The current policy terrain is primed for schools to absorb new discipline strategies and address bias-based beliefs. Over the past 10 years, numerous policy changes regarding discipline have emerged at the federal and state levels. I argue these policy shifts, primarily at the state level, are using two of four value levers (quality, efficiency,…

Considers how despite the fact that reading scores have not in fact declined, advocates for more phonics instruction, together with the local newspaper, managed to create a climate of crisis in Maryland. Describes how the Maryland State Department of Education developed a list of what teachers need to know in order to help students read. Discusses…

A renewed emphasis on arts education has come after a period of neglect during the 1980s and early 1990s when the arts were often slighted as school budgets grew tight and as educational priorities shifted to the basic academic subjects. Recently, results of several research studies have confirmed the advantages of student participation in arts…

Eight priority recommendations are outlined for attracting and preparing teachers, developing the new teachers, improving the teaching climate, and rewarding effective teaching. Consideration is given to issues related to effective teaching within the framework of seven areas: (l) early student interest; (2) entry into teacher education; (3)…

This report examines the philosophy, policies, programs, methodologies, services, and organizational structures that relate to the education of students between 4 and 9 years of age. Sections of the report address: (1) the relation between development and learning; (2) school readiness; (3) early learning programs; and (4) partnerships among…

Recommendations of the Maryland Task Force on Gifted and Talented Education concerning the current status and future needs of gifted and talented education are presented. Recommendations are offered concerning the following issues: appropriate recognition of giftedness and services for all gifted and talented students, world-class curricular…

These proceedings contain the texts of the following papers: "Relationship of the Governor's Employment and Training Council to Vocational Education and Economic Development" by George Merrill; "How to Manage Vocational Programs to Meet Industrial Needs" by John R. Nauright; "County Connections: The Montgomery County…

A National conference was held to examine State policies and practices for helping disabled youth make the school-to-work transition more successfully. The focus of the first day of the conference was on transitional programs currently in existence in Maryland, Michigan, and New York. The first part of the second day's activities involved the…