The author of this article states that, for more than 20 years, public educators have developed a professional inferiority complex and a strong sense of hopelessness. After all, he claims, the dominant message over those years, including from some within the profession, has been that educators have caused the declining quality in public schools.…

This multimedia package, which contains two audio CDs and a short informative booklet, examines the use of assessment to improve teaching and learning. The booklet contains the essay "Assessment-Driven Reform: A Leadership Approach" (Rhetta L. Detrich with Ed Janus and Sabrina W. M. Laine). It discusses the increasing importance of…

Intended to improve citizen understanding of the legislative process and to encourage active participation in that process, this booklet describes how the United States House of Representatives conducts its business and provides a viewers' guide to the proceedings of the House as they are transmitted via satellite and cable to over 10 million…

Salient issues in higher education policymaking and recent changes in appropriations levels are highlighted for each state and for the federal government. Also identified are the upcoming congressional agenda, hearings, regulations, new reports, and studies under consideration. (MSE)

Urges returning to the original federalist debates to understand contemporary federalism. Reviews "The Federalist Papers," how federalism has evolved, and the centralization of the national government through acts of Congress and Supreme Court decisions. Recommends teaching about federalism as part of teaching about U.S. government…

In a world where advanced knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available, U.S. advantages in the marketplace and in science and technology have begun to erode. A comprehensive and coordinated federal effort is urgently needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness and pre-eminence in these areas. This congressionally requested report by…

This packet presents educational materials to help teachers, students, and parents understand homelessness. Section 1, "America's Homeless Children: Educational Information for Students, Teachers, and Parents," discusses what it is like to be homeless, how many children are homeless, how homelessness is harmful, how children become homeless, and…

This book, which is addressed to early childhood educators, offers a call to action that focuses on the whys and hows of advocacy, and provides strategies for selecting issues, building support, and joining with other advocates. Chapter 1 discusses the need for early childhood advocates, contributions advocates can make to the decision-making…

This handbook offers suggestions for action to protect the interests of vocational-technical education. Part 1, Advocacy, has four parts: why vocational-technical education professionals should get involved in the legislative process; guidelines for communicating with one's legislator through personal visits, letters/e-mail/faxes, telephone calls,…

The goal of this mock trial is to dramatize the Federalists' struggle to strengthen their control over the judicial branch of the U.S. government after losing the Presidency and Congress in the 1800 election. This mock trial reveals the personalities of key historical figures, such as Jefferson, Madison, and Marshall and distinguishes how they…

In addition to its significance to educators as a major revision of a Federal education and training program, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act contains many provisions that will have an impact on the relationship of vocational education to employers and the job training partnership community. The law requires that 43 percent of each…

Although most two-year colleges engage only in a search for funding, two other federal activities--laws, and rules and regulations--can have a profound effect on funds available, circumstances of distribution, and even on college operations. Examples and information sources are cited. (MSE)

This interdisciplinary guide to public policy for adult education has four objectives: (1) to provide both information about the supply of federal information on the topic and assistance with searching federal sources; (2) to build a basic understanding of federally produced information on an interdisciplinary topic; (3) to introduce the…

This kit, the first of four learning circles on civics and citizenship, addresses a series of broad issues about the way in which Australia is governed. Introductory materials include a synopsis of the six sessions; lists of 51 references, 29 Internet sites, and 13 videos and CDs; glossary; and list of 19 resource materials. Session guides are…

The United States Department of Education (ED), Office of Inspector General (OIG), describes in its semiannual report its provisions for audit, investigation, fraud detection and prevention, as well as other activities. The first section reviews management improvement and preventive activities including recommended changes to legislation and…