ECS High School Database: Highlights of Local Initiatives - This database identifies innovative and proven state and district high school reform efforts. To be included in the database, initiatives need to meet all of the following criteria: (1) Serving a substantial population of traditionally underserved students (minority, low-income, special needs, first-generation college students, etc.) (2) Stable - most initiatives in this database have been in place for at least three years, although ECS is allowing exceptions for programs producing outstanding results. (3) Producing results based on data rather than anecdote or perception. Results may be measured in improved student attendance, graduation rates, student achievement, postsecondary transition rates, etc. (4) Replicable - that efforts can be reproduced elsewhere and do not hinge on the impact of one extraordinary leader. (5) Fiscally sustainable. (6) Bold/innovative. (Education Commission of the States) ...

Making Education Dollars Work: Issue Briefs - Issue briefs prepared for the 2011 Governors Education Symposium. Sessions addressed include "Advancing Education Reform with Limited Resources", "Improving Postsecondary Completion and Productivity", "Preparing Career- and College-Ready Students", and "Measuring and Evaluating Effective Teaching." Included in the briefs are promising practices and ideas for action. (NGA Center for Best Practices, 2011)...