Reasons for variations in the adoption and implementation of federal programs at the local level are discussed. It is argued that there is a case against local problem-solving approaches to change.

The guidelines for Title IV Consolidation, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provide direction to state education agencies for the diffusion of exemplary or innovative programs and practices. In Illinois, diffusion strategies developed under Title IV-C have resulted in the replication of many successful programs. (GC)

Gives a brief history of productivity improvement legislation in the United States and of the development and demise of the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life (QWL). Describes existing productivity and QWL centers, including their locations, scope, services, and activities, and urges greater support at the federal level.…

Assessed the impact of consolidating drug and alcohol programs and agencies at individual and clinic levels. Little relationship between state or clinic level consolidation and clinic level treatment is found. Data confirm that drug/alcohol consolidation can be accomplished without affecting the treatment process at clinic or client levels.…

To enable decision makers to become more aware of the levels of confidence that can be placed in the results of particular computerized decision models, methods for establishing confidence levels are discussed. The U.S. General Accounting Office has developed criteria and review procedures for evaluating computerized policy analysis models.…

In his critical response to TM 506 654, the author points to three major strengths of the aforementioned. These include: (1) breadth of perspective; (2) significance of federal presence; and (3) recommendations concerning the future role of the federal government in education. Also discussed are areas deemed questionable by the author. (GK)

Excerpts of the NIE Vocational Education Study are presented. Areas covered include federal goals, distributing funds, special needs students, sex equity, improving planning, extending and improving programs, strengthening evaluations, and options for change. (CT)

The author outlines current federal interest in the competency testing movement, explaining the federal role as supportive, with no plans for a national test, but with concern for equal educational opportunity. Federal activities are described, including the new NIE Office of Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation. (SJL)

New youth strategies are outlined with an emphasis on matching the policy to the problem. The author says federal policy can hardly do more than provide countercyclical public employment. He recommends a more ambitious partnership between federal, state, local, and private agencies. (CT)

A preliminary investigation of school health education planning in 159 Health Systems Agencies was conducted. The role of health educators, sources of assistance available for the development of new programs, and the future of comprehensive health planning are discussed. (JN)

Nearly all educational programs which receive federal funding are vulnerable to budget cuts. Educators need to view budget reductions in terms of economic priorities. Education must be seen as part of the economic productivity, social fabric, and security of the nation. (JN)

After discussing the operations of both federally and nonfederally funded teacher centers, the authors raise some policy issues about the role of teacher education institutions and faculty in center development, operation, and governance. (SJL)

Just five years ago the National Diffusion Network seemed moribund, but it has survived to become the most important force in staff development of teachers nationwide. (Author)

Three recent developments are of interest to all concerned with improving the quality of life in rural America: (1) the federal Small Community and Rural Development Policy (1979), (2) the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and (3) the desire for local control made clear by the November 1980 elections. (AN)

The report summarizes the observations of five State Implementation Grant directors for the first two years of the State Implementation Grant (SIG) program (a program designed to develop a statewide network of services for young handicapped children and to assist states in the implementation of Early Childhood State Plans). (PHR)