This paper considers how a state such as Michigan can increase the economic development benefits of higher education. Research evidence suggests that higher education increases local economic development principally by increasing the quality of the local workforce, and secondarily by increasing local innovative ideas. These economic development…

In order to promote low-income parents' job preparation and work efforts, states were given greater flexibility to design programs using federal funds to subsidize child care for low-income families. At Congressional request, this report from the General Accounting Office describes how states set reimbursement rates and calculates the extent to…

This brochure lists some steps to help adults in Minnesota who want to further their education and career prospects through college, technical school, or graduate school. Minnesota has several types of postsecondary institutions that offer hundreds of programs. Many of these are geared for adults with courses on weekends and evenings. There are…

This overview of recent state juvenile justice reform measures and identifies issues and trends associated with state juvenile reform initiatives. The report explains some of the more punitive measures, such as new criminal court transfer authority and expanded juvenile court sentencing options. Many states have balanced these steps with enhanced…

This guide was developed to assist families and service providers in Connecticut with nutrition services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Individual sections provide information about the following topics: laws and regulations related to nutrition services; eligibility for the Connecticut Birth to Three System and nutrition; nutrition…

The first section of this paper presents the results of Ohio's 1999-2000 Annual Education Technology Assessment. Topics addressed include: the assessment methodology, progress toward eight SchoolNet goals, and better state and local decisions; overall progress toward building the infrastructure and fostering the growth of new practices; and needed…

This digest is designed to provide campus leaders with an up-to-date, "bird's eye" view of key issues affecting state colleges and universities. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities conducted is annual State Issues Survey of the Council of State Representatives in 2002 and received 44 responses from 61 college and…

In 1987, the first Commission on the Future of Independent Higher Education charted a path for independent colleges and universities in New Jersey. Many changes have taken place in New Jersey higher education in the 15 years since this "Boyer" report was issued, and in 2000, a new Commission was formed to review progress since the 1987…

The approval of Proposition 301 by Arizona voters in November 2000 was a significant step toward a new foundation for the state's economic future by providing a long-term funding stream for science and technology investments. This new sales tax enabled the state to create an economic development strategy appropriate for the knowledge economy. This…

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses and receive credit at both institutions toward the completion of a college degree. Such programs are also referred to as concurrent enrollment, joint enrollment, or dual credit. This brief discusses the advantages and drawbacks of dual enrollment programs. Currently,…

This report looks at higher education policy issues that are taking shape at the state level and provides data on key trends and indicators. The first section presents findings from the 2001 State Issues Survey. Topics discussed include: fiscal issues; governance/management; economic development; academic issues; distance education; and…

This document gives an overview of the "Calling the Roll" program, a two-state study-circle program. Study circles employ a public-engagement model that fosters dialogue among diverse individuals and groups. This report explores how participation in study circles affects the education policymaking process, and it examines the process of…

This paper describes the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the principal source of federal funding for child care subsidies for low income families and the principal source of federal funding for initiatives to improve the quality of child care in the states. Each state qualifies to receive an amount of federal funds under the CCDF each year…

The Illinois Evaluation System has been designed to continuously evaluate the total occupational programs of local education agencies. Consisting of three phases, the system involves local planning, State review and evaluation of local planning documents, and on-site visitation to monitor any changes in local programs. (Author/DS)