This guidebook is designed to support state and local leaders in the first step in the improvement process, the development and facilitation of a needs assessment. The guidebook does the following: (1) Reviews some of the major school-improvement-related needs assessment requirements found in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as…

States across the country are urgently building and initiating systems to improve schools, including those identified as low-performing under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). With their state ESSA plans approved by the U.S. Department of Education in 2017-2018, state education agencies (SEAs) are moving forward to carry out the vision,…

This hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions examines the innovative approaches states are taking in their state plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act, a law this Committee recommended and passed to fix No Child Left Behind. Following opening statements by Honorable Lamar Alexander (Chairman, Committee on Health,…

This document has been conceived to facilitate reflection and guide countries in optimizing the potential of their education policy dialogue and sector coordination mechanisms. It brings into focus the possible core functions of the local education group, the main challenges to realizing these functions and the key principles for ensuring…

In September 2016, Queen's University launched the first, fully online, 4-year Bachelor of Health Science degree program in Canada. This paper reports on the developmental structure, implementation philosophy, and challenges in the development of this competency-based program. All stakeholders directly involved in program development were invited…

This article reviews literature that emphasizes how both research findings and practical applications have confirmed the fundamental importance of program implementation in the spread of successful character education interventions. Attention is given to defining implementation, explaining its major elements and why it is so important, discussing…

Educational policy borrowing is almost the norm in today's policy making, partly because of globalisation, the rise in information and communication technology, and the involvement of external stakeholders in higher education governance. However, the reasons, applications, and results obtained from the adoption and implementation of borrowed…

Chronic absenteeism is often referred to as a problem hidden in plain sight (Chang & Romero, 2008). In recent years, more communities around the United States have been intentional on improving student attendance and limiting the impact of chronic absenteeism. Using qualitative interviews, we sought to understand how one community was…

Cedefop is one of the oldest European Union (EU's) decentralised agencies. Founded in 1975 and based in Greece since 1995, Cedefop supports development of European VET policies and contributes to their implementation. The Agency is helping the European Commission, EU Member States and the social partners to develop and implement the right European…

Computer science (CS) education helps students acquire skills such as computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Since these skills take preeminence in the rapidly changing 21st century, CS education promises to significantly enhance student preparedness for the future of work and active citizenship. Based on prior analyses and…

This annual report demonstrates the value of Cedefop's work and the ingredients of the Agency's success: being a step ahead, understanding current trends, and a solid knowledge and evidence base on vocational education and training (VET), skills and qualifications. Continuity and innovation characterise the achievements of Cedefop in 2019--a year…

The SSIP [State Systemic Improvement Plan] Phase II Process Guide describes the steps needed to accomplish the work of the three components of Phase II. Thus, the SSIP Phase II Process Guide is organized according to the following sequential phases of work to be done, rather than by the three components: (1) Kicking off Phase II; (2) Developing…

In December 2015, the U.S. Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and, with it, ushered in a new era of education policy in America. Leaving behind many of the most criticized aspects of its predecessor, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), this new incarnation of the primary federal legislation guiding K-12 education provides state and…

In light of the growing negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national labour markets and people's lives and livelihoods, the role of career guidance has become ever more important to individuals, families, communities, the workforce, employers and society. This report is based on a flash joint international survey, designed to provide a…

Based on 65 interviews and secondary information, this study evaluated the programme, process and political dimensions of the Ghana Free Senior High School Education (SHS) Policy. The evidence from the data showed that the programme and its political dimensions were emphasised to the neglect of the process dimension. Effectiveness, one of the…