This report details results of the 1999 Nebraska Rural Poll, which asked rural Nebraska residents for their opinions on recent school finance legislation and on proposed consolidation of county offices and services. Survey responses were received from 3,036 residents of Nebraska's 87 nonmetropolitan counties. Recent school finance legislation…

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services conducted a study to collect information about homeless families in the state who are relying on shelters. Information was obtained from census reports from all shelters in the state, from interviews with a parent from each of the 411 families living at the shelters, and from a review…

Oregon agricultural sciences and technology (AST) teachers' perceptions of the impact of integrating science into agricultural education programs were examined. Questionnaires were mailed to all 111 Oregon AST teachers employed during the fall 1997 semester. Usable replies were received from 106 teachers (response rate, 95.5%). Respondents were…

This report provides statistical data on retention and graduation patterns of first-time, full-time undergraduates at Maryland's public four-year colleges and universities from 1977 to 1997. Among major findings were: (1) the second-year retention rate of all first-time, full-time undergraduates was 82 percent for the cohort of students entering…

Noting that 182,000 of Wisconsin's children are living below the poverty line, this report documents factors affecting the working poor of Wisconsin, combining labor market and wage data with profiles of families and their children from communities throughout the state. The report documents the surge in poverty-wage jobs in Wisconsin over the past…

Total headcount enrollment at Connecticut's colleges and universities reached 172,735 students in fall 2004, representing the third straight year of an all-time record. This year's growth of 2,111 students, or 1.2 percent, was larger than last year's more tepid gain of 0.5 percent, or 876 students. This report analyzes fall 2004 headcount…

Among the findings of this survey conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Nebraska K-12 teachers, Teachers College faculty, and student teachers was that the educators strongly favor instruction to foster computer literacy in secondary schools but that the respondents did not feel qualified to teach the classes. (Author/IRT)

Among findings of the study were that over 75 percent of the states have statutory definitions of gifted and talented, 38 states have regulations or guidelines regarding the identification and screening of gifted children, and 42 states responded that they provided some type of inservice training for teachers (1976-77). (PHR)

The Centers for Disease Control collaborated with state and local education agencies to develop a set of data items providing information about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among adolescents and promote effective HIV education. Results from the annual surveys will be used in planning HIV education.…

Reports on a 1989 study which investigated course offerings (n=22,931) at 29 Michigan community colleges to determine the condition of general education. Reports low availability and breadth of general education courses, contrary to the perceptions of campus administrators surveyed. Suggests steps to evaluate and enhance general education…

Methods of teacher evaluation in public school districts in Ohio were studied in a 272-district sample. Comparison of data with seven theoretical models from the literature on teacher evaluation indicates that 84 percent of responding districts use a traditional Trait Model (teaching in terms of traits) to evaluate the teacher. (SLD)

A survey of chairpersons of 35 postsecondary schools of education in New York State found that less than one-third of these programs were accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, offered dual certification in regular and special education, or required training in collaborative teaching and education. (Author/JDD)

Reviews results of a study that was conducted to determine the level of organizational commitment of high school library media specialists in Ohio and to identify factors likely to produce or impede its development. Use of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and the Media Specialists Questionnaire is described. (27 references) (LRW)

Uses Indiana public school file data to examine African-American representation in the state's teaching force, including entry and attrition. An aging African-American teaching force, attrition resulting from retirement, and a decreasing proportion of new African-American hires suggests that representation may become a concern unless active…

Describes a 1989 study of 22,931 course offerings at 29 comprehensive community colleges in Michigan, undertaken to assess status of general education. Reports low availability and breadth of general education courses, contrary to the perceptions of campus administrators surveyed. Suggests steps to evaluate and enhance general education offerings.…