Rubric assessment of information literacy is an important tool for librarians seeking to show evidence of student learning. The authors, who collaborated on the Rubric Assessment of Informational Literacy Skills (RAILS) research project, draw from their shared experience to present practical recommendations for implementing rubric assessment in a…

This self-assessment tool was developed for those who wish to embark on state-wide governmental systems change to improve high school transition and employment outcomes for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Its purpose is to aid in the development of a work plan that is based on a review of the state…

Cities around the country are building systems that seek to make the most of public and private resources to provide widespread, high-quality, out-of-school time opportunities. Local officials are leading these efforts because participation in OST programs not only benefits young people but also the cities in which they live, with the potential to…

A mediated peer coaching program implemented in rural Middle Tennessee in 1984-85 was designed to improve classroom instruction within the constraints imposed by poor, rural schools. Participants were 35 teachers in 9 rural schools, each assigned to a peer coaching team consisting of teachers in the same school but with different grade and/or…

This document is an orientation manual for the Career Ladder Counselor Evaluation System, a part of the Tennessee Career Ladder Better Schools Program. The evaluation system for guidance counselors was developed by using the best ideas from educational research and from counselors in Tennessee. The system was field tested in the fall of 1985.…

Discusses evaluation issues that developed during implementation of the nation's first statewide career ladder program in Tennessee. After three years of development major issues have centered around communication, confidentiality, paperwork, career development, multidata source systems, and the evaluation cycle. (CJH)

This manual is designed to provide Tennessee School administrators and supervisors with the information needed to understand the revised Career Ladder Evaluation System, and prepare them for the evaluation at Career Levels I and II. The manual covers the following information: (1) improvements of the revised system; (2) assumptions and principles;…

This manual is designed to provide Tennessee teachers with the information needed to understand the revised Career Ladder Evaluation System and prepare them for the evaluation at Career Levels I and II. It includes the following information: (1) improvements in the revised version (1985-86); (2) fundamental beliefs and principles; (3) levels of…

This document is an orientation manual for the Library Media Specialist Evaluation System, a part of the Tennessee Career Ladder Better Schools Program. This evaluation system was developed by using the best ideas from educational research and from library media specialists in Tennessee. The system was field tested in the fall of 1985. Contained…

This guide outlines 10 basic steps for policymakers and practitioners interested in creating Second Chance Homes in their areas. Second Chance Homes provide stable, nurturing environments for teen families with access to child care, education, job training, counseling, and advice on parenting and life skills. The guide is based on interviews with…

Recent Tennessee and Alabama court decisions raise similar issues involving (1) fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment and (2) the process of public education. Outlines the effects these decisions have on teachers and in classrooms. The supporters would suppress critical thinking and imagination while opponents would promote critical…

Magnet schools gained prominence in education in the 1970s as a tool for achieving voluntary desegregation in lieu of forced busing. The theory behind magnet schools as a desegregation tool is simple: Create a school so distinctive and appealing--so magnetic--that it will draw a diverse range of families from throughout the community eager to…

This manual provides Tennessee educators with step by step procedures for completing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. It begins by discussing the purpose of the IEP and providing an overview of federal law provisions governing IEPs. The following pages describe each provision of the IEP and list points to…

This report describes activities and presents products of a three-year project to develop a guidance and placement program in Blount County, Tennessee. Sections 1 and 2 review objectives and personnel of this project to develop vocational awareness programs for elementary students, develop occupational exploratory courses for Grade 9, develop…

This book provides a brief historical review of outcomes assessment in higher education and a general guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment programs. Chapter 1 provides several definitions of commonly used terms and a review of the major actors and the political context. It identifies factors contributing to the recent push…