several categories of problems affecting adult learning services in Colorado require state-level policy intervention for their solution. They include problems that limit adults' access to existing learning services, inadequacies in existing services, deficiencies in statewide planning and coordination of learning services, and financial…

A 2-year involvement to change the pesticide policy of the Oak Park, Illinois, schools is described. The new policy is discussed. (CW)

This conference report argues that folk arts, which are transmitted informally by community word of mouth and example, represent the core culture of the community. Since a central goal for education is to prepare students to understand, live in, and contribute to their culture, the traditional folk arts represent valuable classroom resources. They…

Presented is a policy regarding vivisection, dissection, and other use of animals in biology classrooms. Alternative teaching techniques are stressed. The organizational responsibility regarding this issue is discussed. (CW)