This National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) "First Look" report introduces new data for the universe of public elementary and secondary schools and agencies in the United States in school year (SY) 2014-15. Specifically, this report includes statistics that describe: (1) the numbers and types of public elementary and secondary…

When confronted with the problems of urban school districts, such as an ever-increasing achievement gap, the underfunding of school districts, increased shortages of qualified teachers, greater emphasis on accountability, and the loss of public confidence, African American superintendents have considerable difficulty leading their school…

For over four decades, American policymakers have focused their attention on readying young children for school. Despite noble policy efforts, durable investments and a persistent belief in the ability of early childhood education to offset social inequities, significant challenges exist for America's urban young children as they enter school.…

Presents an overview of recent desegregation litigation. Focuses on cases concerning the scope of judicial authority to order interdistrict remedies; responsibility for financing desegregation efforts; and alternatives to busing. Reports that although negotiated settlements are now being reached more frequently, the end of judicial monitoring is…

Summarizes research findings concerning the leadership and management changes discovered following implementation of Chicago's school reform efforts. The authors discuss the implications for systemic change and the unique challenges that face urban districts as a result of public school reform. (GLR)

In this report, seven programs in selected urban school districts which have been successful in building effective coalitions are identified and described. The programs discussed include: (1) the Business Operations Assistance Program (BOAP) and (2) the Memphis Rotary/Memphis Public Schools Program, both in Memphis, Tennessee; (3) the Greater…

Master teachers working in real urban classrooms have shared their exemplary teaching practices in an After-School Pedagogical Laboratory (L-TAPL), a program for elementary students that aims to improve the achievement of urban students and the competence of their teachers. The L-TAPL enrichment program curriculum includes language arts, math,…

This document outlines practical considerations involved in planning schoolwide projects funded under Title I Chapter 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 1975. A schoolwide project is a project conducted by a school district to upgrade the entire educational program of a school that has an enrollment of at least 75 percent low-income…

Outlines three effective schools projects: (1) Project RISE (Milwaukee), (2) the Effective Schools Project (Chicago); and (3) Project SHAL (Saint Louis). For each project, details administrative and instructional support arrangements, system-wide initiatives, outcomes, and future directions. Summarizes the main issues in creating effective…

This paper reviews the literature on urban school dropouts and the experiences of superintendents in attempting to lower the dropout rate. The paper is divided into two major sections. Part I examines how a mixture of societal, community, family and other influences increase the chances that an at-risk student will experience little success in…

The prospect of simultaneous cuts in Federal and State aid to public school education in some States poses a serious threat to large cities which suffer financial stress and face the added responsibility of educating large numbers of poor black and Hispanic children. Financial needs that might result from cuts in Federal aid cannot be met by State…

Investigates the combination of expenditure and revenue problems facing central-city school districts. Examines educational overburden, related overburden, and cost differentials between central city and other types of districts. Also looks at tax capacity and efforts, and analyzes the effects of Federal and State activity on the problems of city…

This report presents tables summarizing test results statewide for ninth-grade students who took the New Jersey High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) in April, 1987. The HSPT consists of reading, writing, and mathematics sections, and must be passed as one of the requirements for a high school diploma. Data include percent passing, mean score, and…

This report summarizes test results statewide for tenth-grade students who took the New Jersey High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) in April, 1987. The HSPT consists of reading, writing, and mathematics sections, and must be passed as one of the requirements for a high school diploma. The tenth-grade students who were tested consisted of students…

This book contains reports on ten school districts' responses to court ordered desegregation. The book begins with an historical background and a discussion of racial politics and community conflict. Following the introduction are the ten case studies, whose titles reveal the city and issues under examination: (1) "Boston, Massachusetts:…