This report provides the reader with a summary of the rationale, design strategies, and major accomplishments of the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI). Drawing upon both the data collected directly in Appalachia by Inverness Research Associates, as well as knowledge gained by working with many other rural initiatives, this summary…

The After-School Corporation (TASC) has completed its sixth year of operations, working with public and private partners across New York City and the state to develop and operate school-based after-school services for public school students in the elementary and secondary grades. Since its founding in 1998, TASC has emphasized twin goals of…

School choice advocates made many advances in 1994, and many states seem ready to pass school choice legislation in 1995. This report describes the state of school choice efforts in the individual states. School choice advocates look for action by the Federal Government as Congress discusses ways to help states implement choice, whether by…

This book introduces key issues in program planning as practiced in business and educational settings. Two chapters in part 1 introduce two foundational models--Lifelong Education Program Planning (LEPP) model and Contingency-Based Program Planning--and provide background on models designed by Houle, Knowles, Boyle, and Nadler. Parts 2-5 focus on…

A program was developed and implemented to improve and motivate students' writing in the elementary grades. Research data suggests probable causes for lack of student motivation and progress in writing. These causes include: overloaded and product driven curriculum, lack of appropriate teacher training, time-consuming and subjective grading…

This book is designed to help teachers, teacher-librarians, administrators, and district staff create a literature program that integrates literature within the context of resource-based learning. The book is organized into three sections. Part 1: "Critical Components of Learning through Literature" discusses in detail how each of the…

This paper presents thoughts resulting from review of proposals by state developmental disabilities authorities, submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that were designs for change initiatives in self-determination systems. These reflections on the use of service money and the provision of supports to people with developmental…

This study examines the Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA), which was passed in part to improve access to care services for underserved populations with HIV or AIDS. A major intent of the legislation was to expand the capacity of local agencies to provide direct care and support to those with HIV/AIDS. This care and support included health education and…

Children in a first grade classroom (n=17) participated in a program to develop listening and speaking skills in the elementary school classroom. The importance of listening and speaking to social, academic, and developmental needs is discussed. Various programs that produced increases in these skills were evaluated and integrated in a new…

Improving reading instruction has been the primary focus at the Benchmark School in Media, Pennsylvania. This book describes the various phases of Benchmark's development of a program to create strategic learners, thinkers, and problem solvers across the curriculum. The goal is to provide teachers and administrators with a handbook that can be…

The Peace Corps Programming and Training System (PATS) manual is designed to help field staff members of the Peace Corps train volunteers. This supplement to the PATS manual was developed to provide complementary information about key aspects of Peace Corps programming and training for youth development. It is intended for individuals involved in…

One of a series of guides on implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this guide focuses on the relevance of total quality management (TQM) principles to the ADA. First, the guide briefly explains both the ADA and TQM. Next, "reasonable accommodation" under the ADA is discussed and suggestions for using TQM to help…

This study examined the role of subcontractors and consultants in California's Employment Training Panel (ETP) program. Methods included interviews, focus groups, a phone survey, and a survey of projects without subcontractors. Results indicated that the market in which administrative and training consultants sell their services to employers is…

This monograph examines the issue of school violence and the ways to eliminate it. The goal is to return schools to their status as safe havens for children to learn, achieve, and acquire the skills they need to become successful and productive adults. Section I defines school violence and reviews data on its prevalence. Section II discusses…

The Subcommittee on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations of the House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform and Oversight met to consider the causes of and solutions to teen pregnancy and the role of community organizations in prevention efforts. Opening remarks by Representative Christopher Shays were followed by statements…