This paper describes the scoring of the upper levels of the Career Ladder system for teachers in the Tennessee Career Ladder Evaluation Systems. The instruments used to evaluate teachers include classroom observation, dialogue with the teacher, a peer questionnaire, student questionnaires, a professional skills test, professional development and…

The Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services (PINES) is a home intervention program currently serving over 300 hearing impaired, visually impaired, and multihandicapped sensory impaired (MHSI) preschoolers. The infant-toddler evaluation component is described, with sections on screening and diagnosis, parent education concerning…

Data for this study of the role and effectiveness of state depository libraries in assuring the acquisition and distribution of state publications were collected via a two-page questionnaire containing 10 open- and closed-ended questions. This questionnaire was sent to the state documents authorities in each of the 50 states in March 1989, and…

This document describes the state-mandated Entry-Year Assistance Program established in Oklahoma in 1980. A teacher education graduate receives a one-year license rather than the standard five-year credential. When the beginning teacher is hired, an Entry-Year Assistance Committee (EYAC) is formed. This committee is composed of the building…

Six articles discuss college savings plans. "Introduction and Overview" by Janet S. Hansen addresses the affordability of college, parental responsibility for college savings, incentives for saving, and the risks and rewards of planning for college expenses. "The Need for College Savings" (Sandy Baum) emphasizes the parents'…

This is the first annual report of the Interagency Low Income Opportunity Advisory Board. It describes the board's background, philosophy, and accomplishments to date. The purpose of the board is to carry out President Ronald Reagan's welfare reform initiative as spelled out in the Administration's 6-volume report, "Up From Dependency, A New…

This newsletter summarizes the debate on the use of state-level initiatives as levers to effect fundamental changes in higher education. It provides several perspectives on the use of incentive/enhancement programs to achieve state higher education goals. The concept of budgetary leverage is outlined, and the growth in enhancement programs…

The Maryland Functional Testing Program (MFTP) uses the Rasch model as the statistical framework for the analysis of test items and scores. This paper is designed to assist the reader in developing an understanding of the fit statistics in the Rasch model. Background materials on application of the Rasch model in statistical analysis of the MFTP…

This report on the Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) and related programs under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act aims to assist in consideration of improvements to Medicaid services. The report begins with a background description of the key Medicaid programs of interest, discussing: federal involvement…

This planning document proposes that services to Vermonters with mental retardation be unified around the community mental retardation service system, in order to provide community placements for residents of the Brandon Training School (BTS) who are under court order for discharge between 1989 and 1993. The Department of Mental Health plans to…

Early socialization, cognitive differences, treatment by teachers, and curricular choices have a negative effect on both the self-esteem and academic achievement of young females. Program designers and policymakers should incorporate the following approaches into female dropout prevention programs: (1) academic encouragement; (2) counseling to…

Three projects have been undertaken in Minnesota to define standards for student outcomes in postsecondary institutions. The Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board has focused on outcomes, standards, and criteria which may be used as templates for student assessment. The first project followed the publication of the State Department of…

The Interagency Plan for Children with Special Needs for Maryland residents has three major purposes: (1) to set priorities for developing or expanding services required by special needs children and their families; (2) to ensure that resources targeted for special needs children are administered effectively by increasing interagency coordination…

The first of the two reports presented here begins by listing the members and alternate members of the Michigan State Legislature; members of the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; and Library of Michigan officials. A directory of the state's 16 public library cooperatives is also provided, together with maps showing their geographic…

This project was conducted to continue the curriculum network whereby information, services, and materials related to the disadvantaged were disseminated directly to vocational personnel in Pennsylvania. During the year-long program, a curriculum network was maintained through the vehicle of a newsletter distributed to educators in the state. The…