Three methods for evaluating a nationwide audiovisual instruction program for preservice and in-service teachers in Germany will be implemented: (1) a questionnaire on teacher attitudes toward the media packages; (2) a case study of teachers working with the media during the program; and (3) intensive group discussions on program applications. (CP)

The Carter Administration's urban policy is weak with respect to the targeting of Federal assistance to those communities most in need of help, and ignores the problem of restricted access to jobs, housing, and services. (Author/RLV)

Discusses how the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 denies noncitizens public assistance, defines "qualified aliens", and points out the inequities of the Act. Examines how this legislation affects several federal programs administered by state agencies, such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for…

A study analyzed characteristics of 392 University of Dayton (Ohio) students borrowing through the Perkins Loan Program to discover their relative impact on loan default behavior, and developed a model to help predict individual potential defaulters. Financial aid policy recommendations aimed at reducing default costs at the institution are…

Public officials and student aid experts agree that the federal program delivery system is outdated, inefficient, and vulnerable to fraud, but they disagree on how bad the situation is and whether the Education Department has the structure necessary to fix it. A 1995 project to integrate all federal grant and loan programs into one system has not…

Helping poor families increase their residential stability can have direct bearing on school stability and student academic achievement. Discusses the role of housing in child and family wellbeing; residential mobility and school performance; residential mobility and housing problems; housing affordability; (federal housing policy); homeownership;…

This article documents decreasing support for education research and introduces this special issue. The difficulties in obtaining research grants, getting schools to cooperate, maintaining treatment integrity, and communicating findings are noted. High-quality school-based research is encouraged. (DB)

The article explores the process of change in special education and reviews major research projects of a five-year (1985-90) federal research program of the Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. Forty-one projects addressed eight priority areas, including enhancing instructional program options and educating students with…

This review of the 1989 Student Initiated Research and Field Initiated Research transition proposals considers the practical value of federally funded transition research. Proposals are analyzed by such criteria as importance, technical soundness, personnel, impact, and budget. Of a total of 54 proposals competitively approved, 5 dealt with…

Describes the Star Schools program, a federally funded project designed to serve as a model for using technology to reach small or disadvantaged schools in isolated areas. The discussion covers the objectives of the project, the use of telecommunications technology and computer networks, and the current and future role of library media specialists…

This open letter from the United States Assistant Secretary of Education reviews the state of public education since the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Long range goals and priorities of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services are discussed, including collaboration between professionals and between…

A survey of 64 institutions investigated how the organizational structures of financial aid offices and institutional characteristics (e.g., staff size, sector, computer services) affect the efficiency of administering federal student aid programs. The questionnaire is appended. (MSE)

Investigates the concepts and evidence needed to understand the extent of racial segregation in the Federal public housing program operating in metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Attempts to explain the level and variation of public housing segregation by examining legislative, programatic, and regional factors. Suggests directions…

Three articles on evaluation in the Federal government describe a decline in budget and staff support, narrowing of the agenda to internal management issues, and the subordination of evaluation to other functions. Issues for the future of Federal government evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

The following social problems suggest the need for an intergenerational movement in the United States: (1) the social isolation of old and young; (2) the political and social strain resulting from Federal budget allocations; and (3) the labor shortage and its impact on social services. Programs linking elders and the young can address these…