This paper outlines current trends, progress, and possibilities for fostering more authentic ways to assess students' competencies and mastery of skills needed for college, work, and civic life in the 21st century. It provides an introduction to performance assessments and their value. The authors highlight efforts to develop such assessments in…

Numerous legal scholars and social scientists have highlighted the ways in which research has informed judicial decision making. Because, in part, of convincing empirical research presented in several landmark cases (e.g., "Grutter v. Bollinger," 2003; "Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1,"…

In this report, the Education Commissioner discusses the office's work, with a list of its publications. The Commissioner of Education also presents summary data and discussion on the census related to education and on illiteracy among minors as taken from the census; school age, population, enrollment, and attendance; teacher workforce, salaries,…