Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in an effort to address failures in the educational system across the country, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA 2004). The writer points out that the effectiveness of these laws has been challenged in many states and in local jurisdictions. The writer then discusses that Bibb County is one of the areas that has put these laws into force and that has monitored their progress to see how effective they may be, with mixed results. The writer looks at this issue on the basis of the three criteria of efficiency, adequacy, and equity and notes that the system was found to be wanting in all three areas. The writer concludes that efforts have been made to streamline the system and to assure equity, and this process is ongoing throughout the system.

From the Paper
"In Bibb County, Georgia the School Board works with the Georgia Department of Education to implement provisions of the law, and the board reports that since the law has been in place, system test scores have been rising. According to the Board, using Georgia's Criterion Referenced Competency Tests, third graders able to meet or exceed the standards on the Reading portion have increased by eight percent, while fifth graders meeting or exceeding standards on the Mathematics portion have increased 20 percent. If a school achieves Adequate Yearly Progress under the NCLB, based on several factors including test scores, for three or more years in a row, that school earns the distinction of being cited as a Distinguished School."

Tags:special, education, laws, funds, students

Abstract
This paper describes in depth how the "No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program has been implemented by the Bibb County schools. The paper further relates how Bibb County has monitored the success of this program.

From the Paper
In an effort to address failures in the educational system across the country, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA 2004). These laws are companion pieces and refer to one another internally. The intent from the first was to provide a seamless structure of supports for both general and special education. The effectiveness of these laws has been challenged in many states and in local jurisdictions. Bibb County is one of the areas that has put these laws into force and that has monitored their progress to see how effective they may be, with mixed results. The NCLB can be difficult to understand given that it is comprised of nine

Tags:schools, laws, programs

Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a study to explore which system offers the greatest benefits to increasing physical activity in students; an incorporated sport and education system (as in the United States) or a segregated system (as in the United Kingdom). To examine this area of limited research, this study proposes to assess the effectiveness of the after-school sports programs in the United Kingdom compared to the system employed in the United States. The writer explains that the term "separated system" describes the after-school sports programs that are operated on a voluntary basis without funding from the school. The term "incorporated system" describes the after-school sports program that are operated and funded by the school.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review

From the Paper
"Physical inactivity levels of children have inevitably led to the increase in obesity which is a problem of epidemic proportion with no definitive solution. Obesity is commonly described as a complex issue with many variables, such as lifestyle, diet, physical activity, physical inactivity, social-economic status, etc... Statistics from the United States shed light on how substantial the problem is by stating that one third of children and teens are overweight or obese. Levels in the United Kingdom are of a similar range with 31% of boys and 29% of girls being overweight or obese (National Health Service 2010). Obese children, who are not physically active, are at increased risk of significant short-term health problems such as hypertension, insulin resistance, respiratory problems, orthopaedic complications and are at risk of the possibility of developing adulthood obesity. Research has shown that the health risks of obesity are overwhelming but, most importantly, they are preventable with physical activity."

Tags:after-school, program, sports, extra, curricular, students, physical, activity

Abstract
This paper examines a budget of a school district in Georgia. The school district in question is the Bibb County School District which has a budget of approximately $180m. The budget is separated into two broad categories: revenues and expenditures with various sub-categories within each. The paper explains that approximately 67% of the school district's budget is committed directly to student education and education related programs.

From the Paper
"The school district in question is the Bibb County School District which has a budget of approximately $180m. The budget is separated into two broad categories: revenues and expenditures with various sub-categories within each. Approximately 67% of the school district's budget is committed directly to student education and education related programs. Finance and Budgets Overview A typical budget consists of many different components that are each .. "

Tags:revenue, education

Abstract
This paper explains that experts have a hard time agreeing on the causes and risks of autism, which is a spectrum disorder; however, there is a general agreement that it is a devastating disorder impacting social skills in ways that are far reaching. The author proposes a research study to determine if pre-school programs designed for disabled children are effective methods for helping children with autism develop their social skills and thus increase their ability to communicate. The paper reports that the research will use the case study method studying ten selected participants. The author will gather information using a multi-dimensional approach of interviews with the family members and teachers, observations and empirical data from program records.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background of Study
Purpose of Study
Significance of Study
Research Questions
Assumptions
Delimitation
Definitions
Literature Review
Proposed Methodology
Exploring the Options
"What Is Methodology?
Literature Review
This Study Proposal Choice
Participants
Data Analysis
Limitations of Study
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Children with autism often fail to develop appropriate social skills and are consequently treated differently by their school peers. In addition, their reactions to teachers and other personnel at the school may be inappropriate because they do not have the developed social skills needed to react appropriately. By the time children start school they have usually developed social skills that can help them navigate the day and the tasks that are required of them. For children with autism the inability to socially communicate can make the day difficult at best and impossible to navigate at worst."

Tags:case, devastating, peers, interviews, spectrum

Abstract
Specifically, the current study examines the following areas: 1) employment preparation, 2) adaptive skills, 3) academic skills, and 4) transition planning. Research and data used in the analysis are based on the course text as well as several other professional publications by experts in the field. Findings of the current study reveal that these components represent a comprehensive and critical framework for helping mentally retarded students prepare successfully for a meaningful and fulfilling life as a productive member of society.

From the Paper
"The following study discusses the components of an effective secondary school program for students with mental retardation. Specifically, the current study examines the following areas: 1) employment preparation, 2) adaptive skills, 3) academic skills, and 4) transition planning. Research and data used in the analysis are based on the course text as well as several other professional publications by experts in the field. Findings of the current study reveal that these components represent a comprehensive and critical framework for helping mentally retarded..."

Tags:mental retardation, special ed, idea

Abstract
This paper analyzes the program improvement plan guide of Minnesota School District # 279. It presents the general aims of a school improvement plan and the areas in which the program aims to support the schools. The paper then looks at how a program could be implemented into a school. Finally, the paper focuses on Minnesota School District # 279 and how the program could be implemented there.

Table of Contents:
School Program Improvement Plan
How is it Undertaken?
The Program Improvement Plan Process Guide of District 279

From the Paper
"The process of improving a school program is a continuous one, it evolves as needs arise. Therefore, implementation and conceptualization is not easy. It needs to be constantly assessed and tested if the program still works according to the demand of the time. The plan to improve the school program is undertaken by a committee or team through the following key steps: a.) Select a reform model, by first assessing the needs of the school so you can decide on which models to adopt, building a knowledge base, becoming familiar with school reform models, determining evidence of effectiveness, making informed selection, and finalizing arrangements with model developer. b.) Design a comprehensive program by reallocating resources and developing action plan. c.) Implement the program by providing leadership, fostering positive relations between administrative staff and the community, looking for early successes, managing the plan, securing external support, checking for possible abrupt improvements. d.) Use evaluation for continuous school improvement by setting standards, promoting a climate for data-driven accountability, monitoring implementation, planning changes, evaluating outcomes, using multiple measures, informing stake holders and creating a user friendly data storage system."

Tags:knowledge, assessment, teachers

Abstract
This paper describes, analyzes and evaluates a school program about teaching critical thinking skills through the history class. It further discusses using the CSCL tool, a Tablet PC- or a Notebook- based classroom interaction system can be harnessed to enhance the argumentation process. The teacher is able to collect and review students' work in real time, incorporating selected students' answers into the discussion. The paper posits that the application of technology as illustrated in this work can bring similar benefits to the instruction in other disciplines. Various scholars are cited that address the importance of critical thinking skills in education and their specific application to teaching history. Then, the paper describes the design of this study, which includes detailing the CSCL software tool. Research questions and the approach are listed along with the questionnaire that was used in the study. The answers to this questionnaire are evaluated and the paper concludes by summarizing the effectiveness of the CSCL instrument.

Outline:

Research Questions
Introduction
Method
Sample
Design
CSCL Tool
Research Questions
Research Approach/Procedure
Schedule for the Research
Pre- and Post-Study Questionnaire Responses for Group A (n=20)
Pre- and Post-Study Questionnaires Responses for Group B (n=140)
Findings for Research Question 2
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The method employed in this study is an experimental static-group comparison design, which will be used in the assessment of the effectiveness of the CSCL tool in the development of students' critical thinking skills in the subject area of history. The length of this study will be one semester (20 weeks). A questionnaire and test will be administered during pre- and post-study. The researcher and teachers will further, through observations, evaluate the study. The data generated will be used for analysis in answering the questions that this research posed."

Tags:problem-solving, critical thinking, CSCL software, history education

Abstract
The paper describes a preschool program for ages 3 to 5 years that employs Maria Montessori's principles, albeit with some refinements. The paper explains the space and material requirements and looks at the teacher assistance to be provided. The paper reveals that the preschool program envisioned has been shown to be effective in thousands of preschool settings and it can be successful in thousands of others as well.

Outline:
Space Requirements and Materials
Teacher Assistance Required and Classroom Administration
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The space provided by this envisioned pre-school program would require an typical classroom environment, with designated play, reading, art and rest areas; other features would include age-appropriate reading materials (e.g., Cat in the Hat et al.), tables and chairs, and basic art supplies (i.e., Elmer's, construction paper, crayons, modeling clay, paints and brushes, pipe-cleaners, glitter [teacher discretion], etc.), and toys and games (i.e., Chutes 'n Ladders, Candyland, balls, jacks, pick-up-sticks, jigsaw puzzles, etc.). Regardless of what type of materials are provided in the preschool classroom using this approach, though, it is important to keep in mind the Montessori principle of a providing a controlled (i.e., limited) environment."

Tags:space, material, teacher, assistance

Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a comparison between two different schools and educational programs. The writer notes that when observing the structure of education within the context of two different schools, it is important to use standardized criteria. The writer points out that during recent observations, the criteria used were: program philosophy, climate and dispositions, content, delivery, assessment and family involvement.

From the Paper
"Each of these criteria focused on exploring the intangible elements of education. Rather than looking at curriculum choice (which is dominated by districts and school boards) bulletin boards, or specific program configurations, this form of observation seeks to examine the "how" of classroom management and student engagement with the learning process. The point, of this kind of study, is to present a view of education that encompasses the nuances of teaching that books, lectures, and classroom experiences cannot provide."

Tags:school, program, comparison