One of six projects funded by P.L. 93-247 state grant money, the Foster Child Advocate Services (FOCAS) Project established a guardian "ad litem" program in which court-approved members of the community volunteered to visit children in Texas State Department of Human Resources Conservatorships. Part I of the report, describing the…

In 1984, Arizona governmental officials began studying a social problem plaguing both the state and country for many years: "Does a teacher incentive program enhance the profession and student achievement?" Research and evaluation has been underway for over 3 years and is focusing on the parameters of a model which will be reported to policy…

In recent years, Delaware has begun several welfare reform programs that have a direct impact on early childhood development. But even the best preschool and early education programs are not enough to ensure that at-risk kids will become educated and self-confident adults. The prevailing view that early childhood care and education begins at birth…

The first paper (by Jim Jarrett) in this monograph on the Kansas State Inservice Plan offers an overview of one facet of staff development plans, i.e., peer coaching and its effectiveness in teacher inservice education. The next paper (by Dan Neuenswander) reviews the Kansas State Department of Education Inservice Plan, defining inservice and/or…

The Michigan Closed Case Survey examined workers' compensation cases that were closed in the fall of 1978. Specific objectives of the study were to compare the workers' compensation experience of the insured and self-insured employer populations, to provide an empirical description of the workers' compensation system in Michigan, and to determine…

The purpose of this report is (1) to discuss the basic issues dealt with in examining the effectiveness of learning centers; (2) to relate preliminary work with learning center evaluation to the state delivery systems of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri; and (3) to identify further work which is needed to extend the initial effort. The basic…

A COMPENSATORY EDUCATION PROGRAM IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USED FIELD TRIPS TO BROADEN THE EXPERIENCE OF CHINESE, NEGRO, AND SPANISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN IN DISADVANTAGED AREAS. THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM WERE TO DEVELOP THE STUDENTS' LANGUAGE SKILLS, INCREASE THEIR MOTIVATION, AND BROADEN THEIR CULTURAL BACKGROUND. EFFORTS ALSO WERE MADE TO…

A follow-up survey was conducted of the 1978 Educational Quality Assessment (EQA) to ascertain what impact the Pennsylvania Statewide Assessment Program had on schools and school districts. The survey instrument consisted of 20 items tapping: (1) the quality of information and services provided; (2) dissemination activities engaged in by the…

Several years ago, California, along with other states, discovered that there was a layering effect of categorical programs, both state and federal. Most programs were aimed at unique populations--disadvantaged, bilingual, etc. This proliferation and the evaluation requirements inherent in each of the categorical efforts created problems of…

In North Carolina, businesspeople and legislators are concerned that students are inadequately informed about the free enterprise system. State law requires instruction in economics and businesses have provided educational support, but teachers and superintendents must become convinced that economics education is important before a comprehensive…

Describes a study conducted to determine how many state governments had established employee assistance programs (EAPs). Results concerned how state EAPs are organized, services provided, cost of programs, what dollars or productive benefits were calculated, and what problems have been encountered by state EAPs. (CT)

This annual report details the accomplishments of the Alaska Head Start Program for fiscal year 1995. It begins with a description of the principal components of the Alaska Head Start Program, focusing on economic development; community development; parent and family involvement; education, training, and career development; and comprehensive…

The Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) provides funding to establish quality early childhood education programs that serve children eligible to enroll in kindergarten the following year. A vital component of CPP is to strengthen families and support them as participants in their child's education. District Councils made up of representatives of key…

In response to trends toward greater accountability expectations for educational programs, a study evaluated the success of the implementation of Ohio's Individual Career Plan (ICP). The ICP is a document initiated by students no later than grade 8 that helps to outline initial career goals and educational plans to reach those goals. A core…