Emphasizes that to understand the American West, one must realize the central importance of the environment to its inhabitants. Provides an overview of western environmental history. Discusses state and federal reclamation efforts, the role of public lands, and the growth of conservation and preservation movements. (KO)

A school administrator, who became minority staff director for the United States Senate Subcommittee on Education, Arts, and Humanities, forecasts that early childhood programs will achieve funding at the expense of the block grants of Chapter 2. (MLF)

Examines the relationship between social factors and low birth weight and the ways in which disparities in socioeconomic status have been addressed over time, and assesses the effectiveness of efforts to reduce low birth weight occurrences. The authors discuss the steps required to reduce persistent disparities in low birth weight. (GR)

Explains the need for quality educational technology in elementary and secondary schools, describes the potential that telecommunications network technology holds for revitalizing American education, and outlines major federal programs that provide policy guidance and funding assistance relating to the National Information Infrastructure. A list…

This address by the chairman of the House of Representatives Science Subcommittee focuses on approaches to improving access to national networks, including legislation that would allow telephone companies to offer cable service. A hearing on the establishment of the National Research and Education Network (NREN) is summarized, and guiding…

Development of the newly federally authorized National Research and Education Network should offer administrative computing and communications organizations at institutions of higher education new levels of network capacity, connectivity, and reliability. Administrative applications will include improved professional communications, sharing of…

A new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program, Compliance 2000, assists taxpayers wanting to comply with tax laws but finding it difficult because of legal complexity or administrative burden. Kent State University (Ohio) has used the program to resolve a compliance problem with nonresident alien students and scholars. IRS contact information is…

This study examined 510 case records of psychological services provided by Denver (Colorado) Head Start. The study focused on average child age at referral for services, referral questions most frequently posed, similarities and differences in concerns of the family and Head Start staff, psychological service actions initiated, and goals and…

Discusses implications to the management of the U.S. federal government information resources from recent legislation. Examines relevant policy instruments in light of the federal government's high-level commitment to the development of a National Information Infrastructure (NII) which promotes accessible and high-quality services to its citizens.…

This article traces the development of federal involvement in early childhood education and intervention. It discusses the influences of the Head Start Program, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, court decisions that clarified the right of all children to equal education opportunities, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.…

New England's college- and university-based arts programs feed both the imagination and the economy. The region has 5% of the nation's population, but awards arts and music degrees to 8% of the nation's graduates, garners 7% of National Endowment for the Arts funding, supports over 1000 commercial arts-oriented businesses, and 10,000 nonprofit…

Describes new federal programs designed to support access to educational technology for all children. Programs relate to: school and library access; community access; distance learning; professional development; capacity building; innovation; research; and technical assistance. The programs tend to focus on teachers and involve cooperation between…

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

A framework is provided for thinking about how welfare reform affects young children with disabilities and their families and strategies are presented for addressing their unique needs. The article documents the relationship between disability and poverty, reviews major changes in the law, and highlights challenges. (Contains references.)…

Describes general development assistance available to rural areas through federal programs that fund housing, extension education and research, rural community development, rural business development, resource conservation, and development activities in American Indian reservations and disadvantaged rural areas. (SV)