This second-year project report describes the current status and future planned development of the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN), an evolving statewide system which will make possible the electronic movement of educational data between Florida's public schools, school districts, colleges, universities, the Department of Education…

The cost-effective use of communications technologies to extend adult learning opportunities is one way state policymakers can face the challenge of responding to growing demands for essential public services. The major new educational technologies that are available are television, radio, telephone, computers, communications satellites, and…

A report of the Task Force on Black and Hispanic Student Enrollment and Retention in New England is presented. It is noted that New England is predominantly white, and there are many stark inequities in minority participation in New England higher education. Task Force findings include the following: it is an economic necessity that a larger…

A staff report to the California Postsecondary Education Commission analyzes the California governor's 1989-90 budget and describes provisions for postsecondary education. Topics of the report are: factors constraining the budget; proposed educational expenditures (for public school expenditures, University of California, California State…

A report by the Council of Ontario Universities provides a 10-year review of the revenue and expenses of universities in Ontario. Information is derived from an annual publication entitled "Financial Report of Ontario Universities." The policy environment as well as revenues and expenses are discussed. An overview identifies major trends…

This summary of the final report of a statewide study of library systems in New York State begins by providing background information on the library systems and changes that have occurred since the last system study was conducted in 1967. The methodology of the current study is then described, and the mission and services of library systems…

Among the recommendations of the Texas Council on Vocational Education concerning literacy and training are the following: (1) the governor and legislature should conduct a statewide, multimedia campaign to heighten Texans' awareness of the importance of workplace literacy, dropout prevention, literacy programs, and the human and economic aspects…

The scope and operation of student financial aid programs in New York State are described, and suggestions to improve access are offered. The following state-administered programs are examined: the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Regents scholarships, and student loan programs. Data are provided on the types of student aid and numbers of new…

Participants in a symposium on education in rural New York analyzed strengths and weaknesses and made policy suggestions relating to three broad goals: (1) create parity of access to lifelong educational and cultural opportunities for residents and institutions in rural areas; (2) enhance the quality of lifelong educational and cultural…

This report provides statistical and financial data about the 19 community colleges in Kansas, based on information submitted to the State Department of Education by the community colleges. The nine sections of the report present: (1) actual revenues and expenditures by institution with state totals for 1985-86; (2) 1986-87 adopted general,…

This report discusses a variety of K-12 educational programs in California that constitute alternatives to instruction at regular public schools. For each of the programs discussed, the report identifies pertinent issues and provides policy recommendations. The report contents are based on visits to 18 school districts and 8 offices of county…

The amounts, types, and sources of financial aid received by Illinois college students are reported, based on the 1985 Illinois Student Financial Aid Survey. Data are provided for 332,868 Illinois students attending 168 public and private colleges and universities. Included are a narrative discussion of the findings, including the growth and…

The equity and effectiveness of the student financial aid system are considered, as it applies to undergraduates attending public institutions. In addition to evaluating whether aid is targeted to students with the greatest financial needs, attention is directed to the relationship between the receipt of different types of financial aid and…

This project was conducted to describe state programs of economic development concerned with state-provided training for industry and to share the results among the states. Surveys were sent to the 50 state directors of vocational education plus the directors in the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Of the surveys…

The relationship between state government and higher education institutions is discussed. It is noted that, by and large, state governments have left colleges alone until the past two decades. State intrusions have taken the form of accountability statutes, budgeting, performance audits, program review, minimum standards, sunset laws, and more…