Objective: This article analyzes the implementation of two state grant programs in Tennessee aimed at improving the quality of in-demand postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programming at community and technical colleges. We use insights from our findings to propose a conceptual framework for understanding how external funding can…

Over the last several years, a growing number of cities have invested in early care and education for 3- and 4-year-old children, known as "preschool." This paper aims to aid cities in planning preschool programs by outlining a range of factors to consider. We largely do not make recommendations, but rather try to identify a range of…

It has become increasingly difficult to succeed in the U.S. workforce with only a high school diploma. While 75% of the middle-class workforce had only a high school education in the 1970s, that percentage dropped to below 40% by 2007. An estimated two-thirds of all jobs in 2020 will require some postsecondary training, up from just a quarter of…

The second annual implementation report for the Accelerating Opportunity (AO) initiative in four states finds that: (1) colleges aligned pathways and supports with local needs; (2) students were satisfied with AO; (3) AO instructors grew more adept at team teaching; (4) colleges struggled to recruit adult education students; (5) states and…

The educational reform movement has resulted in staff development requirements which have created implementation problems for rural schools. The educational cooperative provides a solution to these implementation problems. (JD)

This report analyzes problems in New York State efforts to reduce unwanted adolescent pregnancy and its associated problems. Following an executive summary and introduction, the report consists of five sections. Section 1 details the framework and background for the Task Force recommendations. Section 2 provides an overview of current efforts to…

This report focuses on the formulation and implementation of family support and education policies in four states, all of which have established programs that provide the core services of parenting education, early childhood development activities, parent support groups, and information about other community agencies. The initiatives are…

A new formula proposed for categorically funding local education programs in Illinois can channel more money into programs for excellence than can general purpose grants. The formula, which would provide venture capital to stimulate local initiatives, would depend on district plans for using the money to improve instruction and on distribution of…

Prepared as a reference for staff development coordinators in California's community colleges, this five-part handbook presents information on program planning and implementation, state requirements, and available resources. The first section provides background information on the state's staff development programs, highlighting their role,…

This paper describes funding mechanisms used in six states to implement early intervention services under Public Law 99-457, Part H, of the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (1986). An introduction reviews surveys of state progress in implementing the law's financial provisions. The six case studies present examples of successful…

This handbook provides basic information on the roles, organizational issues, and program activities that will influence the effectiveness of private industry councils (PICs) set up under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) of 1982. Intended to guide PICs on the issues involved, it should be useful to members and staff of existing PICs and…

This guide is designed to assist local educational agencies in the design, development, implementation, operation, and administration of vocational-technical education programs in Michigan. All aspects of this document are designed to concur with the Michigan State Plan for Vocational Education as well as the Michigan School Code and subsequent…

The Richmond preschool is an innovative partnership between regular and special education. High school students taking a child care course act as aides to the preschool special education teacher and learn to apply and observe classroom-based theory and knowledge of child growth and development in a meaningful and concrete manner. (JHZ)

To determine the extent of state-mandated staff development activity in the states, a study involving the chief education officer from each of the 50 states was conducted, and the results are reported in this paper. The study and report focus on the following: (1) states mandating staff development programs; (2) states planning legislation…

This report describes the beginning of a community-based effort across Colorado to promote healthy lifestyles and modify risk behavior of children, in conjunction with the Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Act of 1990. The report summarizes what was accomplished during the first year of funding and offers a picture of how communities across…