This unique collection of essays seeks to identify the most pressing needs for policy interventions aimed at extending social mobility and life chances. It provides a valuable synthesis of evidence on the effectiveness of recent policy interventions.

The recent emphasis on educational reform has led to many books on initiating school improvement, but relatively few focus on how to sustain reform efforts so that improvements have a lasting impact.

Vol. 1 of Foundations, a monograph series published by the National Science Foundation to serve those working to better science, mathematics and technology education in the U.S. Examines opportunities and challenges for those at the front line of science education in elementary and middle schools. Designed as a resource for teachers and administrators who have not yet implemented a program of inquiry-based science education, and a short introduction for those beginning the complex and difficult journey of science education reform based on the experiences of educators working in the field today.

Prior to 1983, South Carolinas public education system was ranked 49th out of the fifty states in terms of standardized testing, school funding, parental involvement and other measured criteria. With several corporations moving their corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities into the state, South Carolinas weak public school system came to the forefront as a major concern in the states efforts to draw in businesses. In 1983, South Carolina installed a Business Education Partnership program (BEP) to monitor its public school system to improve teacher quality, student testing and school funding. This book chronicles these efforts under the leadership of Richard Riley who was South Carolinas governor at the time. During his reign from 1983 through 1989, Riley worked with the CEOs of major companies, school superintendents, politicians and the community to promote the BEP program. Rileys vibrant role was crucial in building and sustaining the success of the BEP and in highlighting public interest in school reform. Under Rileys leadership, South Carolinas public school system enjoyed significant improvement that has remained unmatched till this day. In this well-researched work, the success of the BEP program under Riley is documented as well as the programs eventual downfall after Rileys departure from office.

First Published in 1989. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Reviews the essential elements of planning, implementing, and sustaining school reform. Designed to assist policymakers and practitioners at the district, school, and community levels in creating strategies that will enable them to increase student learning. Eight key lessons, drawn from 12 major studies of education reform, identify a cluster of concerns relative to the reform process -- leadership, goals, timing, training, flexibility, infrastructure, managing resources, and self-assessment. Taken together, they emphasize a comprehensive, strategic, and common-sense approach to school reform. Includes planning guides and worksheets.