The State Education Standard
Vol. 4, No. 2
Summer 2003

Feature Articles:
From Sanctions to Solutions: Meeting the Needs of Low-Performing Schools

by Carla Claycomb and Mariana Haynes
Based on NASBE's recent report of the same title, this article provides the foundation for state accountability systems that focus on improvement.

The Challenge of Interventions: Can Failing Schools Be Fixed

by Ronald C. Brady
The author examines the many types of state and district interventions and draws conclusions and policy implications for education leaders.

 
Beyond Islands of Excellence: What Districts Can Do to Improve Instruction and Achievement in All Schools

by Wendy Togneri
A new study of five improving school systems provides lessons learned for districts and policy implications for states.

 
It Takes Head, Heart, and Hands to Succeed

by Jane Norwood
An inside look at the development and practice of North Carolina's School Improvement Teams.

 
Hopes and Hazards: No Child Left Behind and Low-Performing Public Schools

by Andrew J. Rotherham
The author discuss five key challenges policymakers and educators must overcome in order to make the federal law work.
 

Community Schools Improve Outcomes for Students, Families, Schools, and Communities

by Martin J. Blank and Bela P. Shah
New research into community school initiatives helps show how and why these schools are succeeding.

 
Policy Initiatives to Improve Urban Schools: An Agenda

by William L. Bainbridge, Thomas J. Lasley II, and Steven M. Sundre
The authors present fourteen practical policy actions that can make a difference in urban communities.

Departments:
Editor's Note

Executive Summary
A message from NASBE Executive Director Brenda Lilienthal Welburn

Washington Notebook
Surveying the federal education scene

State Innovations
Improving Reading Skills through Integrated Policies and Programs: The Case of Connecticut