Profiles current kindergarten policies and practices concerning six issues. Issues include (1) school entry age; (2) length of school day; (3) placement criteria; (4) retention practices; (5) beginning reading instruction; and (6) teaching strategies and instructional resources. Reviews research on policy alternatives and identifies the optimum…

The unique partnership of the University System of Maryland, Maryland State Department of Education, and Maryland Higher Education Commission has created rich opportunities for collaboration to improve K-16 education and articulation. The relationships and the results in mathematics and writing are described, with Towson University offered as a…

This article provides an overview of policymaking in relation to state and local district testing and accountability and concludes by identifying continuing policy issues and strategies for local implementation of standards-based secondary education that aligns with current testing and accountability policies. Governance models for curriculum…

This case is about the clash between traditional community values and multicultural values in the context of same-sex couples at a high school prom. Within this context, a new principal must deal with competing personal and professional values, as well as the competing divergent views of district level administrators, school board members,…

After reviewing the controversy over traditional grading systems, the pros and cons of various grading systems, and recent practices in reporting and marking pupil progress, the authors present the results of a survey in which 341 districts responded about their reporting and marking practices. The results are broken down by the size of the…

After reviewing the controversy over traditional grading systems, the pros and cons of various grading systems, and recent practices in reporting and marking pupil progress, this report presents the results of a survey in which 341 districts responded about their reporting and marking practices. The results are broken down by the size of the…

Parent involvement in their children's schooling results in improved student performance, attitudes, and self-concepts, along with decreased dropout, suspension, and absenteeism rates. Increased involvement also provides necessary community feedback to the school, encourages positive parent-teacher-student relations, and creates a more informed…

The report summarizes six meetings held during 1995 by the Idaho Legislative Committee on Governance of Higher Education. At the first meeting, the state governor outlined the context for the Committee's work and discussed the report of a task force on higher education planning concerning the appointment of a Board of Regents. The second meeting…

This report provides an agenda suggested by the Council on Early Childhood Development to guide the new Interagency Advisory Committee for Early Childhood Development and Education in its efforts to improve the lives of children and families in Maryland. Discussion of the current state of children's services in Maryland is followed by a…

Based on countywide interviews with transportation and child care personnel in Westchester County, New York, this report describes current practices, legislation, and issues related to the transportation of elementary school children to and from child care providers. Following a brief introduction, the report discusses various regulated and…

Designed to be perused at any point, this book is for people who understand that creating and maintaining good public schools is a never-ending effort requiring everyone's attention. The book has four main sections: introduction, strategies, background information, and resources. The introduction discusses some problems facing today's schools and…

In order to help local school boards develop and implement early childhood programs that best serve families in their communities, this monograph chronicles the world of early childhood programs and examines the role of groups and institutions that serve young children, including the public schools, parents, social service agencies, and business.…

This investigation was conducted to identify the level of attainment, the degree of sophistication, and the extent to which preservice teachers at Eastern Kentucky University are aware of, understand, appreciate, respect, and value multicultural education. Kentucky recognizes the significance of diversity and includes it in its valued learners…

After reviewing the San Diego (California) City Schools Board of Education policy on parent involvement and outlining responsibilities of principals, teachers, and school support staff regarding parent involvement, this document summarizes the benefits of parent involvement for students, parents, and teachers as indicated by related research and…

Emphasizing outcome-oriented planning and management, innovation, and flexibility, this document discusses the renewal needed in Missouri public education in the 1990s and offers suggestions for educational change. Four major recommendations are presented that include creating a performance-oriented system; increasing prevention efforts; providing…