Two developments are critical to the expansion of use of innovative technologies in Louisiana schools: use of information networks and increased use of multimedia technologies, especially CD-ROMs. Using National Science Foundation and state funds, state education agencies, Northeast Louisiana University, and a state networking project are…

This issue of "Illinois Libraries" is designed to serve as a general reference tool on services for special populations, with a focus on the blind and physically handicapped. It is organized in three sections: general articles; reports on three Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funded projects; and listings of resources to…

Reviews research revealing the failure of Maine's rural youth to achieve and aspire to postsecondary education. Outlines development of a statewide business-education partnership--the Maine Aspirations Compact--and a university outreach program--the University of Maine's Aspirations Project--to help Maine's children fulfill their potential.…

Describes the National Drug Control Strategy's nine-pronged approach in addressing drug abuse, which includes the formation of partnerships between federal, state, and local governments and the private and public sectors. The strategy includes prevention initiatives, individualized treatment programs for high-risk groups, education aimed at…

Describes the development of a courier service in Oregon for document delivery between libraries to support coordinated collection development activities. Organization of the service by individual libraries without dependence on the Library Services and Construction Act is discussed, and costs and response time are considered. (two references)…

A Tennessee program awards stipends to teachers to attend summer classes and a practicum and earn 18 hours of credit in education of children with visual impairments. The program requires that teachers have assurance from their superintendents that they will teach visually impaired students in their school systems after endorsement. (Author/JDD)

Discusses problems that have impeded the use of learning technologies in education, including costs, training educators, and the confusion of networks and databases. Greater involvement by the federal government is suggested as a solution; federal help in the past is described; and legislation currently proposed is explained. (LRW)

Describes the Georgia Instructor Academy, established to enhance the quality of Georgia's postsecondary technical teachers through technical training and professional development. Discusses the development of program standards and curriculum guides by Georgia's Board of Technical and Adult Education, the Technical Education: Guaranteed program,…

Describes strategic planning efforts in eight states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) to implement guidelines in "Information Power" (1998, American Library Association) relating good school library media programs to student achievement success. Discusses Web pages; state conferences;…

Outlines New York State's plan for all libraries to provide electronic services to their users by the use of computer and telecommunications technology. Recommendations of the initiative's organizing committee focus on: services and funding; equity and ease of access; profession and education; partnerships; standards and protocols; collection…

This overview of telecommunications in Arizona discusses library telecommunications; state library activities; the Arizona State Public Information Network; higher education projects; community outreach; business and economic development; state telecommunications policy; the paradigm shift in the public's use of telecommunications; community…

Reports on ways in which Iowa libraries are accessing and using electronic information. Highlights include the Iowa Communications Network, a statewide interactive network for resource sharing; online systems that use the Internet and World Wide Web; academic library resource sharing and document delivery technology; and knowledge management and…

This summary of library initiatives in Louisiana relating to information technology describes academic library initiatives; multitype library initiatives, including library networks that provide access to the Internet; the state library and public library initiatives, including interlibrary loan services; school library initiatives; and state…

In 2000, the state of Nebraska passed legislation requiring the assessment of student performance on content standards, but its requirements were very different from those of any other state. Nebraska created what has come to be known as STARS (School-based Teacher-led Assessment and Reporting System). Under STARS, each of Nebraska's nearly 500…

A growing body of evidence confirms that serious and persistent challenging behaviors in early childhood directly relate to later problems in school success, social relationships, educational and vocational success, and social adjustment. Conversely, key social skills associated with learning in group settings include being able to get along with…