As conservatives consider ways to crash through the growing choke hold that college degrees have held in employers' hiring processes, one idea that has gained currency is allowing federal student aid to follow students to unaccredited providers of education. Conservatives have also shown interest in funding competency-based programs--in which…

This paper offers a critical review of a report published in March by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan titled "Improving Oversight of Michigan Charter Schools and Their Authorizers." The report argues that charter schools and charter school authorizers need more oversight. Making the case for this position might include…

Relative to earlier research, this study from the Center for Reinventing Public Education provides a more in-depth analysis of policy features across the 27 states that allow online charter schools. It presents a well-organized description of policy features and includes a set of policy recommendations that generally, but not always, follow well…

Describes methods used by Missouri's Industrial Technology Educational programs to develop an outcomes measuring instrument for accountability purposes. (Author)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of providing tenure in local school districts. Cites the case of the Patchogue-Medford School Board on Long Island, New York, which started denying tenure to qualified teachers because of one tenured teacher who is making a mockery of his position. (JOW)

Problems encountered during the implementation of a statewide educational accountability plan in Mississippi are typical of those reported in the literature. This article reviews the development of the plan, the direction of implementation process has taken, and proposals for the future. (PGD)

This report presents the legislative and budget priorities developed and adopted by the California Postsecondary Education Commission. The Commission believes that the intertwining principles of Access, Affordability, and Accountability are fundamental to the future of both California postsecondary education institutions and the students they…

Asserts that existing accountability policies assume that a single behaviorist theory is the one best system for effective education. Examines the pitfalls of the one-system approach through the examples of John Stuart Mill's utilitarian upbringing and "Gradgrindism" in Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times." (SK)

Presented are excerpts from speeches delivered at the New Jersey Education Association's Symposium on Teacher Evaluation. (SJL)

Discusses two educational issues: the constitutionality of competency-based education and the compatibility between this policy and contemporary scientific thought. The author presents her personal views on competency-based education and discusses the need for educational accountability on the part of teachers and other educational professionals.…

This review of statutory and case law contributing to the current litigious environment of colleges and universities identifies specific critical legal precedents affecting college presidents, especially increased personal liability. A list of 14 recommendations is attached. (DB)

Argues that for a community to maintain control over its public schools it must make the school board accountable for the performance of the school and all of its employees. The authors suggest a new approach to school-board elections, addresses key elements needed in state legislation, and explains the existing roadblocks to change. (GLR)

This article calls for proactive accountability in education in order to identify effective educational practices and appropriate expectations for student results at different grade levels. A proposed plan of action urges civic leaders to champion proactive accountability concerning knowledge about effective educational practices, to target state…

The California Assessment of Academic Achievement Act of 1995 mandates the development and adoption of statewide academically rigorous content and performance standards in core curriculum areas. This brochure summarizes the findings of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) standards task force. The brochure is organized around…

To date, only two states (Minnesota and California) have passed charter-school legislation. This report presents details from these two states regarding charter-school formation, including roles played by teachers and organizers, by local school boards as sponsors, and by county or state officials in providing an appeals process and technical…