An analysis of the experiences of two states perceived as school choice innovators, Iowa and Nebraska, is presented in this paper. Three problem areas contributed to uncertainty are identified: classroom capacity, transportation, and funding. Recommendations include: limited parental choice; establishing enrollment loss ceilings; clear governance…

This two-part anthology of research summaries examines the potential of magnet schools to provide equal education and educational access for minority group children and reviews successful magnet programs. Part 1, "Magnet Schools, Desegregation, and Choice," contains the following chapters: (1) "Using Magnet Schools for…

A study of the 1989 graduates of postsecondary vocational-technical programs in Montana was designed to provide insight into how graduates selected the schools, their level of satisfaction with training and student services provided while they were in school, and information on their present employment and plans for the future. Survey packets were…

This guide to college selection for learning disabled (LD) students was based on questionnaire responses received from 255 colleges, junior colleges, and universities in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. An initial chapter discusses decision making…

Testimony concerning innovative state and local programs which expand family choice in education, and the Federal government's role in facilitating such programs, is presented. Testimony reviews research findings that bear on the issue, variables involved in planning educational choice, reforms proposed in the Minnesota plan for K-12 education,…

The study was designed to determine the effectiveness of an accelerated eighth-grade algebra program offered in the Bryan Independent School District since 1975. The major questions posed were: Have pupils been successful as eighth graders and in subsequent high school mathematics courses? (2) Have students been electing upper-level mathematics…

As interest in tuition tax credits has increased, one of the central issues has become the likely loss (or cost) that would result from adopting such a plan. In this paper the author first analyzes the likely independent effects of changes in the four major characteristics of tax credits (scope of eligibility, maximum amount, proportion of costs…

This document presents briefing papers for the seven gubernatorial task forces proposed in the National Governors' Association Action Plan for Attaining Educational Excellence. An introductory section discusses the complementary responsibilities of Federal, State, and local governments for assuring access to educational opportunities for all…

The Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) (section 9532 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) requires that each State receiving funds under the ESEA establish and implement a statewide policy requiring that students attending a persistently dangerous public elementary or…

In the past eight years, Chicago has created an excellent charter school model with help from across the city. Mayor Richard Daley supported the reform, Chicago Public Schools developed a thoughtful and proactive approval process, business and civic leaders championed the movement and provided technical support, and teachers and community groups…

This report is the first in a series exploring a variety of the organizational spaces being developed under strategies to change and improve K-12 education in Minnesota. One strategy seeks to create an environment that focuses on creating new and different schools and with them new choices for students and families. These reports are designed to…

This study was geared foremost to the needs and interests of district leaders and seeks to help them understand RSO/district relationships and make informed decisions about collaborating with external organizations. Its findings can also be of use to other key leaders of school reform such as school board members and other elected and appointed…

This study examines how the federal government and states prepare to implement the No Child Left Behind Act. Researchers reviewed states' consolidated applications for federal grants; conducted telephone interviews with officials in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 8 school districts; and reviewed relevant research. The study addresses…

This paper is for policymakers, advocates, and analysts who understand that the issues surrounding the introduction of more market-based mechanisms into education are complex and who accept the view that evidence is useful in sorting out the issues. It uses the market framework of demand, supply, and market pricing to organize the extensive but…

This document strives to answer questions about school choice, such as What does school choice mean?, What does school choice look like?, and What are the likely consequences of giving parents greater voice in their children's education? Reports are grouped into three thematic chapters. In chapter 1, "Public-Public Choice," reports include:…