Responses from 49 states and the District of Columbia determined that (1) 40 have some prevocational education and 29 have state-sponsored programs; (2) 5 require it of all students; (3) 17 have 50 percent or more of seventh and eighth graders enrolled; and (4) primary influences were the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968 and the 1970s…

Using a multilevel statistics framework, a study examined the role of multiple sites in evaluation of three programs: Greater Avenues to Independence (GAIN), Job Training Partnership Act, and Food Stamp Employment and Training. Although multisite evaluations have great potential, they are more difficult and expensive and have limited success in…

Looks at the history of the outcome-based education (OBE) movement and offers opinions from a variety of federal and state officials and Christian organizations. Discusses the fit between OBE and vocational-technical education. (JOW)

Examines the statewide testing programs of North Carolina and Alaska, showing how the legislative goals, objectives, and expectations for these tests are seldom met. Such testing programs cannot realistically serve both accountability and achievement monitoring functions. (12 references) (MLH)

Annotates 100 state publications and discusses concerns related to state documents, including a lack of support of state documents depository programs by state legislatures; fiscal constraints; a lack of penalties for noncompliance with depository regulations; and a change in state document procedures by the Center for Research Libraries (CRL).…

A survey of 498 firms that applied for Michigan Job Opportunity Bank-Upgrade grants received 157 responses, including 66 grant recipients. Data showed receipt of grants associated with large, significant (though one-time) increase in training hours and lasting reduction in product scrap rates. (SK)

Documents the need for seamless funding of child-care services, which allows families to move between child-care services that are funded through different sources without a disruption in service or a need to change providers. Describes the process undertaken by the state of New York to implement such a funding system. (MDM)

The directory lists federal programs for the deaf under the Office of Special Education Programs, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the 10 regions of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. It also lists vocational rehabilitation offices for states, territories, and the District of Columbia. (DB)

Describes a project at Florida State University that is designed to study competencies and develop test specifications for library media specialists. The 24 sources that form the basis for the Library Media Specialists' Test study guide are included. (MES)

The article reviews experiences of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in implementing supported employment rehabilitation programs. Results to date include referral of 37 clients to the contracting agencies and placement of 10 multiply handicapped clients in competitive work situations earning above minimum wage…

The Texas alternative certification program combines school district-provided training with some college coursework, emphasizing work with at-risk students and internship under a mentor. Many midcareer professionals and minorities have chose this route. (SK)

Describes the use of "open scenes" to meet state-mandated educational goals, such as those in Kentucky's Education Reform Act. Discusses how open scenes can be an effective pedagogical technique to develop acting skills and help students meet the goals of current educational reform. Discusses the use of a GOTE sheet (goals, other,…

Presents a procedure for standard setting that involves the cluster analysis of test takers to discover examinee groups that are useful for envisioning marginally competent performance or defining borderline or contrasting groups. Illustrates use of the procedure with a statewide mathematics test, and concludes that cluster analysis is useful in…

Provides information, for each U. S. state and the five outlying areas, on demographics, education agencies and schools, students and staff, and education revenues and expenditures. Contains a U. S. profile, ranking of the states, and profiles of the states and outlying areas. (SLD)

Describes the career of Don Carl Smellie who has exerted leadership in the promotion of new technologies for instruction in education, industry, and government. Discusses his founding of the Department of Instructional Technology at Utah Sate University (USU) and its efforts in distance education, technological innovation, international service,…