Innovative programs at Utah community and technical colleges are described and other topics of interest to faculty, staff, and administrators are addressed in this collection of articles. The journal contains the following articles by Utah two-year college faculty members: (1) "Open Access and Academic Excellence at Dixie College," by…

An edited transcript of a discussion on innovative ways to improve teacher education is presented. The moderator was W. Robert Houston, and the "resource persons" were Fred Wood of Pennsylvania State University and Dwight Allen of Old Dominion University. Wood and Allen are introduced, and their suggestions for improving staff…

The British Open University (OU) offers university degree programs to adults who are employed and study at home. It does so through a nationwide universal access (open admission) policy. A key feature of this program is that it imposes traditional university standards of excellence. Access is not limited by formal entry requirements, geography,…

This paper examines how English language learners (ELLs) are provided for in the U.S. public school system and whether they are receiving an equitable education. It focuses on: the development of assessment and accountability in the education of ELLs; the education of ELLs in San Francisco, California, whether there was great controversy over how…

This report begins with a brief history of the City University of New York (CUNY), including the institution of its "Open Admissions Policy," and the end to free tuition. During the late 70's and early 80's, CUNY began to bring order to the chaos of remedial experiments brought on by open admissions. Assessment tests in reading, writing,…

This report is part of a series of Idea Books designed to help schools and communities work together to strengthen education so all students can achieve high academic standards. It is specifically designed to help administrators and teachers seeking to understand how Title I, Title VII, and other programs assist educators in helping Hispanic…

This series of special reports argues that states must use their newly established, more rigorous standards to (1) provide teachers with the skills and knowledge required to teach to the higher academic standards and (2) provide students with additional opportunities to learn and to achieve the higher standards. This report presents a number of…

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program has begun to attract attention as an alternative approach to enhancing the academic preparation of college-bound high school students. The rigorous, comprehensive, two-year curriculum offers eleventh- and twelfth-grade students the opportunity to take college-level coursework and exams while also…

This report provides demographic data on students attending New York City Adult Literacy Initiative (NYCALI) programs. It specifies the number of students served by each literacy provider agency (LPA) and the types of classes they attend. It includes data on total instructional hours offered, total hours of student attendance, enrollment figures…

Outlines criteria of distance education success established by both the state of Iowa and the Federal Star School program. Discusses progress made by Iowa toward federal goals, including infrastructure development, service to underserved learners, improved instruction, increased professional development, greater access to electronic technologies,…

Presents seven brief essays addressing recent research efforts and policy initiatives aimed at reforming the history curriculum. Notes that policy recommendations are rarely informed by research on either historical or pedagogical thinking. Authors include Keith C. Barton, Matthew T. Downey, Terrie L. Epstein, Linda S. Levstik, Peter Seixas,…

Defines political geography as a discipline specifically concerned with territorial organization and power and how these impact human and political processes. Traces the development of the discipline from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Discusses reasons for its fall from academic grace and its eventual resurgence. (MJP)

Maintains that professional development based on competency-based education and training is growing. Reviews postsecondary inservice teacher education programs. Argues that democratic traditions in teaching and learning should be included in professional development programs. (CFR)

Describes School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000 physical education (PE)-related findings about state-, district-, and school-level requirements and policies, standards and guidelines, student assessment, evaluation, PE for students with disabilities, collaboration, staffing and professional preparation, recess, and interscholastic sports…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) House Subcommittee Passes Education Funding Bill: Overall Education Spending Essentially Flat, Striving Readers…