Date sent: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 06:50:03 -0800
From: LindaP (Texas)
Subject: NCEE an overview of their programs

http://www.ncee.org/ourPrograms/overview.html

The National Center's Programs: An Overview

The National Center is organized to provide resources to schools, districts and states interested in standards-based reform. Currently, in addition to New Standards, we provide products and services in the following areas:

New StandardsTM - Student Performance Standards and Assessment Systems

Seminar Series - Professional Development for Standards-Based Reform

Customized Technical Assistance and Professional Development Program

National Alliance - Partnership Programs to Support Comprehensive Standards-Based Reform in States and School Districts

The Workforce Development Program - Resources for School-To-Work, Job Training and Labor Market Systems

New StandardsTM has produced the nation's most comprehensive and integrated internationally-benchmarked performance standards for the schools. New Standards has also developed a set of performance assessments in mathematics and English language arts that are matched to the standards. Assessments in science and applied learning are on the way.

Building on these standards and assessments, the National Center provides tools, professional development programs and technical assistance services to support standards-based school reform. These include a series of professional development seminars, customized technical assistance programs for districts and states, and an opportunity to participate in the National Alliance, a network with other districts and states committed to implementing a comprehensive program of standards-based reform. The components of the Alliance program include:

1. The use of state-of-the art systems of performance standards and assessments,

2. Development of curricula and instructional environments for students that are aligned with the standards,

3. Creation of school-to-work transition systems that help all students develop solid academic skills and the technical skills they will need to have rewarding careers,

4. Community supports and services for students who would otherwise have a hard time succeeding in school,

5. Fully engaging parents and other community members in the education of their children and

6. Redesigning the organization and management of schools and districts for high performance.

The National Center's Workforce Development Program provides assistance to states and communities interested in building comprehensive school-to-work, job training and labor market systems, based on systems of internationally-benchmarked academic and occupational standards. The Workforce Development Program has also benchmarked occupational skill standards and skill standards systems worldwide, and is providing technical assistance to the National Skill Standards Board of the United States as that body develops a skill standards system for this country.

Visit the Products section of our site for more information about how to obtain these products and services.