This guide describes how a person with a disability can work and keep federal benefits, such as Social Security. It is useful for transition planners and disabled youth and their families who need to know how to keep benefits during the transition from school to work. The guide explains work incentives and provides an overview of Social Security…

This newsletter issues offers suggestions to individuals with disabilities whose requests for assistive technology equipment or services have been refused due to an agency's financial situation. Parents asking for services for their child should point out that federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantee a child's…

This final report presents the results of an 18-month Connecticut symposia project to confront the difficult issues facing special education and to meet those challenges through a collaborative systemic change process. The project goal, objectives, and implementation procedures are specified, and background information on five targeted topics is…

This issue paper is based on recommendations of a February, 1991 meeting on promoting child health through Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part H emphasizes family-centered care; service coordination; comprehensive services; collaboration among service providers and funding sources; outreach to traditionally…

This report describes programs for Alaska's children. Discussed are the efforts of the Governor's Interim Commission on Children and Youth to construct a coherent, long-term, and effective children's policy for the state. A comprehensive system of services rooted in prevention and intervention is proposed for future long-term policy development.…

This report attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of total federal financial support for education since fiscal year 1980 when the United States Department of Education became a separate agency. To the extent possible, outlays, rather than obligations, are used. Education is grouped into three categories: (1) on-budget federal support; (2)…

Information is provided on factors associated with the effectiveness of continuation high schools in California. This Phase 2 report (following a Phase 1 study of 54 schools) is based on information gathered from 10 schools that were selected as among the more effective in the state at retaining students in school and graduating them.…

This guide provides curriculum developers, education faculty, veteran teachers, and student teachers with basic information on the background of early childhood curriculum, as well as current information on publications, standards, and special materials for early childhood classrooms. Following an introduction, the material is presented in 14…

This report proposes reform recommendations in the Federal Student Loan Program that are intended to reduce government (and taxpayer) costs, allow for the incorporation of the National Service Initiative, and provide more flexible repayment terms for borrowers. The proposal provides for an evaluation period for direct government lending, the…

This report of a special State Technical College Task Force responds to a Minnesota legislative directive regarding needed changes in preservice and continuing education programs for personnel providing services for people with developmental disabilities. Introductory material provides background information and a summary of the 1991 legislation…

This report characterizes the student population served by the Migrant Education Program (MEP), describes services provided through MEP, and suggests policy options to improve targeting and accountability. Despite legislation that requires currently migratory children to receive priority for MEP services, over half of those served are formerly…

This paper examines strategies for state and local leaders to finance supports and services for young children and their families in the wake of welfare reform. It focuses on strategies for revenue reform and for creating public/private partnerships to provide decision makers with current and relevant information on a variety of effective tools…

In the past, post-secondary education has been an option for welfare recipients wishing to increase their earning power. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) shifted federal policy and made it more difficult for welfare recipients to pursue a college education. Nevertheless, several work activities…

The newsletter presents six articles and associated information concerned with assistive technology for children and youth with handicaps. "Technology: Becoming an Informed Consumer" (Elizabeth Lahm and Sue Elting) reviews the history of technology with emphasis on assistive technology, offers case studies on technology applications, and gives…

This report analyzes and summarizes the National Security Education Act of 1991 (NSEA) which authorizes a new program of aid for foreign language and area studies. The report discusses the legislation's aim to increase future national security through enhanced foreign language abilities and knowledge of other countries, the NSEA's authorized…