This fourth edition of the "ES Review" brings together, in one setting, some of the best work from 2009-10. It features: (1) Teacher Quality (Teachers at Work: Improving Teacher Quality Through School Design (Elena Silva); Understanding Teachers Contracts (Andrew J. Rotherham); How Teachers Unions Lost the Media (Richard Whitmire and…

Literacy assessments are transforming the contexts of secondary instruction. This article reports how literacy assessments are shaping the instructional choices of nine English Language Arts teachers who work in three different states in northeastern United States--New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Through interviews, the teachers reported…

This document summarizes annual reports provided by Massachusetts' charter schools. It is supplemented with information from reports required of all public schools in the state and provides profiles of the 24 charter schools that were operating in 1997-98. The report opens with an overview of the four common features of charter schools--freedom,…

Although many superintendents remain leery of the charter reform movement, some (in Flagstaff, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; and San Carlos, California), see beyond threats to a districtwide innovation model. Taking charters' lead, Flagstaff opened a magnet school and a full-day kindergarten. Another superintendent chartered his entire…

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

This study examines a representative sample of innovative projects funded under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in an effort to identify some of the factors that contribute to constructive change in the schools. In particular, the study investigates local takeover of Title III programs and attempts to determine why some…

This is a follow-up study of an extensive three-year investigation of variables responsible for school district adoption of innovative programs. The follow-up study was designed to provide new data and strategies relating to 1) the extent to which those programs originally adopted have survived, 2) the extent to which state or federal agency…

Describes innovations in the mentoring process at Quinsigamond Community College (Massachusetts). The author presents a description of the program, its philosophy, the mentor/protege relationship, and an evaluation. Included are suggested activities for mentors to follow in building, developing, and expanding the mentoring relationship. (GR)

Discusses how three states are implementing the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, focusing on Massachusetts' Common Core of Learning, Delaware's First Schools in the First State pilot curriculum project, and Oregon's Initial Mastery and Advanced Mastery certificates. Notes that one of the aims of Goals 2000 is to make states true laboratories of…

As a bright and ambitious youngster growing up poor in Southside Chicago, Deval L. Patrick won a scholarship to Milton Academy, a private Massachusetts boarding school, courtesy of the acclaimed "A Better Chance" initiative. Attending the prestigious and rigorous prep school altered the course of Patrick's life. He flourished at Milton…

A project was designed to help mainstream teachers in Grades 1-3 facilitate language learning in all students, but especially in those who have language disorders. A naturalistic study followed teachers participating in the project to examine what factors promote change in teachers' knowledge, beliefs, and practice. The overall approach to…

This report summarizes the recommendations of a study on higher education in Massachusetts, reviews in tabular format the estimated costs of adopting the recommendations, and briefly comments on the recommendations. Recommendations concern six areas: access to higher education and equalization of educational opportunity; public higher education;…

This document reports the findings and recommendations of a study of a number of high level policy issues in Massachusetts higher education. Findings indicate: (1) Massachusetts is not doing all it could to provide equal access and opportunity to its citizens. (2) The present physical plant of public higher education is probably adequate to meet…

One school district, the Ipswich (MA) Public Schools, has adopted a culture of collaborative leadership that recognizes the strengths of teamwork and commitment. This article looks at some of the history and philosophy, followed by the application of those two elements, and provides a snapshot of a district operating in a unique and innovative…