Some of the major issues related to planning evaluations of federal human services national demonstration programs are discussed. Barriers to conducting evaluations are discussed for the policy level and cross-site and within-site evaluation contexts. Among the proposed solutions is the use of an explicit programmatic developmental sequence. (SLD)

The Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP), enacted by Congress in 1988, provides intensive, comprehensive, integrated, and continuous support to preschool children from low-income families to enhance their intellectual, social, and physical development. It also provides needed services to parents and household family members to enhance…

This report to Congress on the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Program summarizes the work of the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FSYB) and its grantees during fiscal years (FY) 1993 and 1994. In FY 1994, the FSYB celebrated its twentieth anniversary. During the first 20 years of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, the FSYB conducted a…

This study examined major stakeholders' perceptions of their involvement and role in the legislative process surrounding the introduction, deliberation, and ultimate passage of the Direct Loan Demonstration Program (DLDP), a federal pilot student loan program. Data analysis was based on a detailed description of the legislative process surrounding…

This discussion of the technological revolution and the federal role in the leadership of education cites several reports which point out the deterioration of the educational system, and describes various activities initiated by the Federal Government for the improvement of education through technology. Projects include continued assistance to…

Recent research suggests that approximately one-third of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illnesses. Discusses federal initiatives undertaken by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) to encourage research and improve services for this subgroup. Describes the target population, NIMH research findings, and current mental…

As a result of a report from the National Commission on Excellence in Education recognizing the crisis in science, math, and technology training, and the increasing need for skilled manpower critical to economic growth and national defense, the federal government has proposed several bills for educational advancement. The President has signed into…

After describing inadequacies of current U.S. Department of Education funding strategies in identifying and sharing the best of research and development, this article outlines an alternative vision centered on using evaluation to guide replication. How to overcome constraints in implementing this vision for federal education leadership is…

A summary of current demographic trends, best practices, and federal initiatives in adult literacy is presented as a reference for practitioners in the field who are involved in delivering education services to adults with limited English skills. The report is based on U.S. Department of Education annual state adult education statistical and…

This paper presents a discussion of issues raised in the evaluation of Project Follow Through reported by Abt Associates. The paper suggests that many of the problems inherent in the design of both the program and the evaluation stem from the underlying assumption that one educational model could be found which would best alleviate the educational…

The case for an in-depth evaluation of many federal education programs is argued, particularly those providing site-specific information capable of informing program improvement. The reauthorization of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) offers an opportunity for the U.S. Department of Education to play a leadership role in…

The advent of the Information Age brings the means and tools to improve education through the use of technology. In order to assist educators in kindergarten through grade 12 and in higher education with the development of technological programs, the federal government has made the implementation of technology a primary initiative. There will be a…

Pointing out the dilemmas facing educators today in preparing people for the future, this paper discusses the supply and demand nature of the job market and the growing need for better educational opportunities, and describes opportunities provided by the concept of the newly founded Electronic University. The importance of research is emphasized,…

This article summarizes efforts to improve educational outcomes of students with hearing impairments through the government-funded Deaf Education Initiatives Project. It discusses the project's origins, cooperative efforts of diverse interest groups, the role of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education as subcontractor, the…

As part of the Chapter 1 program, the U.S. Department of Education conducts research activities and uses nominations from a variety of sources to identify promising practices and document their success. The department disseminates this information through its award process in the Chapter 1 School Recognition Program. (SLD)