Digital knowledge and skills are needed to fully participate in the society and economy of the United States. The historic $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents a significant federal investment in advancing digital equity and inclusion, and an opportunity to make lasting change in communities across the country. This report…

The increasing number of undocumented immigrants coming to the United States has created serious socioeconomic, sociocultural, and socioeducational challenges for the communities in which these immigrants settle. Minors represent over 1.3 million of the 10.8 million unauthorized immigrants presently living in the United States. Given the secretive…

For the past 21 years, the KIDS COUNT project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation has tracked the well-being of children at the national, state, and local levels. Over the years, the foundation's work has documented both great progress in child well-being and periodic setbacks. The 10 key indicators tracked in the KIDS COUNT Data Book over the past…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "The High Cost of Low Educational Performance": New OECD Report Finds that 25 Point Increase in PISA Scores…

In early 2009, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop a National Broadband Plan to ensure every American has "access to broadband capability." Congress also required that this plan include a detailed strategy for achieving affordability and maximizing use of broadband to advance "consumer welfare, civic…

Preparing today's students for success and leadership in the global marketplace is the most important responsibility in education today. Providing them with guidance and opportunity at the most critical junctures along their educational journey can have a profound impact. Entrepreneurship Education is an important tool to achieving these…

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. It is the broadest and largest funding package in American history. The intent of the statute is to stimulate the economy both through direct spending on a range of programs and to create tax relief. The package makes investments…

The author contends that education is implicated in the perpetuation of social inequity if it continues to present itself as the institution through which equality of opportunity is realized. Educators will make a step toward equity when they recognize that students do not have equal opportunity. (MD)

Outlines the possibilities for savings when using cooperative agencies for purchasing school supplies and services. (MD)

Four small business development experts examine ways of encouraging/helping entrepreneurs: market identification; management education; improved capital access; emphasis on business and producer services; import substitution; local purchasing; local business expansion; adaptation of good ideas; response to problems/trends in lifestyle changes,…

The key legislative provisions of the 1982 Job Training Partnership Act, which replaces the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) are described and their implications for organized labor are analyzed. Discussion covers anticipated annual funding, authorization period, major programs, funds allocation, program planning and operation, the…

This report explores patterns of regional economic growth in Australia over the period 1984 to 2002 in order to determine how and why these patterns evolved. From the results, the authors have attempted to identify regional opportunities and the policies and practices that can assist in realising them and, in particular, the potential contribution…

Prepared to provide background for groups concerned with rural development in South Dakota, this paper addresses the nature, extent, and causes of South Dakota's unemployment and underemployment problems. Findings indicate that while South Dakota's unemployment rate (5.4% in 1983) has traditionally been lower and less volatile than the national…

Described are various cooperative ventures between both domestic and foreign academia and industry. The advantages of cooperative ventures are highlighted. Suggestions for practical approaches to get industry involved in these alliances are provided. (CW)

Discusses the use of tax increment financing to fund public redevelopment or urban rehabilitation projects and the opportunity for school districts to take advantage of such projects to supplement reduced property tax revenues in areas of declining valuation. (PGD)