This report is one of three resulting from a 50-state survey on the development of family policies through the implementation of Public Law 99-457 (Part H) and focuses on the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC), the participation of family members, parental access to services, the identification of family strengths and needs, and family…

In recent years, the interest in how children spend their out-of-school time has resulted in program development projects at the local and state level and has influenced state and federal policymakers to propose legislation supportive of school-age child care programs. Gubernatorial and legislative efforts have succeeded in several states.…

Major developments are occurring worldwide that have brought about an interdependent global economy. At the same time, demographic changes are reshaping the American work force. How we respond to these forces will shape our nation's viability and well-being. Ultimately, success in economic competition is determined in the workplace. Many of our…

This report describes major issues in teaching and current initiatives and proposals to strengthen teaching in New York State. An overview is presented of state action and local projects aimed at teacher improvement in the areas of: (1) recruitment and preservice teacher education; (2) teacher certification; (3) staff development and other…

At its meeting in August 1985, the members of the National Governors' Association formed seven task forces for the purpose of examining in-depth critical problem areas in American education. Focus was upon problems in the areas of: (1) teaching; (2) leadership and management; (3) parent involvement and choice; (4) readiness; (5) technology; (6)…

The conference described addressed a wide range of key issues affecting young children and families; namely, child abuse, quality in pre-elementary programs, and responsibility for delivery of services. The document summarizes the policy issues identified by attendees of the 16 workshops and the addresses of the three major speakers (Dr. Donald C.…

An overview of state studies and blue-ribbon commissions on higher education is presented, with an analysis of the motivating issues, which include the need for a strong tie between higher education and the state's economy and the recognition of the connection between the quality of higher education and the quality of the public schools. The…

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) together with the American Association for Higher Education recently conducted five case studies of state-based approaches to assessment in undergraduate education in Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Virginia. The case studies, in turn, are part of the Missouri Governor John Ashcroft's…

Conference participants examined how other states are preparing their farmers and rural communities to survive in the present "new world order," and considered whether Arkansas, one of only three states without a central agricultural agency, has the tools to forge strategies for the 1990's. "The Role of State Government in…

In 1985 Georgia adopted the Quality Basic Education Act that requires local school systems to provide all public school officials and personnel the opportunity to continue their development throughout their professional careers. A formula was set for State funding of professional development programs. The Act also required each local school system…

The purpose of this research paper is to identify and examine legal issues and implications of mandatory competency tests (MCT) for high school graduation. The major data source for this investigation was actual court cases and abstracts and interpretations of court cases. It is not the purpose of this paper to perform a general review of…

A study of 1980 Census data revealed the following about the position of Hispanics, and particularly Hispanic women, in New York State: (1) Hispanics are growing rapidly in size and political significance, with their population rising 23% in New York and 61.02% nationally; (2) the young age and high fertility rates of Hispanics guarantee that they…

Major findings and recommendations for postsecondary education in Indiana are presented. Topics discussed include enrollments, postsecondary participation rates, College Board admission test results, educational attainments of the Indiana adult population, characteristics and plans of Indiana high school seniors, characteristics and plans of…

The source of profits earned by states as a result of tax-exempt bonds issued to raise funds for college student loans is analyzed, as are various proposals to reduce these profits. Background information about both student loan bond programs and student loans is presented, along with an explanation of how issuers of student loan bonds are able to…

This booklet lists and discusses different approaches that States can take in order to provide leadership in school desegregation. Emphasis is placed on the services provided by DSP that can help States assume a major responsibility for achieving school desegregation. Two services provided by DSP are described: a clearinghouse of information on…