Critiques "America Reads," a federal initiative (launched by President Clinton in 1996) to foster universal literacy by sending a million tutors into schools. Argues that the program fails to take into account much of what is known about best practices in literacy instruction, and that inexperienced or poorly trained tutors may present…

This directory provides information on a variety of supportive and rehabilitative programs for people with deafness and hearing impairment. Listed are federal programs, state vocational rehabilitation offices, and regional and local programs. Also provided is a list of national professional organizations and centers, contacts for the National…

Supporting parental-involvement research findings, Congress in 1995 appropriated $10 million to fund 28 parent information and resource centers in 27 states and Washington, D.C. In 1999, 58 more were funded. Centers communicate personably with parents via newsletters, referral networks, websites, cable TV, and toll-free numbers. (MLH)

Describes the comprehensive Welsh system of education and training, including a national career information and guidance service. The system focuses on credit-based qualifications and a holistic approach to academic and vocational learning. (SK)

Current federally supported technical assistance priorities and operations are not well aligned with the school-improvement process. This article discusses technical assistance centers' organization, funding, and size; the topics they address; the recipients, gatekeepers, and trainers they work with; convening services provided; coordination…

Provides information on selected governmental programs that exclusively serve individuals with disabilities, are federally supported (in whole or part), provide services for children with disabilities or young adults with disabilities in the process of becoming independent, and have an annual budget exceeding $500,000,000. Tables provide…

Explores why some education advocates say GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which targets primarily middle school students, and TRIO serve different purposes and are both worthy of support, while others question whether there is really a need for both programs. Includes a sidebar detailing each program.…

Focuses on the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Programs. Discusses what and whom the National Endowment supports, applying for a grant, grantmaking programs, research and education, and includes a list of state humanities councils. Three tables show LSTA funding, national leadership…

Technology is a funding priority among federal education programs, which provide schools with networking capabilities and students with Internet access. Other programs include Star Schools (targeting underserved students), the Technology Literacy Challenge, and the 1997 Telecommunications Act providing E-Rate discounts. State technology funding…

The Department of Education's Inspector General has identified and prosecuted 17 cases where borrowers received large amounts in student loans by claiming falsely to be pursuing studies at foreign institutions. Officials see serious statutory, regulatory, and program deficiencies that may expose programs to more fraud and abuse. Critics feel the…

Over the past year, the National Academies have established a Board on Science Education (BOSE). This marks a major restructuring of the portion of the National Research Council (NRC) that deals with science education. As the first chair of BOSE, the author describes in this column the new structure and advantages of this board and discusses some…

Many higher education institutions today are struggling with the costs of their retiree health plans. The answer to controlling these costs may come in the form of a defined contribution retiree health plan for both current and future retirees. This article examines how such a plan can maximize availability of Medicare Part D prescription…

The purpose of this report is to provide an annual overview of activities funded under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" ("IDEA"), Part D (National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities), subparts 2 and 3 (P.L. 108-446). "IDEA", Part D, includes programs that support personnel…

This study examines the similarities and differences between the US and India in their approaches toward gifted education programs. Beginning with a look at the evolution of gifted education in America and the subsequent programs created under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Education Program, American efforts to promote gifted education…

To better understand how school principals can provide instructional leadership appropriate for English language learners (ELLs) with disabilities, the study described in this report examined how principals of successful schools translated information to teachers on designing accessible standards-based instruction for ELLs with disabilities. The…