Efforts to determine the effectiveness of federal youth employment training programs have indicated that positive results are accompanied by persistent problems. Available from: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Rm. 456 GHI Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20250. (JD)

This article describes the National Diffusion Network (NDN), which was developed by the U.S. Office of Education to disseminate exemplary educational programs. Also discussed are five NDN programs which have been adopted by Catholic schools. (SJL)

Discusses the political and economic factors that lay behind a federal mandate for evaluation of the 4-H program. Reviews the themes of other articles in this journal issue dealing with various aspects of the evaluation. (GC)

Briefly describes the content, organization, and multiple influences on the 4-H program in relation to a national program evaluation. Discusses influences of the sponsors and evaluators on the evaluation and problems encountered because of competing values and perceptions. Reviews evaluation findings and speculates on the utilization of the…

Considers the methodology, findings, and conclusions of three studies conducted by Stephen Epler, Louis Bender, and James Perkins, which evaluated the Junior College Leadership Program. The project was funded from 1959 through 1974 to establish university programs for the preparation of two-year college administrators. (DML)

The Department of Education does not originate policy and it has little chance of streamlining administration of federal programs. (Author)

Reviews the history of the federal depository library program, noting the legislation that determined the present system of libraries. Two important developments are described--the format change of the Monthly Catalog and the GPO (Government Printing Office) micropublishing program--and future plans are revealed. (JD)

Mondale discusses the current state and future trends of youth employment, focusing on the recommendations of the Task Force on Youth Employment. Included in the discussion are minority unemployment rates, private industry cooperation, and the increasing importance of education in two areas--basic skills and career preparation. (SK)

Discusses the role and accomplishments of the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The relationship between the OSTP and the Congress is also discussed. (HM)

Provides a personalized view of Frank Press, the science advisor to President Carter, his role as science advisor, and a review of issues under study by the science advisor staff. (SL)

Reviews and describes three programs in which older adults provide their services: foster grandparents, senior companions, and retired senior volunteers. (AM)

Recent release of "Prospects," a national evaluation of Chapter 1/Title I ($7.2 billion federal program for disadvantaged elementary-school students), has questioned effectiveness of entire program. However, 1994 Title I reauthorization allows high-poverty schools to turn their dollars into markedly better achievement by adopting…

Discusses the origins and development of the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) initiative as well as expectations for its implementation. In addition, it considers the contributions of the National Archives and Records Administration in establishing descriptive standards for GILS data elements to enhance public access. (Author/LRW)

The Hatch Act of 1887 established agricultural education as primarily academic with a strong scientific base, supported by the leadership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Smith-Hughes Act shifted to vocational emphasis and leadership by the Federal Board for Vocational Education. Examination of the profession's history can lead back to…