State Programs of School Improvement, 1983: A 50-State Survey. Working Paper No. 1.

In 1982, the Education Commission of the States conducted an initial survey of school improvement programs to document state efforts to improve the quality of education in the public schools. Based on a new survey conducted in June and July of 1983, this paper updates the earlier survey and describes state-level school improvement activities begun in 1983. Preceding the descriptions of state programs, introductory material indicates general characteristics of the school improvement initiatives. A table illustrates state activities in nine areas of program provision: school improvement programs, effective schools projects, district/school planning requirements, local instruction program review, new curriculum development efforts, new accreditation standards, dissemination or adoption assistance, technical assistance through intermediate units, and statewide mandates for student testing. (RH)