The use of peer review for federal research impact evaluation is described. Advanced review processes can improve the efficiency of a review, but the most important factors in a quality review are leader motivation and the competence and independence of review team members. No single method provides complete impact evaluation. (SLD)

A survey of 40 directors of the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program (more often known as the Business Enterprise Program), which provides legally blind persons with employment operating vending facilities on federal property, indicated that legally blind women are significantly underrepresented, making up about 24% of the licensed facility…

A study examined the predictability of student persistence and achievement, based on Scholastic Assessment Test scores, high school rank, mother's education, birth order, and study-skills course grade, in a group of students served by a federal Student Support Services program. Some variables (SAT scores, study-skills course grade) were more…

Explains that the Internet is a good source of information and misinformation about the rights that Canadians do and do not enjoy. Provides websites that address human rights issues, such as government and non-governmental organizations, and information for locating newsgroups and listservs. (CMK)

Changes in federal policy affecting rural development in economically distressed areas in 2001 include new markets initiatives, establishment of the (Mississippi River) Delta Regional Authority, and increased infrastructure funding. Infrastructure priorities include highway construction, airport improvements, public works grants, rural…

In this article, the authors explore which conditions support the success of literacy coaches. Because the literacy coach position is a relatively new one, this article examines some of the questions related to designing and implementing the position of the literacy coach, and the potential influence of the position on student achievement. The…

This article presents an interview with J. Michael Ortiz, a member of the Aspen Institute's Commission on No Child Left Behind, on the issues concerning the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Aspen Institute's Commission is an independent panel that was established in 2006 to conduct a high-level review of the federal government's signature…

Parent involvement is widely acknowledged as a central component in both overall school success and the academic success of individual children. Recognizing this, the federal No Child Left Behind Act mandates that states, districts and schools make extraordinary efforts to enhance effective parent involvement. Now, more than six years after the…

There has been an increasing focus on evidence-based practices in special education with efforts underway to authoritatively identify those practices that are evidence based. However, the identification of evidence-based practices is only the beginning of the process of implementing evidence-based special education. The professional wisdom of…

Noting the separation of child-related policy makers from practitioners who know best what is good and appropriate for children, this anthology is designed as a guide for child-related policy development. The book's chapters are as follows: (1) "Early Childhood Policy" (Dolores A. Stegelin), providing an historical context and…

This comprehensive review of the public system of occupational education and job training for women in the United States focuses on education and training for occupations that require less than a four-year college degree. Chapter 1, "Job Training for Women: The Problem in a Policy Context" (Harlan, Steinberg), sketches an outline of job training…

This publication presents the findings of a commission that evaluated the current division of responsibilities for financing postsecondary education and makes recommendations for restructuring national policy in this area. Following an executive summary in section I, section II analyzes the policy concerns of college cost, accessibility, and…

Designed to help members of the education and health systems work closely together at the community, state, and national levels, these two booklets present concrete steps to ensure the well-being of all children by educating and connecting the education and health sectors. The first booklet is aimed at education professionals. After discussing the…

A qualitative case study approach was used to identify the psychosocial effects of the high-fidelity, virtual reality simulation provided in the college-level air traffic control (ATC) training program offered at the Minnesota Air Traffic Control Training Center and to evaluate the applicability of virtual reality to academic/training situations.…

This report details 12 recommendations and actions, agency re-invention activities, and fiscal impact analyses for the Department of Education resulting from the National Performance Review. Overall, the recommendations and analyses show that the Department could save $173.2 million by 1999 and that, by adopting these recommendations to clarify…