Describes the procedures followed by Louisiana public libraries in establishing and operating that state's award winning summer reading program. The cooperative efforts of the state library, state library association, and committees of public librarians are discussed, as is the incorporation of performing artists funded by grants from the state's…

As states begin mandating induction-year programs as part of teacher preparation and certification, three issues have surfaced: the lack of consistency in definitions of mentoring among stakeholders, both between and within states; the need for the development of appropriate and effective models of mentoring; and the need for adequate funding to…

South Dakota State leaders decided a few years ago to make a commitment to educational technology and distance education. The result is a blend of public and private support for educational change focused on increased use of instructional technology and distance education. The May/June 2001 issue of "Tech Trends" presents ideas from…

Context: Founded in 1971 with state funding to increase the number of primary care physicians in rural Minnesota, the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) has graduated 1,175 students. Third-year medical students are assigned to primary care physicians in rural communities for 9 months where they experience the realities of rural practice with…

This report analyzes data gathered through surveys of state administrators of child care and early childhood programs. The report is in three sections: (1) the state of child care and early education in the mid-1990s; (2) the relative level of commitment of each state in 1994; and (3) the likely impact of 1996 U.S. welfare reform legislation. The…

The Library of Michigan administers the Public Library Personnel Certification Program for Michigan. This handbook clarifies the certification guidelines and terminology used by the Library of Michigan staff and explains the procedures to be used by public libraries. Information on the following is provided: the certification program;…

The State of Alaska spends 75% of its operating revenues on transfer payments to individuals and local governments and on salaries and benefits of state workers. By the year 2000, dwindling petroleum revenues will result in a projected $1 billion gap between state income and spending, but inflation and growing population could widen that gap to…

The fifth in a series of position papers on deinstitutionalization of persons in Ohio with developmental disabilities, this paper addresses administrative structure and finance requirements. The introductory section suggests the need for new administrative and fiscal models to keep pace with changes in service delivery strategies. The importance…

These four annual reports detail Indiana's efforts to enhance computer literacy for teachers and assist in computer instruction in the schools. The consortium was given the responsibility by 1983 legislation to establish regional clearinghouses for computer instruction information, coordinate teacher training in computer instruction skills, and…

Utah's Minimum School Finance Program provides for the funding of several component programs. This document reports on these component programs, describing their characteristics and objectives and displaying graphically the recent statistical data revealing their extensiveness, their costs, and trends in their utilization. The report first…

This description of the Tennessee equalization plan consists of (1) a description of Tennessee's current public school finance program; (2) recommendations for change in the existing program; (3) a description of the conformance of the recommended changes to the equity guidelines developed by the United States Commissioner of Education pursuant to…

This discussion begins with the five major political values that were reflected in the 1973 reform of the Illinois school aid system. The lawmakers wanted to spend state dollars for education in a way that would improve student and taxpayer equity, maintain local control of school districts, aid poverty-impacted districts, not discriminate against…

There is widespread interest in restructuring state systems of higher education, with special focus on the role of private colleges and universities. This report considers this issue from 6 perspectives; (1) a description of conventional relationships between state systems and private sectors in higher education which suggest the need for…

During the 1969-70 and the 1970-71 fiscal years, Florida's public community colleges engaged in 796 staff and program development (SPD) activities. These activities included curriculum development, equipment acquisition, workshops, conferences, institutes, sabbaticals, extended study, professional leave, and institutional visitations. This report…

This paper focuses on pre-kindergarten programs, defined by four characteristics: the programs are supported by state funds, focused on early learning for school success or school readiness, aimed at children of pre-kindergarten age (under 5 years, usually 3 to 4 years), and designed to deliver group learning experiences at least several days a…