This report discusses the outcomes of a study designed to identify the reasons that individuals with disabilities use the assistive technology loan programs offered by state assistive technology projects. The study aimed to identify the types of devices that were purchased through the loan programs and the effects of these devices on the lives of…

Discusses Minnesota's recent tax reform legislation which provides for increased state financing of education. (JF)

Examines number of counselors employed, sources of financial support, professional background, certification, and state standards in the fifty states and four territories. (Author)

Scholarship programs are offered by 17 States and at least 13 offer a student loan assistance program. (Author/MF)

Describes the procedures followed by Louisiana public libraries in establishing and operating that state's award winning summer reading program. The cooperative efforts of the state library, state library association, and committees of public librarians are discussed, as is the incorporation of performing artists funded by grants from the state's…

As states begin mandating induction-year programs as part of teacher preparation and certification, three issues have surfaced: the lack of consistency in definitions of mentoring among stakeholders, both between and within states; the need for the development of appropriate and effective models of mentoring; and the need for adequate funding to…

South Dakota State leaders decided a few years ago to make a commitment to educational technology and distance education. The result is a blend of public and private support for educational change focused on increased use of instructional technology and distance education. The May/June 2001 issue of "Tech Trends" presents ideas from…

Massachusetts is heralded nationally for being the first in the nation to enact a state policy to redesign and expand the learning day for all students to advance academic achievement, broaden enrichment opportunities, and improve instruction. The Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Initiative has gained momentum over the past several years due to the…

Context: Founded in 1971 with state funding to increase the number of primary care physicians in rural Minnesota, the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) has graduated 1,175 students. Third-year medical students are assigned to primary care physicians in rural communities for 9 months where they experience the realities of rural practice with…

This report analyzes data gathered through surveys of state administrators of child care and early childhood programs. The report is in three sections: (1) the state of child care and early education in the mid-1990s; (2) the relative level of commitment of each state in 1994; and (3) the likely impact of 1996 U.S. welfare reform legislation. The…

The Library of Michigan administers the Public Library Personnel Certification Program for Michigan. This handbook clarifies the certification guidelines and terminology used by the Library of Michigan staff and explains the procedures to be used by public libraries. Information on the following is provided: the certification program;…

The State of Alaska spends 75% of its operating revenues on transfer payments to individuals and local governments and on salaries and benefits of state workers. By the year 2000, dwindling petroleum revenues will result in a projected $1 billion gap between state income and spending, but inflation and growing population could widen that gap to…

The fifth in a series of position papers on deinstitutionalization of persons in Ohio with developmental disabilities, this paper addresses administrative structure and finance requirements. The introductory section suggests the need for new administrative and fiscal models to keep pace with changes in service delivery strategies. The importance…

These four annual reports detail Indiana's efforts to enhance computer literacy for teachers and assist in computer instruction in the schools. The consortium was given the responsibility by 1983 legislation to establish regional clearinghouses for computer instruction information, coordinate teacher training in computer instruction skills, and…

Utah's Minimum School Finance Program provides for the funding of several component programs. This document reports on these component programs, describing their characteristics and objectives and displaying graphically the recent statistical data revealing their extensiveness, their costs, and trends in their utilization. The report first…