This report presents baseline findings from a 3-year study of state exit exams. The study involved data from all states with current or planned exit exams; case studies of five states; and research review. Researchers examined: why so many states are adopting high school exit exams, impacts of exit exams on students, what the exams are like, and…

The Learning Record is a framework teachers can use to translate their observations of students into a disciplined, systematic, standards-based reporting process. This guide offers all the information necessary to use the Learning Record in elementary school. The chapters are: (1) "Documenting Prior Experience"; (2) "Documenting Student Learning";…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

This report describes the first phase of a 3-year longitudinal case study to investigate how 6 selected schools in New Zealand meet their year 11 students' needs through the subject choices offered them. The study is set against the background of the introduction of the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA), a new…

This study sought the opinions of teachers, all members of the American Federation of Teachers, on issues such as student discipline, common academic standards, inclusion, professional development, and school reform. The telephone survey of a sample of 800 teachers from kindergarten through Grade 12 was conducted in Spring, 1995. Findings include…

This report addresses the relationship between state content standards and assessments and the essential components of effective reading instruction. The extent to which the essential components are addressed in the standards and assessments indicates the extent to which states have integrated the essential components into their reading…

This study examined professional development offered in South Carolina, how it was offered, support given to implement skills acquired from professional development, and how professional development enhanced academic goals outlined in district and school strategic plans. The paper describes characteristics of high quality professional development…

The school dropout problem in states that have a high percentage of at-risk students is analyzed, with special attention to Black and Hispanic students. Emphasis is placed on the probable effects of policies dealing with increased academic standards, the extended school day, and the extended school year. (JD)

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Accountability and assessment are critical components to the success of schools today. As leaders of school districts, superintendents in Texas and across the nation are faced daily with meeting this challenge. While doing so, they must remember that their priority commitment is not to testing programs, but to helping children achieve.…

Using various approaches to identify English language learners, several Pacific Region jurisdictions are developing English language proficiency standards and assessments aligned with those standards. Others are working on content standards, including language arts, and have expressed interest in developing English language proficiency standards…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

Recent literature on Professional Development Schools (PDSs) emphasizes outcomes, accountability, and sustainability. This paper addresses themes that influence PDS sustainability, describing the University of South Florida's (USF) examination of three PDS sites, which led to questioning of the impact of leadership transitions on PDS…

The Brooks Educational Quality Indicators project tested the premise that quality education in Brooks (Alberta) results from the right blend of attention to academics and developing character within a firm set of behavioral demands. The first stage of the study included data collection on district perceptions from teachers, staff, administrators,…

On April 5, 2002, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) entered into a compliance agreement with the U.S. Department of Education to bring the state into compliance with the provisions of the following federal laws: Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1994, P.L. 103-382 and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)…