This collection of seven reports explores the changes in children's services that have been brought about by efforts to limit local spending and taxation, and by unfavorable economic changes. The four states chosen for analysis--California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey--represent contrasting economic circumstances and several different…

For certain groups of the mentally ill, most notably individuals with serious mental disabilities, the community-based mental health system can be more of a "non-system." Unforeseen problems have plagued both the dream of deinstitutionalization and the effectiveness of community mental health centers during the last 20 years. Uncoordinated…

This document offers the results of a study of Nevada's telecommunications requirements, based on a comprehensive survey of existing networks associated with state and local governments, school districts, and the university system. It reports that Nevada can accrue benefits from telecommunications in the areas of education, economic development,…

A footnote to state legislation provided an opportunity to examine the extent to which joining Wyoming's libraries might better serve the needs of those who depend on library services. The footnote designated an appropriation of $20,000 to evaluate the feasibility of merging the state library and the university library by: (1) reviewing the space…

This report is part of a series prepared for planning and developing a comprehensive, coordinated service delivery system for Arizona infants and toddlers who are developmentally delayed or at risk of developing handicapping conditions, and their families. It identifies Arizona agencies designated to respond to the special needs of young children…

This report examines the facilitation of financing higher education in Hawaii. The report covers financial aid programs available to Hawaii college students, as well as prepaid and guaranteed tuition programs and college savings programs. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 focuses on threshold questions such as state constitutional…

As part of a study of the pros and cons of organizing regional educational service agencies to provide special programs and services involving media technology to groups of local districts that find it difficult to meet such needs when acting independently, a survey of state departments of education was conducted to gather information about…

Hearings were held in California, Illinois, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., to receive testimony concerning the Parental and Medical Leave Act of 1987, a bill intended to promote the economic security of many families by providing job-protected leave for parents upon the birth, adoption, or serious illness of a child, and temporary medical leave…

The reactions of local educators (teachers, principals, and central office personnel) to the initiation of statewide mandatory minimum competency tests and the effects of implementing these testing programs were studied. Variations among school districts within two states were considered. Items from a survey of individual educators were combined…

The University of California (UC)and the California State University (CSU) were called upon by the legislature to implement Human Corps programs of community service by students on each of their campuses. The California Postsecondary Education Commission was directed to report on efforts by colleges and universities across the country to encourage…

This handbook clarifies how to meet legal requirements when the same student population qualifies for both bilingual and special education programs. Legal streamlining of existing California-mandated requirements for bilingual and special education is emphasized. The handbook begins with a discussion of the difficulties encountered when providing…

An overview is provided of the issues involved in the development of programs to assess institutional effectiveness, particularly as they relate to California community colleges. After part I reviews the trends that have made institutional accountability a legislative concern nationwide, parts II and III consider various definitions of…

This study examines the effects of recent statewide education reforms on small, rural schools in 13 Appalachian states. Education reform measures passed in the Appalachian states during 1982-1987 focused on improving schools through the following major approaches: (1) increased accountability through testing students and changing accreditation…

The results of a 1985 survey of members of the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted are presented. The survey was designed to portray the status of gifted education across the nation. Responses are presented (largely in table form) from members representing 48 states and the District of Columbia on three major topic areas (sample…

A summary is provided of Alaska's student loan program for postsecondary education. After a brief program descriptions giving the purposes and terms of the program, a question-and-answer section covers purposes and amount of loans, when application should be made, the application process, eligibility and repayments. A schedule of payments and…