Seven challenges in quality assurance for services for people with mental retardation include defining quality, identifying the customer, making choices real, realizing that good intentions are not enough, not applying innovations too hastily or on too large a scale, assuring quality of leadership and staff, and rediscovering common sense. (DB)

This article begins by reviewing major educational dissemination programs and studies. A proposed vocational education research and development dissemination program based on the dissemination principles gleaned from these experiences is then described. (CT)

This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). It supports the recommendations made by the authors of that paper and suggests that, in addition, recommendations be developed that address a broader systems perspective. (Contains 5…

This discussion traces the legislative, fiscal, and programmatic history of Project Follow Through and analyzes the many problems and controversies that have surrounded it. It is argued that problems have been largely a result of the attempt to combine research and development (R & D) and social action service programs. Lessons learned as a…

The article examines how theoretical perspectives or model-views affect the delivery of special education services and influence the course of applied research with handicapped individuals. Underlying principles of major model orientations are discussed. Adoption of a model orientation that can document efficacy of interventions and ensure equal…

Discusses the historical development of hypertext/hypermedia, recent advances in their application, and potential problems with this technology. A hypermedia research and development project (PROJECT EMPEROR-I) that experimented with several major delivery system platforms is described and the potential of this type of application for librarians,…

This article examines the relationship between research and service provision to persons with severe mental retardation, notes frequent methodological deficiencies in current research, and proposes establishment of Australian research centers to coordinate research efforts and link research to service delivery. (DB)

These excerpts from "Education 2005: The Role of Research and Development in an Overwhelming Campaign for Education in America" describe the rationale for the report's full recommendations. They include the text and discussion of the particular recommendation for the creation of a research, development, and dissemination delivery system…

Summarizes the key policy issues raised in hearings on "Federal Information Policy Mechanisms" held by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology. The issues discussed include privatization of the National Technical Information Service, sensitive but unclassified information,…

This paper examines the development of service policy for people with intellectual disabilities in Australia, noting the minor role of research and empirical enquiry. Research's significant role in monitoring policy during the implementation phase is, however, acknowledged. A coordinated research program contributing to both policy development and…

The mission of the university is to increase human capital in all its dimensions, or value added to human capital through production of valid knowledge. Education and research are by-products, representing learning and discovery. Teaching is a distribution process within education. Distribution of research occurs through products such as public…

The most significant forces to influence service delivery in integration of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Australia have been social movements, cultural phenomena, and political and economic forces rather than scientific research. A greater emphasis on how research can be translated into effective policy and practice is encouraged.…

This article addresses theoretical and practical issues in the provision of mental health services to address psychosocial problems of secondary and postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Examples are offered of case studies and interventions from two federally funded research/demonstration projects at the University of Minnesota: the…

At the core of a world-class system of delivery of educational services, there must be a comprehensive process for continual transmission of the best that knowledge synthesis and new experimentation can offer for utilization procedures and practices. This idea was expressed by Representative Major R. Owens, committee chairman, in his opening…

This document reviews the activities of a conference on "Disseminating for Tomorrow's Voc Ed." The conference featured tools, techniques, information, examples that can be used to promote good dissemination, use of research, and developmental results. Considerable emphasis at the conference was given to topics and activities related to…