This report summarizes the research on the association between state interventions in chronically low-performing schools and student achievement. Most of the research focused on one type of state intervention: working with a turnaround partner. Few studies were identified that examined other types of interventions, such as school closure, charter…

In order to inform the Indiana State Board of Education's decision-making on Indiana's On My Way Pre-K Pilot program, researchers at the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) at Indiana University compiled existing data on ten states that have implemented pilot pre-Kindergarten (pre-K) programs and subsequently expanded these programs…

Civic learning for all students seems like a reasonable and important aim for all schools to achieve. If we believe that the future of our American democracy depends on a citizenry that is informed, engaged, and responsible, what better place to create future citizens than in schools? The Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools…

This article discusses the practical application of mixed quantitative and qualitative designs. Mixed methods designs can be especially powerful in illuminating policy solutions and directions for social action, thus supporting the social justice goals of social work and other helping professions. However, the decision to combine methods must be…

This master plan for environmental and energy higher education in Illinois is a direct result of a mandate from the Illinois General Assembly. To prepare students to confront our nation's environmental problems, each university will submit a management and development plan, designed to preserve existing environmental values and provide…

The Illinois Three Phase System should be temporarily retained as an administrative tool to be used in relationships between the Division of Vocational and Technical Education and local education agencies. But it is clear that such a system, with its scope directed toward local school districts, with its lack of outcome assessment, and with its…

A state superintendent of education discusses standards from the point of view of a policymaker, acknowledging both educational and political elements. The objective for the policymaker is to take the work of researchers and educational theorists and make it something that practitioners and ultimately the public can understand. The first thing is…

The Office of Community College Research and Leadership project involves research, technical assitance, information dissemination, and leadership activities for postsecondary Illinois vocational-technical education target audiences, especially community college administrators. "Update" newsletters and "Research Briefs"…

Research is summarized and analyzed in this revision of the author's 1960 "Analysis of Research on the Education of Gifted Children," which was used as a guide in the construction and implementation of the Illinois Plan for Program Development for Gifted Children. Information is provided on identification and definition and on…

Data from a Class Activities Questionnaire was used in the evaluation of the state gifted program in Illinois to determine patterns of cognitive and affective emphasis in gifted and average classes. Significant differences were found in the degree of emphasis on higher thought processes, classroom focus, and classroom climate. Significant…

Since President Obama took office, he has repeatedly called for the United States to significantly improve its postsecondary education performance. One goal in particular has gained wide attention: the President's declaration that in an ever more competitive global marketplace, the United States must once again lead the world in college…

The Illinois State Board of Education provides a summary of its recommendations for improved practices in the areas of preparation, selection, performance, and staff development of educational personnel. (FL)

This narrative report on a 5-year project summarizes the major objectives and accomplishments of a federally supported dissemination program designed to place the results of educational research and other educational resources at the disposal of Illinois users. The report includes highlights of the first four years of the project, entitled…

Transition practices and parental involvement in early childhood handicapped programs were studied in 74 Illinois public preschool handicapped programs. Data was collected by personal interview of teachers and parents of children enrolled in the programs. Transition practices, including mainstreaming efforts, were found to be inadequately planned…

The World of Work Economic Education (WOWEE), a state-wide action-research project in operation in Illinois, is discussed in relation to its objectives, concepts, purpose, and how it makes use of varied areas of expertise. (HD)