Eighty-one Michigan families raising children with severe handicaps were interviewed prior to receiving a $225 monthly cash subsidy and one year later. Mothers reported significantly less family stress (particularly related to financial stress) and enhanced life satisfaction, regardless of marital status, employment status or education, child's…

In a few select high schools in the U.S., supercomputers are allowing talented students to attempt sophisticated research projects using simultaneous simulations of nature, culture, and technology not achievable by ordinary microcomputers. Schools can get their students online by entering contests and seeking grants and partnerships with…

Because their resources are inadequate, philanthropic foundations cannot bring about educational reform by themselves. Foundations are best when serving as midwives, parking garages, conversations pits, burning glasses (to focus thought), levers, and lighthouse tenders. The American people are responsible for acting voluntarily to support public…

The life estate gift annuity program, which can benefit both the donor and the institution of higher education, is explained; the legal aspects are discussed; and the potential advantages and disadvantages to both parties are outlined. (MSE)

Starting a special-interest alumni group based on race can be problematic. Painful memories still linger for many minority alumni. Louisiana State University's Tureaud Chapter was willing to operate within the alumni association's framework. The right mix of communication, programing, and financial support is needed. (MLW)

Describes the European Community's Development of European Learning through Technological Advance (DELTA) program, which is concerned with the technological resources needed to support open and distance learning in continuing or higher education. Activities in the United Kingdom are emphasized, and several DELTA projects are described. (LRW)

Summarizes 20 statements on the tying of state aid to performance measures which were presented at the 1989 Spring Conference of the New Jersey Library Association. The discussion covers the need to derive a formula for the award of aid, and the complexity and difficulties involved in deriving any such formula. (18 references) (CLB)

At many colleges, contributions are up in nearly all categories including: alumni gifts, corporate and foundation grants, and planned giving. While the market crash delivered a strong jolt to donor confidence, the 1986 Tax Reform Act has had more impact on giving. (MLW)

Presents an overview of the National Endowment for the Humanities sponsored Let's Talk about It Program. The intended audience is examined, the role of the scholar analyzed, and the special responsibilities of the discussion leader delineated. Results of the program are evaluated and suggestions for planning a program are offered. (six references)…

Lists five books concerning the day care business, and provides a brief description and availability information for each. Book topics cover: child care funding, priorities and policies; day care options for workers; financing of small businesses; and future financial pressures for American families. (RJC)

Using a case study format, this paper describes the development, implementation, and results of a public postsecondary institution's state legislative relations plan. A model for institutional planning for state legislative relations is proposed. Planning should be a year-round process and have explicit assessment, evaluation, and feedback…

Describes the development, current status, and possible future of NSFNET, which is a backbone network designed to connect five national supercomputer centers established by the National Science Foundation. The discussion covers the implications of this network for research and national networking needs. (CLB)

Discusses historical precedents that established presidential papers as the private property of presidents; the Historical Records Act of 1978 which assigned ownership of official presidential papers to the federal government; and the Presidential Library Act of 1986 which provides a uniform system of standards and access to presidential records…

Describes Finland's child welfare system, including its general services, income supports, preventive services, foster care services, as well as the role of voluntary child welfare organizations. Also discusses the funding sources for child welfare work. (RJC)

Unique features of Finnish adult education are it is an integral part of lifelong education and educational policy; liberal adult education is provided as their primary function by folk high schools, adult centers, study circles, and summer universities; and providers for whom it is a secondary or subordinate purpose are evening and vocational…