As the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act comes up for reauthorization in Congress this year, everyone is taking sides. The detractors believe the law should be called "No School Left Standing" and fear that its real intent is to destroy public education. The supporters believe that NCLB has banished mediocrity and exposed the dirty little…

To the extent to which Connecticut is representative of other states, it can be concluded that the discrepancy between legislative enactment of Public Law 94-142 and organizational implementation may not be of extended duration. (Author/IRT)

Although seriously needing clarification and cleanup, California's charter legislation is demonstrating its capacity as an educational policy power tool. The legislation favors strong elements of the existing system, including dedicated, forward-thinking staff, boards, and union leaders. Weak elements--micromanaging boards, unsupportive central…

Among nearly 40 States attempting to apply the accountability principle to school operation by legislative fiat, Michigan is clearly a leader. This exhaustive study reveals disturbing defects in Michigan's plan, particularly in the assessment component. (Editor)

According to two recent state surveys, much existing state legislation pays only lip service to the importance of parent participation. Staffing and funding levels are inadequate. Despite decades of federal legislation and support for parental involvement, most states have not passed enabling legislation or developed policies and written…

A recent Thomas B. Fordham Foundation report rated California Mathematical Standards first among the states and ahead of Japan. There was nothing in the midcentury precollegiate mathematics curriculum that is irrelevant today or not required by competent schools. A national mathematics curriculum is reflected in the nation's standardized testing.…

Outlines California's major educational reform legislation during 1980's and describes a Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) study of policy implementations. Results show that nearly all schools correctly implemented key provisions of S.B. 813, that state level reform can be effective when accompanied by cohesive local strategizing,…

Support for Minnesota's cross-district public school choice laws is strong. In 1992, 76% of Minnesotans favored choice as 1 part of the comprehensive reforms needed. This article debunks seven widely circulated myths about the state's choice plans, particularly regarding program effects, benefits for disadvantaged students, parental selection…

Since 1989, the Chicago Public Schools have been undergoing a major restructuring that has shifted responsibility for running schools from the central board and administrative staff to local school councils comprised of lay people. The reform legislation aimed to raise achievement, attendance, and graduation rates to national norms. On these three…