Assessment report

This report compiles analyses and policy recommendations on developing common standards and assessments, supporting timely use of data to inform decisions and to improve teaching and learning, and investing in research to prepare high school students for the global economy.
Pinkus, L. (2009). Meaningful Measurement: The Role of Assessments in Improving High School Education in the Twenty-First Century. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.
http://www.all4ed.org/files/MeaningfulMeasurement.pdf

Education accountability survey

Presents findings from a 2008-09 state-by-state survey of progress in aligning standards, graduation requirements, assessments, data systems, and accountability systems with colleges' and employers' expectations. Charts trends and lists resources.
Achieve, Inc. (February 2009). Closing the Expectations Gap 2009. Washington, DC: Achieve.
http://www.achieve.org/files/50-state-2009.pdf

Education policy report

Outlines the need to improve the K-12 and higher education systems to close the projected skills gap in the labor force. Recommends reducing high school dropout rates and increasing community college transfer rates and graduation rates at state colleges.
Johnson, Hans. (June 2009). Educating California: Choices for the Future. Sacramento: Public Policy Institute of California.
http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/report/R_609HJR.pdf

Computer Science Gender Gap Study

Research Reveals Another STEM Gender Gap: Computer Science
If the attitudes of high school students are a good predictor of eventual career choices, the future will continue to see computer science fields dominated by males. According to new research released by ACM and the W GBH Educational Foundation, compared with girls, more than twice as many boys see computer science as a "good" or "very good" choice as a college major. What's more, four times as many boys cited computer science as a "very good" career choice.
http://www.1105newsletters.com/t.do?id=2737008:1060431

Graduation rate report

This report describes federal policy on high school graduation rates and October 2008 regulations to improve data collection, calculation of graduation rates, and accountability, to support interventions in low-performing schools. Makes state policy recommendations.
Richmond, Eric. (2009). Every Student Counts: The Role of Federal Policy in Improving Graduation Rate Accountability. Alliance for Excellent Education.
http://www.all4ed.org/files/ESC_FedPolicyGRA.pdf

Web 2.0 in school study

Survey shows barriers to Web 2.0 in schools
Teachers and students are largely driving the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in schools, but human and technological barriers are holding back the use of these as learning tools in many classrooms, according to a new study underwritten by Lightspeed and NetTrekker. The Web 2.0 technologies that are most widely used in schools today are online communication tools for parents and students. Sixty-five percent of those polled said at least 75 percent of their teachers use online communications tools, and three-fourths of those polled said their district has a plan for adopting or promoting the use of these technologies.

Interactive Educational Systems Design. (2009). National Online Survey of District Technology Directors Exploring District Use of Web 2.0 Technologies.
http://new.nettrekker.com/surveyreport

Education technology report

This year’s Technology Counts report, titled , examines why e-learning is critical to reshaping the way K-12 education is delivered. Feature stories and analyses in this issue include:
Research Shows Evolving Picture of E-Education
Advanced Placement Secures Online Niche
Hunting the Internet for Quality Content
Teacher Training Goes in Virtual Directions
Lessons from the Ivory Tower
EdWeek. (2009). Breaking Away From Tradition: E-Education Expands Opportunities for Raising Achievement.
http://www.edweek.org/go/tc09