A survey of Alaskan students receiving bachelor's degrees in Alaska and other states in 1981-85 elicited opinions on the quality of the educational experience and the curriculum, the relationship between the curriculum and employment or further study, the perceived benefits of a college education, and graduate indebtedness. (MSE)

Examines the general level of public environmental knowledge using a statewide survey of Kentucky residents. Analyzes the sociodemographic characteristics correlated with such knowledge. Results indicated that public environmental knowledge remains low, and the major correlates of knowledge are education, income, and gender. (TW)

Results of a study relating Washington State's college students' unmet financial aid needs to sector and student characteristics such as sex, age, dependency status, and family income and contribution are outlined and discussed. (MSE)

Examination of computer literacy debate presents arguments by Leuhrmann, who advocates teaching computer literacy in one course rather than across the curriculum; six definitions from educators; and results of a survey of 10 state education agencies on recent state involvement in implementation of computer literacy programs. (MBR)

This study was conducted in order to identify the major reading, cognitive, and linguistic skills that contribute to individual differences in performance on the reading portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) at third, seventh, and tenth grades. The authors were also interested in understanding the primary deficiencies in…

Alternative schools have emerged over the years as one educational option for students who are not successful in traditional school settings. The number of these schools is growing rapidly, yet we know very little about similarities in policy and practice across states. This report provides a list and review of current state legislation and policy…

In Ohio, as across the nation generally, states are challenged to serve more students, conduct more research, and train more workers with less state support. State policymakers and members of the media often question whether Ohio is over-invested in its higher education facilities. In response to these concerns, and to better understand Ohio's…

To explore the issue of school finance reform, a series of community forums held across the state were carried out, the results of which are presented. The paper provides some major findings: a basic school finance system already exists, namely, property taxes supplemented by equalized state aid; the magnitude of the school property tax means…

The technology data collection provides fundamental information on Iowa public schools with respect to various aspects of technology. Responses to the survey were received from 100% of the 379 Iowa public school districts during the 1996-97 school year. The survey was conducted to provide baseline information on a central core of technology…

The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of and need for acceptable use policies (AUPs) for students' use of the Internet in Alabama school systems. Alabama superintendents were questioned using an electronic survey that could be returned via e-mail on an anonymous Internet site. Primary questions were: (1) What is your level…

The Iowa Department of Education collects fundamental information on Iowa public schools with respect to various aspects of technology, its implementation and usage. The Technology Survey for the 1997-98 school year was administered to all school districts (377 of 384 districts responded) to collect current baseline information on a central core…

These hearings transcripts compile testimony regarding how programs authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and the Missing Children's Assistance Act currently operate, in preparation for upcoming reauthorization. Opening statements by U.S. Representatives Peter Hoekstra (Michigan) and Ruben Hinojosa (Texas) underscore the obligation to…

This report documents a study that examined the current financial picture of public education in 2003. Data for the study were collected from 188 surveys of selected school superintendents in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. The superintendents were asked how the financial condition of their state and their school districts compared to a few years…

A survey of 10,739 employers (37 percent rate of return) was conducted in Washington state from July through September 1999 to determine training and skill needs of employers and the capacity of the state's training programs to meet those needs. In addition, research was conducted through data matching of unemployment insurance and training…

Phase II of a two-part study identified the inservice needs of 63 entry-level agriculture teachers in Texas by comparing rankings of inservice needs as determined by direct assessment in phase I and as determined by a mean weighted discrepancy score. In phase II, teachers rated the level of importance of 163 competencies. A discrepancy score was…