Discusses "A Nation at Risk" in relation to the responsibility of college science teachers regarding the report, specifically the recommendations on content, standards and expectations, and teaching (including teacher education). Considers questions of leadership and the support of science education as political issues in the presidential and…

The impact of standards-based school reform practices on African American learners, especially those in special and remedial classes, is examined. A rationale is presented for standards-based reform that is culturally responsive and not premised on high-stakes, along with recommendations for school reform that focus on accountability while…

School business partnerships play a major role in educational reform. The New Jersey Governor suggests the following guidelines: (1) focus on disadvantaged urban and minority students; (2) increased student and teacher involvement; (3) accountability at all levels; and (4) learning how to learn. Eugene Lang's "I Have A Dream" programs…

In the mission statement that introduces this annual report, the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction defines the goals of revamping the state's "Essential Skills" program to reflect high academic standards and achievement, develop a fiscally responsible equitable school finance system, and reorganize the state department of…

Lessons from the 18-year institutional experience of Alverno College in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) with assessment for the improvement and verification of student learning are summarized. Principles are described that should inform a national assessment system with the dual purposes of improvement and accountability by incorporating the following key…

Shortcomings in the current student assessment program in Georgia are identified, proposed revisions are described, and additional changes are recommended. Georgia educators have complained that curricula place too much emphasis on basic skills, to the detriment of subjects like science and social studies. Reform legislation in Georgia has…

A study sought to determine the extent to which local accountability systems exist in vocational education and to describe the nature of the underlying relationships between such programs and their constituents. Data were collected through interviews from two local vocational education programs in each of five states (California, Florida,…

This is the report of a study that examined the relationship between the New York City school system and the external (social and political) environment of which the school system is a part. The study had two purposes: first, to determine the impact that external constituents of the school system have on internal policymaking and implementation;…

The discussion guide is a compilation of questions and background information, directed to educational planners and related to three major areas of concern: Education for Citizenship, Education to Make a Life, and Education to Make a Living. Education for Citizenship presents a list of general questions of a philosophical nature, followed by…

The primary objectives of the Mexican American Project at Sacramento State College are to prepare "agents of change" through the applied social sciences, to work within the culture of the schools, to increase the opportunities for the Mexican American learner, to further the concept of involvement of the Spanish-speaking community in the…

This document contains the legislation creating the National Committee for Analysis and Evaluation of the Educational System and the final report of that committee's first meeting. The report deals with each level from elementary to higher education. For each level it describes and considers curriculum, school buildings, human resources, current…

This report focuses squarely on strategies for instructional improvement in American high schools. Specifically, this study examines how high schools that perform below average incorporate their state's accountability goals into their own goals, identify their challenges, and search for strategies for instructional improvement. It focuses on how…

U.S. high school students' lack of preparedness has serious implications for the economy and prosperity. For most of the nation's history, manufacturing workers with modest formal education could earn decent wages. For roughly 60 percent of the jobs in today's labor market, at least some postsecondary education is needed, and that percentage is…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is President George W. Bush's education reform law passed by Republicans and Democrats in Congress. This guide for parents summarizes the main provisions of the law, answers common questions, and provides information on where to find additional resources. The first part of the guide provides an introduction and…

The research methodology of this study included both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Samples consisted of school counselors from 66 Victorian, 33 ACT, and 71 NSW schools in Australia. Findings show that building genuine partnerships between school and external communities requires lots of effort, commitment, and time. Effectiveness of a…