South Carolina's Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) assesses basic skills in reading, mathematics, writing, and science for grades 3, 6, 8, and 10 (exit examination). In 1998, the tests were administered statewide in April. This report provides 3 years of data on percentages of students meeting state standards. The data are reported by…

The purpose of this reading sampler is to familiarize Delaware teachers and students with the reading comprehension portion of the Delaware Student Testing Program. Included is information about the reading tests for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. This sampler contains the following examples for each grade level: a reading passage; a multiple choice…

The Project on State-Level Child Outcomes was initiated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to examine the effects on children of waiver policies related to state welfare reform efforts prior to the passage of federal welfare reform legislation. This report details the project's examination of child well-being in the context of…

In 2004, nearly 30,000 students were included in the blind or visually impaired (B/VI) category (approximately .04% of the total public school population). This figure, however, only includes children and youth for whom blindness or visual impairment is identified as a primary disability. States indicate that these numbers may actually double or…

Cooperative activities involving the States and the U.S. Office of Education have been a tradition since the establishment of the Office. In recent years the scope, extent, and magnitude of such programs have increased substantially. These programs provide grants for vocational education; rural library services; the improvement of science,…

Described is a comprehensive prevocational services program for educable mentally handicapped high school students sponsored jointly by an area department of special education and a state division of vocational rehabilitation. (MC)

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) restates the principles and concepts that must be recognized and embodied in federal legislation and administrative practices involving revenue sharing. (Author/JN)

Describes the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC), made up of universities, colleges, and the state department of education, which offers assistance in equipment procurement, courseware development, and inservice training in the use of computers in education. (Author/JM)

Reviews the three-stage participative process used to create and test resources for Adult Basic Education (ABE) staff development in North Carolina. Introduces the 1980 State plan for ABE and its objectives. Describes workshops for program directors and instructors which resulted in staff development handbooks. Explains the evaluation process.…

Potential sources of information and assistance on human genetics are identified, including a brief description of the National Clearinghouse for Human Genetic Diseases, genetic service centers, voluntary groups, state programs, commercial procedures, workshops, speakers, curriculum development aids, and general references. (DC)

The student financial aid mechanism has been considered the form of subsidy more likely to provide both access and choice since it can target aid to students most in need of it and lets student choose the college of their choice. The Tuition Assistance Program in New York is discussed. (MLW)

Examines state differences in seasonal variations in employment to see if these differences are linked to state differences in experience-rating strength (balance between unemployment insurance taxes and expected benefit payments). Results suggest that experience-rated unemployment insurance taxes are effective in stablizing employment. (MF)

The author presents several factors which pertain to state involvement in family life. Among these factors are social diversity, social agency usurpation of family roles, the need for parent and family involvement in child rearing, conducting needs assessment, conducting hearings prior to policy decisions, and making social services relevant. (DB)

The National Advisory Council on Women's Educational Programs provides a summary of the final regulation (45 CFR, Parts 104 and 105) implementing the Education Amendments of 1976 relating to the elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping in national and state vocational education programs. (MF)

Development of the senior center concept in Tennessee is described, with the goal of a multiple network of centers for statewide delivery of services. Includes training older adults as program leaders, preparing a senior resources directory, activities of many community organizations, and program funding arrangements. (MF)