Singer Vocational Evaluation Systems in use in Nova Scotia create a simulated work setting with which the individual can readily identify and experience job tasks in a noncompetitive atmosphere. Work behavior and performance are evaluated to identify what individuals can and like to do. (JOW)

Reports on the organization and results of a state-funded program that provides the opportunity for adolescents in foster homes or institutions to make the transition to self-sufficient living arrangements. (SS)

Presents information obtained on the status of comprehensive state-level environmental education (EE) programs in the United States. Comprehensive state-level EE programs include a combination of program, structure, and funding components. As of early 1996, no state had implemented all 16 components of a comprehensive program. (AIM)

Details the history of California's experience with large-scale writing assessment. Describes the introduction, development, and scoring of the California Assessment Program, later renamed the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS). Discusses controversies over removal of certain writing prompts and objections to CLAS. Notes that funding for…

Describes the Ohio School Facilities Commission, whose mission is to provide funding, management oversight, and technical assistance to Ohio's 612 school districts for the construction and renovation of school facilities. Discusses the commission's actions at various stages of the construction process. (EV)

This article describes the cooperation between the Marriott International Worldwide Reservations Center in Santa Ana, California, the Braille Institute of America, and the California State Department of Rehabilitation that has resulted in at least 37 adults with visual impairments being hired as reservations sales associates. (CR)

The Intensive Protective Supervision Project (IPSP) is a juvenile justice program in North Carolina designed to assist status offenders. Several legislative and programmatic influences antedated the current program. This article provides a brief summary of three major events affecting the evaluation of the IPSP. (TJH)

The "support not supplant" theory of family support services is explained, and results of a national study of trends in family support are analyzed. Current efforts, state legislation, funding levels, respite services, financial assistance, and emerging issues are discussed. A directory of state family support programs is appended. (PB)

Points to an increased national awareness of the importance to society of provision for children's and families' needs. This awareness has resulted in new levels of legislative action. Discusses what Alaska has and has not achieved, cites movements in other states, and offers a call to vigorous action. (NH)

Describes a two-year project sponsored by the California State Library that assisted local public libraries in improving their reference services. Project activities included the provision of basic reference materials to all libraries, training workshops in reference techniques for paraprofessional staff, and specialized workshops and reference…

Differences between state and local special education programs and the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program are highlighted, through discussion of the history of the state-federal VR program, the differing definitions of disabilities, operation of the VR program, funding differences, and resultant differences in evaluation…

Shared Information Services is a state-operated network of four resource centers for gifted education in Indiana. The network provides support in the areas of program development, teacher education, classroom teaching resources, and program evaluation. A variety of library and technical assistance services is provided to teachers and others by…

Describes the Florida Automated System for Transferring Educational Records (FASTER) project, which permits the electronic exchange of student transcripts; uses of similar electronic data interchange (EDI) programs in other states; and the national SPEEDE/ExPRESS project, which uses a standard format for transferring electronic transcripts.…

Reviews approaches taken by Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, and California to incorporate community college systems into statewide economic development strategies. Approaches focus on small business assistance; anticipation of community needs; incentives for innovation; technology transfer; comprehensive…

Describes the cash award system Indiana developed to reward schools for relative improvement in language arts proficiency, mathematics proficiency, overall achievement performance, and attendance. The article looks at problems with the program, how the program was implemented, how money was used, and positive and negative rhetoric. (SM)