A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of playback machine operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. An alternative model of playback machine services was constructed and compared with existing network operations considering both cost and service. The alternative model was…

This report reports activities of the Regional Information Exchange (RIE) program under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research's Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Program. An overview compares the RIE program with a National Diffusion Network unit--the Joint Dissemination Review Panel, which also focuses on…

Discusses the benefits of and the need for cooperation among archives and libraries as a means of sharing funding sources, and outlines the necessary key elements of a national historical records program involving manuscript libraries and archives. (CLB)

Describes the methods, success, and future prospects of Jobs for America's Graduates, a nonprofit program encouraging cooperation between schools and private employers in identifying, training, and finding suitable employment for students lacking job skills as high school seniors. The program serves 8,000 students annually in eight states. (PGD)

Describes the controversy about the role and activities of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (England). Discusses the primary weaknesses of the council and its competency-based education and training strategies. Suggests that the only solution may be to abolish the present system of academic and vocational qualifications. (CFR)

The Higher Education Information System (HIS) is Germany's publicly financed service institution serving higher education. One of its functions is to act as a clearinghouse for computer software for higher education. The evolution, role and mission, founding principles, and services of HIS in this capacity are explained. (Author/MSE)

A French program to train graduate assistants for college-level teaching is described. The project is designed to meet projected faculty needs and compensate for changes in the recruiting system. About 4,500 graduate teaching assistants are currently in the university system. Each receives a stipend, attends a training course, and has teaching…

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) curriculum standards provide an opportunity to integrate technology into a thematic curriculum approach. Includes an annotated bibliography of 19 recommended items of educational technology categorized by 10 of the NCSS curriculum themes. (CFR)

Maintains that over 50 years ago the American Historical Association began to reshape history and social education. Asserts that only recently have professional historians begun to become reinvolved in history instruction in the schools. Describes the efforts to create National History Standards in both world and U.S. history. (CFR)

Egalitarianism in public education must mean students have not only equal opportunity to attend school but also equal intellectual opportunities. Some solutions include a redefined mission for public education, new techniques for teaching rigorous academic subjects to non-elite students, improved school environments, and a national testing system…

Reports that the developmental process for national standards for K-12 instruction in the arts is nearing completion. Discusses issues and criticisms relevant to the national standards movement and to music education. (CFR)

A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of braille operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. This report presents the findings of the study in three sections. Section 1 provides background information, a summary of the first phase of operations, and the study objective for phase…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this guide to provide advice, ideas, and inspiration to teachers, school administrators, and others for planning a hands-on environmental day at school. Many of the tips and ideas in this guide come from "Make a Difference Day" events supported by EPA. EPA launched its "Make a…

This book is a wide-ranging anthology that surveys the field of international and area studies as it has developed in the United States from its beginnings and accomplishments under Title VI to the current paradigmatic shifts taking place in research, teaching, and outreach. A number of contributors to this volume provide historical overviews of…

Maintains that the National History Standards are a collaboration among classroom teachers, scholars, and curriculum specialists. Discusses the process used to develop the history standards. Asserts that the most contentious issue was the treatment of western civilization in the presentation of historical criteria. (CFR)