Discusses the history, operation, funding, and future of ILLINET Online, an automated library system in Illinois which has two components: the Library Computer System, a statewide resource sharing network; and the Full Bibliographic Record system, a shared online catalog for participating libraries. (MES)

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

The Read Illinois project was launched by the Illinois State Library in 1981 to initiate adult service efforts to promote appreciation of the state's literary heritage. The program draws together and provides support to writers, scholars, teachers, librarians, publishers, and booksellers by organizing literary activities for adults and young…

The author describes Minnesota's Early Childhood Family Education program for all children from birth to kindergarten and their parents. Topics include the types of activities each local program undertakes, administration and planning, and financing. A list of important program attributes is included. (CH)

Describes development of a 3-year technology education program being implemented in Oklahoma. The major categories of study are (1) communication, (2) construction, (3) manufacturing, and (4) transportation. (CH)

The author reports on a collaborative effort among three state agencies that is currently giving 3,000 California youth who are disabled a chance to prove themselves in private sector job placements. Discusses program administration, funding, computerized recordkeeping, entrance requirements, and plans for the future. (CT)

Describes the evaluation system of the Developmental Studies Program in Georgia. Reports findings of the evaluation of the English program. (FL)

Describes the first year of a program conducted by two Oregon institutions of higher education that "warranty" their teacher education graduates. The program provides support to graduates and their employers, encourages collaboration between the teacher education program and local schools, makes the teacher education faculty accountable,…

Chronicles the North Dakota process in which students entering nursing programs, beginning in 1987, will be required to have baccalaureate degrees for professional nursing practice and associate degrees for technical nursing practice. Discusses how this process came about, the role of the North Dakota Board of Nursing, how changes occurred, public…

Describes New Jersey's coordinated, statewide higher education effort involving mandatory testing, remediation, and evaluation. Reviews the program's history; the role of the New Jersey Basic Skills Council (NJBSC); the Basic Skills Placement Test, which focuses on reading comprehension, sentence sense, math computation, and elementary algebra;…

The author provides a first-person account of what a citizen group accomplished when they mobilized against the Duval County (Florida) law that raised state graduation requirements for vocational education students. What the group achieved and hopes to achieve in the future is discussed. (CT)

The history of direct writing assessment and scoring procedures in South Carolina are discussed. The South Carolina Basic Skills Assessment Program Writing Committee developed writing objectives for students. Holistic and analytic scoring procedures were used. Information on instructional improvement and student deficiencies was distributed to…

This report traces the history and accomplishments of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education over the past 12 years, during 3 state administrations. In the early 1990s, as the Commonwealth was feeling the impact of recession, the perceived quality of the system was declining, as were enrollments and retention. State policymakers and leaders…

This document provides a summary of legislative actions and issues in the member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The economic slowdown continued to dominate legislative deliberations of state budgets, with midyear cuts the norm rather than the exception. It is expected that 2002-2003 will be another tight year, with…

The competency testing of teacher candidates has become almost universal in the United States. This paper explores some of the issues associated with competency testing, especially as they relate to teacher testing in California. The practice has its origin in concern that some of those who choose to pursue teaching careers in the elementary and…