"Better Evidence, Better Choices, Better Schools," a recent report from the Center for American Progress and the Knowledge Alliance, focuses on the evidence-based research provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA provisions ask districts and schools to consider various sources of evidence, make judgments about the…

Describes the forces that influenced the geographic unitization of state hospitals in the 1960s and 1970s. Discusses the extent to which this change met its original goals and analyzes the factors that prevented it from fully doing so. (Author)

Discusses some common issues which face all states in determining the extent and style of library services for blind and physically handicapped individuals. (Author/LLS)

Describes South Carolina's model program to place an expected minimum of 42,000 military veterans in its work force. (JOW)

This publication describes Rhode Island's expenditure of funds under the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), compares this expenditure to that of other states, and presents recommendations for change in the funding policies of the Rhode Island Department of State Library Services. A list of major library programs is provided, showing the…

Discusses the role of the State Approving Agency (SAA) in assisting states with their Veterans Education Programs that originated with the G.I. Bill. SAAs continue to help states by providing monitoring services and advising or consulting as needed. (JOW)

The Child Welfare League of America surveyed the structured methods used by agencies to measure case outcome. The findings indicate a need to develop improved measures of effectiveness. Criteria for measures suitable to meet acountability requirements and problems in outcome measurement are discussed. (Author/RH)

Discusses planning for information technology (IT) in state government and reports on the IT planning experiences of eight state agencies in Florida. Florida's Information Resource Commission is described, the information resources management (IRM) planning process is explained, and recommendations for IRM for other states are given. (20…

Good executive development systems help enhance technical, interpersonal, and conceptual skills; use both in-house and external programs; and clearly articulate connections between components. (SK)

When questionnaires were used to assess the involvement of state library agencies in the provision of public library youth services, a consultant profile emerged. Consultants' activities, strengths and weaknesses are described, and a stronger commitment by agencies to consultants and to effective library service for children is urged. (EA)

Revisionist education histories continue to guide the nature of inquiry within the profession regarding the history of vocational education. The increase of state-level policy analysis in vocational education indicates one trend toward utilizing political histories. Vocational educators should become knowledgeable about the historiographical…

Examines the effect of assessment and accountability requirements on the English department at Eastern Kentucky University. Aims not to offer solutions but to help to define the problems faced by a particular department at a particular university in a particular context, with the assumption that other departments are facing similar problems. (TB)

The author argues that the state level should have a major role in establishing a core curriculum but that local flexibility is needed to adapt school policies to varied needs and to better utilize staff at the school level. (MT)

Reviews a model by Joel Kleinman (proposed in this issue) for comparing State infant mortality rates to long-term trends. Asserts that even States with non-significant test results may have problems needing attention. Argues that the model may not be practically applied by State health officials. (KH)

An effective leadership model places the target clientele--undereducated adults--at the top of a pyramid of influence. The leader's role is to convince others of the importance of the mission and assist them in achieving it. (SK)