This paper reports on progress and outcomes of state assistive technology (AT) projects for people with disabilities during 2000-2001. Data are based on the annual reports submitted by 34 state AT projects. Introductory material describes the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which provided financial assistance to states working to maintain and…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is responsible for receiving and administering federal and state funds for the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. This document represents the annual report for the Alabama Public Library Service for fiscal year 1998. Information is reported under the following categories: Evaluation and Research;…

The Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) program is an effort sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that targets large urban school systems with the goal of sustainable implementation of high-quality, standards-based teaching for the purpose of attaining system-wide increases in students' learning of challenging mathematics and science.…

This document reports results from Rhode Island state standardized assessments with a particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. These results are presented in the context of individual schools and school districts by illustrating the characteristics of student populations and indicators of each school's climate (such as graduation and…

The upcoming reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant is prompting closer scrutiny of how families affected by the law are faring. This research brief examines teen employment in the context of welfare reform, drawing on data from the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF) to describe employment…

The purpose of this reading sampler is to familiarize Delaware teachers and students with the reading comprehension portion of the Delaware Student Testing Program. Included is information about the reading tests for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. This sampler contains the following examples for each grade level: a reading passage; a multiple choice…

Potential sources of information and assistance on human genetics are identified, including a brief description of the National Clearinghouse for Human Genetic Diseases, genetic service centers, voluntary groups, state programs, commercial procedures, workshops, speakers, curriculum development aids, and general references. (DC)

The student financial aid mechanism has been considered the form of subsidy more likely to provide both access and choice since it can target aid to students most in need of it and lets student choose the college of their choice. The Tuition Assistance Program in New York is discussed. (MLW)

Examines state differences in seasonal variations in employment to see if these differences are linked to state differences in experience-rating strength (balance between unemployment insurance taxes and expected benefit payments). Results suggest that experience-rated unemployment insurance taxes are effective in stablizing employment. (MF)

The author presents several factors which pertain to state involvement in family life. Among these factors are social diversity, social agency usurpation of family roles, the need for parent and family involvement in child rearing, conducting needs assessment, conducting hearings prior to policy decisions, and making social services relevant. (DB)

This study examined state-by-state variation in high school completion rates and the impact of state-level child disability, demographic, and economic factors upon completion by diploma or certificate for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED). Variables examined included ethnicity, geographic region, per capita personal income, per pupil…

Examines, in detail, the recent events in New York that led to improvements in early childhood (child care and Head Start) teacher compensation. (BB)

Investigates the four week chemistry program in a summer program in science and mathematics. Identifies weekly topics for the program: (1) color and visible spectroscopy; (2) UV spectroscopy, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence; (3) IR and NMR spectroscopy; and (4) lists 12 individual projects. (MVL)

Fifty states responded to a survey comparing definitions of high risk and determining which agencies serve high-risk infants and toddlers. Results showed that: only 24 states have definitions of risk, populations eligible for services vary immensely among states, and the majority of lead agencies were located in departments of education.…

Discusses the implementation of a software system that allows teachers to take advantage of large banks of questions in subject areas. Explains that this plan is the result of a 1981 court mandate to standardize learning outcomes. Follows the development of the system and choosing of the software. (MVL)