This article examines the definition of preschool gifted education in Louisiana, describes a publicly funded preschool gifted program, and discusses issues pertaining to a parent evaluation of the program. The evaluation covered: certification and teacher effectiveness, instruction, inservice education, special education paperwork and program…

A program for legally mandated training of foster and adoptive parents in rural Oregon is described. The development of this program and its funding sources can serve as an example for other rural areas. (BC)

Presents an award list, arranged by state, that presents titles of children's and young adult books that received awards during the past year. The name of the award, the appropriate ages and grade levels (where applicable), and the most recent bibliographic information available are provided for each title. (LRW)

Analysis of early intervention expenditure data for 157 children in Massachusetts revealed an enormous variability in the total expenditure per child estimate. The study identified specific child, family, and program characteristics as predictors of different types of service hours. Difficulty in using one mean expenditure figure for planning is…

Examination of cost and job placement data for 428 of 2,958 courses taught in California Regional Occupational Centers and Programs showed few differences among 8 course areas, suggesting that centers invest differing amounts in areas to achieve equivalent placement. Cost-benefit analysis may be of limited usefulness when context cannot be…

An appellate court found that Michigan's popular prepaid college tuition program is not subject to federal income taxes, reversing an earlier decision. The program, considered a model for other states, was suspended in 1991 due to fund depletion from tax payments. The Internal Revenue Service is considering an appeal. (MSE)

Describes the design, construction, and implementation of a statewide library Gopher for Virginia that was developed as an Internet navigation tool for users of the Virginia Library and Information Network (VLIN). Highlights include resources for Gopher developers, examples of menus, coverage of locally produced materials, and Virginia information…

Describes the efforts of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers' Articulation Committee to develop a statewide framework for foreign language instruction and testing for secondary and postsecondary programs through such activities as cooperation with state education agencies and universities, symposia, and reviews of relevant…

A trend away from state support of university research with commercial potential is noted, because of state budget restraints, changes in political leadership, and the belief that support of university research is not an efficient way to help businesses and create jobs. Cuts in specific programs in Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska…

Describes the development of the Federal State Cooperative System (FSCS) for Public Library Data, a system that combines the annual collection of data from public libraries by state agencies with the reporting of national public library statistics by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Future plans are also discussed. (six…

Six papers on geographic information systems cover the future of geographic information systems, land information systems modernization in Wisconsin, the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) System of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems and sustainable development,…

Describes North Dakota's family transportation program, which subsidizes parent-provided transportation as an alternative to school bus transportation. Reports on surveys of administrator and parent attitudes. Discusses potential cost savings and potential problems with insurance, tardiness, and increased student parking. (SV)

Assesses the effectiveness of a local antismoking contest in Bloomington (Minnesota) that was coordinated with a statewide campaign. Interviews were conducted with 218 local and 198 statewide participants. Finds that the local contest had a higher impact than the statewide contest. (FMW)

Discusses the problem of teenage pregnancy in the United States as a major factor in the creation of an American underclass in a cycle of dependency. Describes legislation, programs, and proposals in the state of Missouri which attempt to address this problem. (SR)

A universal work force preparation strategy should recognize connections between (1) welfare recipients and working poor people; (2) middle-class workers and the skilled worker shortage; and (3) top, middle, and entry-level labor force. The strategy must address both the entry of welfare recipients into the labor force and the serious shortage of…