In the Washington State juvenile justice system, serious or repeat offenders receive the full panoply of due process rights and procedures, with the exception of jury trials; minor offenders are diverted to community boards that require community service or victim restitution; and status offenders are removed from the courts' jurisdiction and…

When features of the "excellence" and "choice" movements in education are compared, these two orientations appear dissimilar. This article shows how the two can be united by broadening the definition of excellence so that all schools become schools of choice. Choice, then, becomes an ingredient in the pursuit of excellence. (VM)

The Foundation Center is a non-profit, independent organization formed and funded by grant-makers to keep track of how foundations use their money and to make the information available to the public. It will soon expand to publishing books to increase public understanding of philanthropy, develop electronic communication and computer-based…

Presents two articles which provide elementary school counselors with ideas to enhance their role and profession while coping with shrinking program resources or staffing patterns. Describes a comprehensive model incorporating context, input, process, and product aspects of accountability which can be used to fight reduction in force efforts. (JAC)

Reviews the status of student affairs programs in light of recent budget cuts. Presents an accountability model for student affairs based on four elements: (1) identification of goals; (2) development of alternative strategies; (3) periodic evaluation of personnel and program performance; and (4) inclusion of nonpractitioners in decision making.…

Discusses current interest in a standard national curriculum and standardized testing, including national teacher standards, flexibility on the local level, choice of textbooks, governance, and costs. Cites foreign examples and describes organizations already active in the movement. (DM)

Contends that, as career counseling shifts from educational to psychological focus, accountability issues become harder to address. Sees need for new model for career counseling evaluation, one that counselors consider relevant/practical, that can address formative and summative evaluation, and that is capable of embracing informal observations…

With the growth of online courses available for K-12 education, administrators should consider the following advice before implementing them in their schools: Plan carefully; think education, not technology; cooperate, do not compete; figure out the money. Includes a list of print and online reference materials on K-12 online education. (PKP)

The DfESs "Five-year strategy for children and learners" sets out the intentions of the Labour Government for its third term. Where necessary, its provisions will be subject to legislation in 2005. This article argues that the "Five-year strategy", like much education policy since 1997, ignores important reasons for inequality of educational…

University administrators are expected by federal agencies to detect, investigate, and judge scientific fraud and misconduct on their campuses. Both National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health place primary responsibility on universities for spotting cases of scientific misconduct. (MLW)

A plan for all of the state of Maryland's 13 public colleges and universities to be included in the University of Maryland System is discussed. The system would be governed by a board of regents, and each college would have a board of trustees to monitor campus issues. (MLW)

In many of the 40 states where assessment is required by state law or policy, faculty members and administrators have shaped assessment programs so that colleges have the flexibility to use several kinds of measurements, not just tests. Some of the political controversy brought about by assessment requirements are described. (MLW)

This document contains system responses to the California Performance Review. Each ETV contains a recommendation and a comment. Some sections of the report include: Restructure the Role of the Secretary for Education, Create an Education and Workforce Council, Consolidate Selected State Higher Education Agencies, and Eliminate Unnecessary Reports…

Suggests communication techniques to improve counselors' public relations with specific groups. An examination of goals and programs is needed to justify the continuation and expansion of school counseling programs. (JAC)

Discussed the State of Colorado's introduction of performance contracting into its relationships with community mental health centers. Describes the nature of the contract and its implementation. Particular emphasis is placed on the implications of the contract for program evaluation. (Author)