In 1987, a survey report by J. Cannell was published criticizing state reports based on national standardized testing of elementary school students that indicated that all 50 states were above the national average. This phenomenon--known as the "Lake Wobegon Effect"--is analyzed. Technical problems with the study are considered. (TJH)

Analyzed states' spending for hospitals and suicide rates in 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1984. Found spending was not directly related to suicide rates until 1984 when it accounted for 5 percent increase in variance. Considered effects of divorce rates, and change, density, economic level, and racial composition of population. Discusses implications of…

Suggests practical steps that can be taken to track and evaluate the success of community college students who do not follow linear patterns of program completion. Highlights the value of data sharing and exchanges with state agencies and other higher education institutions. Addresses the issue of confidentiality of student records. (DMM)

Discusses the use of local networks and integrated learning systems in delivering instruction. Presents a summary of projects initiated by the states of Maryland, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Notes that although network software is gaining popularity, most software is still for the individual user. (MVL)

Discusses new state child care provisions to be implemented as part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS Program) for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) parents under the welfare reform bill, the Family Support Act. (BB)

Responses of 310 teachers in Florida to a survey about use of teacher-made tests, nationally standardized tests, and state minimum competency tests were studied. Results show that all three test types were used to some extent in eight decision categories, but none of the tests were clearly dominant. (SLD)

The interaction between state educational reform and curricular services for special needs students, mainly the economically disadvantaged, is discussed in the context of state and federal compensatory education services. Data from eight schools in California suggest that such services can succeed and that excellence and equity can be compatible.…

This article describes the continuum of treatment/education interventions developed to address the needs of Kentucky adjudicated and other at-risk and delinquent youth, ranging from school-based alternative education programs to long-term stays in residential programs. The interagency collaborative approach emphasizes transition planning to less…

Provides an overview of the Minnesota State University System's Project for Automated Library Systems (MSUS/PALS), a fully integrated library system. Highlights include a historical background; search strategies; the online catalog; MARC editing; circulation; interlibrary loan; inventory; serials control; acquisitions; relationships with vendors;…

Describes the development of a statewide delivery system in Wyoming for an inservice teacher education course on the integration of computer-based technologies into elementary/middle school classrooms. The Portal School system, where teachers attend leadership workshops and then deliver the off-campus courses, is explained. Sample lesson plans are…

Discusses features of the National Literacy Act that are of interest to librarians. Highlights include a new definition of literacy; cooperation between providers and government agencies; new programs, including state resource centers, national workforce strategies, services for prisoners, and family programs; amendments to existing legislation;…

The program of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology at Alfred University (New York) is described, focusing on the center's role in technology transfer, management structure, funding, contract negotiation, intellectual property rights, and evaluation as part of a statewide system of research/development centers. An economic impact study is…

Analysis of several national surveys found that states collect a tremendous amount of data on educational outcomes, but little on the status of students with disabilities. Trends toward increasing local control concerning decisions of testing participation and accommodation strategies were found. The need for carefully planned inclusion of…

Results are presented of a national survey of state policies regarding identification of gifted students from special populations (culturally diverse families, economic disadvantagement, or gifted students with disabilities). Also considered is a followup study on the implementation of state policies in Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. Future policy…

Conditions influencing conduct and impact of state-level program evaluation are explored. A model is offered as a guide for assessing conduct and impact, and its use is demonstrated by a case study contrasting the approaches of two states examining an issue raised by the Federal Health Care Financing Agency. (SLD)