As the only federal funding stream that provides dedicated funds for afterschool programs across the country, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative plays an important role in supporting the innovation that takes place in afterschool programs. Social innovation has been defined as "a novel solution to a social…

In the wake of the beating death of a Chicago high school student in September, law-enforcement officials and educators have called for renewed efforts to stem youth violence. But they also acknowledged that money and programs alone won't solve the problem. U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan traveled to…

This report on the female offender in the Federal Prison System describes the response of the Bureau of Prisons to its mission of protecting society while also preparing offenders for release. Detailed descriptions are included of what happens to them in the Federal correctional system, particularly programs of counseling, education, training and…

A federal project introduced law enforcement and community development techniques in three urban school districts. The study found school safety and respect for students' procedural rights to be compatible. It may be possible to incorporate the techniques of the project into more promising approaches to school crime and student misbehavior.…

The Office of Technology Assessment, developed to deal with the second-order consequences of the application of new scientific discoveries or innovative technology in the United States, is described. Included are lists of current assessment priorities, assessments in progress, and completed assessments. (BT)

Federal funds continue to underwrite about 50 of the national research and development (R&D) enterprise, and the nature of this support continues to be of special interest to policymakers. This report provides data on trends within functional areas and noteworthy shifts among areas. It is based on an annual National Science Foundation survey.…

Provides a synopsis of information about the current crises in American agriculture. Addresses national farm policy, political activities, surplus crops, subsidy programs, the loss of smaller family-operated farms, and farm markets. Includes an opinion instrument that invites the reader to respond to the issues. (TW)

An assessment of welfare-related experiences and perspectives of Puerto Rican Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients in New York City (New York), Newark (New Jersey), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) was conducted. Data were developed through 8 self-contained focus groups involving 63 participants. An additional focus group was…

This report provides an Arizona perspective on the implications and effects of homelessness on children and youth, whether they live with their families or on their own. Statistics on homeless families are provided, and issues affecting homeless families are discussed. These issues involve shelters, child care, education, and health. Issues that…

This federal document offers a comprehensive approach to reduce demand for illegal drugs and decrease their availability. Supported by statistical tables and graphs, the summary is divided into three sections. "Stopping Use Before It Starts: Education and Community Action" highlights the importance of prevention programs and the…

The history and contributions of the Teacher Corps is traced from its inception in 1965 to the present. Teacher Corps projects throughout the country were responsible for developing such educational innovations as team teaching, individualized instruction, and multicultural education, and for providing quality education to the urban poor. (JN)

This federal document offers a comprehensive approach to reduce demand for illegal drugs and decrease their availability. Supported by statistical tables and graphs, the summary is divided into six sections. "The Purpose and Nature of the Strategy" outlines a 10-year plan for drug interdiction and reduction and identifies the elements of…

This report on the state of children in the United States begins with a call to action that points out the destructive effects of poverty, violence, and drug use on America's children while outlining 10 needed steps that should be followed to help alleviate these problems. The greater part of the report focuses on: (1) health; (2) child care; (3)…

Noting a general dissatisfaction with the implementation and evaluation of large-scale educational programs, this paper argues that the rational model that is the foundation for large-scale educational programs is faulty. According to the rational model, government mandates call for educational programs to remedy social problems; then rewards and…

Briefly summarizes the purpose and authority of a number of crime-fighting programs administered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). These programs provide federal assistance in preventing and controlling crime and delinquency, and assisting crime victims. Includes a list of federal and state expenditures on crime. (MJP)