Some of the major issues related to planning evaluations of federal human services national demonstration programs are discussed. Barriers to conducting evaluations are discussed for the policy level and cross-site and within-site evaluation contexts. Among the proposed solutions is the use of an explicit programmatic developmental sequence. (SLD)

Reviews current activities in the fields of both substance abuse and disability, and discusses new efforts to take advantage of advances in electronic communications and systems change approaches. The work of federal agencies in these areas is highlighted, and linkages of these agencies with the private sector are advocated. (JPS)

This special insert contains several articles on finding money for educational technology. Topics covered include foundations that provide educational funding; funding sources and recently funded programs; stretching available funds; fund-raising ideas; elements of a grant proposal; school-business partnerships; and grant proposals as a vehicle…

This statement by Senator Albert Gore, Jr., on introduction of the Information Infrastructure and Technology Act of 1992 highlights examples of applications of high-performance computing, the components of the Information Infrastructure Development Program (i.e., education, libraries, manufacturing, and health care), and participating agencies. A…

An analysis of the federal Stafford Student Loan Program summarizes its successes, limitations, and numerous problems and explains why reform has not yet occurred. A policy stalemate in Congress, lack of a well-developed reform alternative, and newly professionalized and mobilized interest groups are seen as making change unlikely. (Author/MSE)

This paper describes activities of Canada's Secretary of State (the ministry responsible for the status of disabled persons) toward ensuring equal access to fundamental elements of daily life. These include improving access to postsecondary education through establishment of Centres of Specialization; funding projects of national disability…

Today's special-education programs contribute to schools' disjointedness. Programs come in several varieties, serving children labeled as at risk, learning disabled, low achieving, or gifted. Narrowly framed categorical programs may have produced too few benefits. A recent forum recommends making schools more inclusive and integrated, organizing…

Identifies critical success factors that federal information resources management (IRM) must address, offers recommendations for how best to meet these challenges, and describes opportunities based on discussions with senior IRM leaders. A brief history of federal IRM, beginning with the Commission on Federal Paperwork in 1974, is provided.…

This position paper examines the current Head Start training and technical assistance (TTA) system and proposes specific improvements. These include the creation of regional TTA offices, the use of satellite and interactive communications technology, and a reevaluation of the role of teaching centers, national training contracts, and Head Start…

Long-term poverty rates among nonmetro Blacks have fallen dramatically since the early 1970s. Associated with that improvement are higher levels of education among young adults and smaller family size. Despite improvements, poverty levels are still much higher for Blacks than for Whites in both metro and nonmetro areas. (Author/KS)

The newly authorized Chapter 1 contains specific provisions for state and local agencies related to improving program quality. A review of state standards since 1989-90 shows that states use minimum standards to identify schools needing improvement and that program improvement requirements have generally failed to stimulate high student…

Describes presentations at Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) 25th anniversary conference, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 1990. Conference focused on youth leadership. More than 100 youth from 13 states attended, presenting 16 ARC-funded demonstration projects, including recreation programs, leadership development, theater…

An in-depth analysis of the substance and the implications of the National Environmental Education Act (1990a and 1990b) is provided. The establishment of new agencies, their charge to coordinate efforts, the range of activities to be supported, and the level of funding all indicate a significant renewal of federal commitment to environmental…

Narrates U.S. soil conservation history since the late eighteenth century. Discusses early practices such as contour plowing. Profiles individuals who promoted soil conservation and were largely responsible for the creation of the Soil Conservation Service. Explains the causes of erosion and how soil conservation districts help farmers prevent…

Several problems of the U.S. health care system are reviewed, including rising costs, increasing numbers of people who are uninsured, and the financial failure of public hospitals that treat uninsured patients. A plan called "Health America," which will guarantee health care for every U.S. family and control soaring health care costs, is…