Background/Context: In the last several decades, a college education, in particular the bachelor's degree, has become the key to higher earnings, and overall, to a middle-class lifestyle in the United States. In an increasingly globalized economy, privileging information and communication technologies, it is more than likely that this emphasis on…

The following standards are affirmed by the American Medical Technologists organization: (1) regardless of the size of the laboratory setting, the patient deserves the highest quality of laboratory service available; (2) certified personnel should be employed by physicians in office laboratories; (3) quality control should be mandatory and…

This document contains six essays examining the history and impact of the social security program on America's economic and social development. "Social Security: The Cornerstone of American Social Welfare Policy," by Malcolm H. Morrison, presents brief background information on the system and discusses the basic principles of social…

The paper sets forth the position of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities regarding definitions of learning disabilities (LD) as found in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The paper cites difficulties with the current definition, suggesting that misinterpretation has given the impression that individuals…

Outlines the characteristics of policy and procedure manuals. Focuses on some of the difficulties in writing these: (1) maintaining legality; (2) maintaining accuracy and consistency; (3) finding an appropriate style; and (4) handling the review and approval process. (JAD)

The position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities examines issues in early identification, including assessment during the preschool years, delivery of preschool services, family involvement, and personnel preparation. Recommendations address such aspects as availability of early intervention and the needs of non-English…

Presents excerpts from policy statements of Computer Using Educators, Minnesota Educational Media Organization, and the International Council for Computers in Education on issues relating to educational microcomputer software use. Topics covered include copy protection, illegal copying of software, back-up copies, pricing, multiple machine…

Predicted a decline in the divorce rate based on 10 factors including: decline in marriage rate, older age at marriage, mental health improvement, upper limit on employed women, less migration, end of the cultural revolution, exhaustion of latency effect of no-fault divorce, and fear of the consequences of divorce. (JAC)

In 1967, the National Art Education Association published an official position statement, "The Essentials of a Quality School Art Program," intended for use by individuals and groups responsible for elementary and secondary school art programs in the United States. This updated version presents, as nearly as possible, a consensus of…

This paper comes from an educator who worked on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of English Language Arts in 1996. The paper states that the work offered the educator/author the opportunity to discuss the many dimensions of English language arts preparation programs for undergraduate and…

This document was created as part of a grassroots movement to strengthen marriage. It was written to provide a public voice and direction for the movement; explain intentions; specify goals; and seek public support. Social phenomena of the last decades, such as failure of the divorce and the unwed-childbearing revolutions, have helped spur on this…

The National Language Policy is a response to efforts to make English the "official" language of the United States. In 1981, Senator S.I. Hayakawa sponsored a constitutional amendment to make English the official language of the United States, and ever since then, variations on his proposal have been before Congress. This position paper…

Recent calls for educational reform focus on the need for curricula emphasizing conceptual learning that is integrated across traditional subject areas. In response to this, the major national subject-matter organizations (including the National Council of Teachers of English) met to discuss and develop guidelines for integrating the curriculum…

The Policy Statement on Network and Multiple Machine Software of the International Council for Computers in Education (ICCE) calls for cooperation between educators, software developers, and vendors in preventing software piracy. This summary includes a suggested district policy statement on software copyright. (MBR)

Examines the influence of statistical significance on reviewers' recommendations for the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript for publication. Discusses the concept of power and the importance of effect size in the evaluation of research findings. (WAS)