This "Building Capacity for Change" "playbook" highlights practices and strategies that proved to be effective in supporting the rollout and implementation of certain programs under the New York State Department of Health's First 1,000 Days on Medicaid Initiative, a series of evidence-based reforms aimed at improving health and…

Since the initiation of PL 94-142 enacted by the United States Congress in 1975, special education has been mandated, funded and regulated by the federal government. There have been both benefits and drawbacks to this initiative. In positive terms and most importantly, children who require different educational services are identified, and…

The following strategies are presented for minimizing the effects of facility manager turnover on the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program: develop a transition plan; pass on knowledge; become a learning organization; become an employer of choice; enhance customers' confidence through training managers; highlight star facility managers;…

This report of the Panel on Quality Improvement in Student Financial Aid Programs examines the quality control of federal student financial aid programs covered by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and offers recommendations calling for sweeping revisions of the present system. The report explores: (1) the quality control practices…

The reconciliation of federal purposes (to bring change to those who do and those who don't welcome it) with a user-driven system (a system that maximizes user self-determination) is the basic paradox analyzed in this speech. One of the principles of organizational development is that unless the individual's perceived self-interest can be engaged,…

Public officials and student aid experts agree that the federal program delivery system is outdated, inefficient, and vulnerable to fraud, but they disagree on how bad the situation is and whether the Education Department has the structure necessary to fix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…

This overview of an evaluation of prime sponsor implementation of the Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act (YEDPA), offers an interpretation of ten case study findings. It is divided into four principal parts. The first, "Summary of Findings and Recommendations," summarizes findings about local programs implementing YEDPA and…

The Satellite Technology Demonstration (STD), through its unique field services network (the STD's Utilization Component), was able to develop and insure Project credibility among its many regional, state, and local participants. How the field service mechanism was used to maintain positive relationships between the STD and its many constituents…

This evaluative report by the General Accounting Office (GAO) summarizes Department of Education actions made through April 1996 in response to 205 recommendations to improve the management of federal student financial aid programs. The report concludes that the Department had completed actions or had actions in progress or planned for 186 of the…

This advisory report investigates the possible simplification of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and considers the issue of federal direct lending. The evaluation indicates that complexity in the FFELP is due to multiple, overlapping loan programs with conflicting terms and conditions. Nonstandard policies, procedures, forms, and…

Distribution of federal expenditures for interest benefits, special allowance payments, default claims reinsurance, and administrative cost allowances among over 61,000 borrowers is described, including in-school, grace and repayment periods by institution type, years enrolled, dependency status, and family financial circumstances. (Author/MSE)

The Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the centerpiece of the Clinton administration's education reform program, provides a fascinating case study of the challenges facing an activist administration in trying to craft federal legislation that can provide national direction and leadership in a highly decentralized education system. Goals 2000…

This Advisory Committee's final report presents study activities, findings, and recommendations for the simplification of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Analysis showed that the current FFELP program structure and operations are needlessly complex and require major reform. An interim report providing recommendations for the…

This report proposes reform recommendations in the Federal Student Loan Program that are intended to reduce government (and taxpayer) costs, allow for the incorporation of the National Service Initiative, and provide more flexible repayment terms for borrowers. The proposal provides for an evaluation period for direct government lending, the…

This publication presents a set of eight recommended reforms and improvements for delivering financial aid to postsecondary students especially the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). The recommendations are: (1) make applying for student aid simpler for students; (2) assure the continued availability of a dependable, reliable source of…