Teacher preparation plays a critical role in ensuring that teachers are prepared to lead and impact student learning from the first day they are responsible for student learning. The best way to ensure that every teacher is "profession-ready" from their first day as a teacher-of-record is for preparation programs to incorporate teacher…

Needs assessment is the first step in developing a leadership education program. During the spring of 2008 researchers and program planners conducted focus groups sessions with representatives from Virginia's agricultural community with the goal of assessing the leadership development interests and needs of that community. As one focus group…

The publication describes the process which created the Rural Virginia Development Foundation and the potential contribution it holds for the agricultural sector of Virginia's economy and for the state's rural communities. Following an introduction, Part II provides background, operating assumptions, and principal justification for the Foundation;…

Service integration attempts to provide coordinated service delivery systems for the uncoordinated mix of programs such as income support programs (food stamps, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and employment, child care, child welfare, and training programs that exist at the local level throughout the United States by…

This report describes the technical assistance provided to the states of New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia during a project on vocational education models for linking agencies serving the handicapped. Described first are the nature and scope of the project. Covered in a summary of technical assistance provided to New Jersey are the New Jersey…

Three states--Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia--served as model states for a project on vocational education models for linking agencies serving the handicapped. Using a multi-agency team with members representing vocational education, special education, rehabilitation, guidance, and other agencies at the state level, each state developed a…

Virginia's program to build statewide consensus and participation in supported employment for the disabled from boards, service providers, counselors, parents, consumers, and the business community is described. Activities have included establishment of offices of supported employment in key agencies and establishment of five technical assistance…

The guide is designed to help states and localities create or strengthen their own youth councils. It is a synthesis of theory and practice that provides a general framework for thinking about youth councils, explaining the principles for youth action and the importance of youth engagement. It also incorporates advice and lessons from people in…

The extent to which state agencies are implementing information systems and analytical methods for budget review are examined. Focus is on 17 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Trends in budget…

The rising number of individuals returning to communities from prison and jail represents one of the defining issues of time. Individuals reentering society face myriad challenges, not the least of which is securing viable employment; in addition, each individual has a unique set of experiences, needs and resources. This project stems from the…

Designed to serve as an introduction to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) for agencies serving the handicapped, this guide analyzes the CETA process and suggests ways in which CETA funds can be used to help handicapped persons achieve their vocational potential. After giving a brief history and overview of the legislation, the…

A product of the Project on Vocational Education Models for Linking Agencies Serving the Handicapped, this handbook is designed to assist state and local level personnel to develop effective linking strategies that will help meet the needs of handicapped students. It consists of 11 chapters. Following an introductory explanation of the purpose and…

This study examined the characteristics of school systems and programs that have been successfully involved in change over the past 10 years and that are continuing to update services through external sources. Four models of innovation are outlined: the traditional research-development and utilization (RDU) model, the Linkage Model (Havelock…

A team of representatives of Virginia state agencies involved in career preparation and employment examined the development and establishment of school-to-work transition (SWT) programs in Virginia. The team conducted a literature review and analyzed 42 selected state programs. The 16 school-based programs primarily provided classroom instruction…

In 1978 the Commonwealth of Virginia initiated a three-year plan to develop basal fourth- and seventh-grade Virginia studies materials utilizing the resources of public and private institutions. The plan involved three stages: planning (1978-79), materials development (1979-80), and field testing and revision (1980-81). This document reviews the…