Despite uncertainty over program goals, Mainstream is providing useful, satisfying jobs for enrollees. (BH)

Classes on college campuses help dropouts complete high school. (Editor)

Despite high costs, this program is worthwhile because of its impact on post-training earnings. (BH)

Demand is intensifying for highly skilled workers qualified for jobs in high technology companies. Training (and retraining) for these jobs is being offered and supported by various groups/programs. Discusses cooperative and federal programs, internal retraining, contract training services, and vocational school training. Examples of such programs…

An evaluation system was designed which directly addresses federal legislation for accountability in vocational education programs. Six criteria were included; three focus on interim evidence of project success, and three address final evidence of project effectiveness. (Author/GK)

This article describes the National Diffusion Network (NDN), which was developed by the U.S. Office of Education to disseminate exemplary educational programs. Also discussed are five NDN programs which have been adopted by Catholic schools. (SJL)

Discusses the origins and development of the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) initiative as well as expectations for its implementation. In addition, it considers the contributions of the National Archives and Records Administration in establishing descriptive standards for GILS data elements to enhance public access. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the status of federal initiatives to reform the U.S. employment and training system (one-stop career centers, skill standards, School-to-Work Opportunities Act). Notes uncertainties regarding the effect the new Congress will have on attempts to improve the system. (SK)

This directory of supportive and rehabilitative programs for the deaf lists federal programs, state vocational-rehabiltation offices, regional and local programs, national professional organizations and centers, state contacts for the National Association of the Deaf, and professional committee members of the Conference of Educational…

This directory lists supportive and rehabilitative programs for the deaf. Listed separately are federal programs, state vocational rehabilitation offices, regional and local programs, national professional organizations and centers, state chapters of the National Association of the Deaf, and committee members (Conference of Educational…

Describes an evaluation of an innovative site-based service program, the Growth and Achievement Program (GAP). Results show that GAP clients had significantly higher gain scores than did the comparison group and were less likely to rely on public financial assistance as their primary source of income. (RJM)

Critiques "America Reads," a federal initiative (launched by President Clinton in 1996) to foster universal literacy by sending a million tutors into schools. Argues that the program fails to take into account much of what is known about best practices in literacy instruction, and that inexperienced or poorly trained tutors may present…