Suggests school choice is easily the most controversial education policy issue of our time. Hopes that this special issue will provide readers with information to understand it at a deeper level, so that they can develop informed opinions about whether school choice is, on the whole, a desirable policy change. Discusses the superficial level of…

Presents topics for parents to consider when selecting and evaluating a preschool program, including: teacher qualifications, licensing and accreditation, environment, physical activity, safety and security, social atmosphere, planning and goals, parent involvement, discipline, intellectual development, and program and class size. Two sidebars…

New Visions for Public Schools has put together "The New York City Guide to Small High Schools" to describe new opportunities in the public high school system: over 200 small secondary schools created over the last five years. These small schools are part of the Department of Education's efforts to create more choices for thousands of…

Many states are considering a form a school choice known as "tax-credit scholarships," which currently provide school choice to almost 60,000 students in Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania, which and have just been enacted in Iowa. This guide shows how tax-credit scholarships work and introduces the scholarship granting organizations that…

Outlines four issues that educators should examine and carefully follow in relation to educational reform emanating from state legislatures. They are, (1) school accreditation methods, (2) parent choice, (3) the National Governor's Association project, and (4) preparation of administrators. (MD)

Presents three major areas of concern: social and ethnic stratification; the impact of competition; and open enrollment effects on academic achievement. Explores what is presently known (and not known) about the impact of interdistrict open enrollment in three areas. Focuses on the effect of open enrollment in Minnesota, which has been the site of…

Provides neutral, factual information about educational vouchers. Describes some of the basic operational characteristics of voucher programs. Presents several topics associated with vouchers, contrasts the perspectives on each held by advocates and opponents, and interjects relevant research findings. Concludes with a short discussion of the…

This article provides several questions parents can use as guidelines for selecting a school district and a school. Highlighted is a discussion of a book which rates 500 school districts, utilizing an "effective schools index." (IAH)

"No Child Left Behind" ("NCLB") requires that parents receive certain information about their child's education, as well as the overall performance of the child's school on state tests in reading, math and science. "NCLB" gives funding for early childhood learning; allows for more spending on each student, especially disadvantaged students; and,…

This publication explains the ABCs of Alberta's school system. The text details Alberta's goals, various levels of responsibility, funding, public and private schooling, academic core and optional programs, home education, testing, high-school diploma requirements, programs for students with special needs, and programs for students from other…

A 20-item checklist is provided for parents assessing the quality of day care programs. Items include the following: (1) caregivers nourish children with body snuggling; (2) caregivers arrange safe, interesting learning experiences; (3) caregivers are keen observers; (4) child health and safety needs are met; (5) teachers encourage competency; (6)…

Presents the positive benefits to be gained from diversifying the public school system and allowing a wider choice in school selection. Outlines the problems that would ensue from establishing an educational voucher system. Choice enhances teacher quality, student achievement, parent involvement, and public confidence in schools. (MD)

Under the Canadian Constitution, each province and territory has exclusive jurisdiction over education. This French language publication explains the ABCs of Alberta's school system. The text details Alberta's goals, various levels of responsibility, funding, public and private schooling, academic core and optional programs, home education,…

This booklet is a "decision tool" that can help parents navigate the process of choosing a school. It explains some of the public school choices now available in many communities and covers private school options that may be available as well. It outlines steps that parents can follow to help them make a thoughtful choice, and it includes…

Notes that magnet schools were established to promote racial diversity, improve scholastic standards, and provide a range of programs to satisfy individual talents and interests. Suggests the need for a better understanding of new policies on race and magnet schools; the social and political context of choice; and the consequences of reform…