As the teacher representative on the Mississippi Board of Education, the author often has the opportunity to hear about many educational programs and initiatives during their early stages of development. One particular initiative presented to the state board in 2010 was the Common Core State Standards. After reading and studying the standards, the…

In the country's multilingual, multicultural schools, English language learners (ELLs)--students eligible to receive language support to access and achieve grade-level content--are the fastest growing K-12 population. Demographic trends of the past decade indicate a steady rise in the number of English language learners to over five million…

This article discusses how three student populations are faring with graduation rates. These include the following: (1) English language learners (ELLs); (2) students with disabilities; and (3) rural school students. (Contains 1 figure, 2 tables and 31 endnotes.)

Based on the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recent report, this article provides the foundation for state accountability systems that focus on improvement. Contains NASBE's proposed Public Policy Position on Low Performing Schools. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/MLF)

A study of five high-poverty districts making strides in improving student achievement revealed that these districts focused on systemwide strategies including new approaches to professional development; making decisions based on data, not instinct; and redefining leadership roles. (MLF)

Evaluates the effectiveness of city and state takeovers of school districts to bring about school reform. Finds, for example, that city takeovers are linked to increases in student achievement in elementary schools and that when state takeovers produce administrative and political turmoil, student achievement suffers. (Contains 15 references.)…