Thirteen previously published articles from selected journals are presented, which concentrate on educationally disadvantaged children and youth, and are grouped under the four general themes or categories of children and youth, school practices, community involvement, and policy issues related to the Chapter 1 program. All the articles have been…

This policy brief addresses the current and future impact of substance abuse by pregnant women on their infants and children. It provides data on incidence estimates in 1985, 1989, 1995, and 2000. Findings of studies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina provide documentation for varying incidence estimates.…

This report provides recent (1991-92) facts and figures, about higher education in the United States. Sections of the report present statistical data concerning the following areas: student enrollment, student financial aid, tuition and fees, faculty and staff, educational finances, degrees awarded, research activity, and results from extension…

Assistive technology that can help disabled computer users is described, and a resource guide to computer help for the disabled is presented. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has broad implications for higher education, in that it mandates that colleges and universities give disabled students equal access to computers on public…

As part of the program evaluation and review process at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) in Palatine, Illinois, a follow-up study was conducted of students who had successfully completed four or more courses in the college's Food Service Management Program between 1985 and 1990. Questionnaires were mailed to 176 former students. Study…

An 8-year study of academic achievement, student performance, and education costs in rural northeastern Brazil investigated the presumption that students automatically perform better when more school resources are provided. Two main topics were examined: the success of EDURURAL, an educational intervention project in rural Brazil sponsored by the…

The Minority Assistance Program (MAP) was established at the University of South Carolina in 1986 to help black entering freshmen become integrated into campus life. Specific objectives are improving academic achievement and retention rates of minority students. This comparative study assessed whether or not the program is accomplishing these…

A significant increase in investment in lifelong learning must be made if Canada is to maintain its economic competitiveness. Without lifelong learning, British Columbia (Canada) will not have the skill base it needs to survive in the global economy of the 21st century. Many students go through the conventional education system without developing…

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the new Massachusetts state assessment program that is being implemented in response to state education reform legislation. The paper describes the early efforts of the state Department of Education (MDOE), its prime contractor for development of the MCAS (Advanced Systems in Measurement…

This volume exemplifies the overall interdisciplinary, multiprofessional view of the problems and potential of urban children and youth. The contributors were encouraged to identify current problems and better solutions. Contributions are grouped into sections on families, schools, and health. The following chapters are included: (1) "Introduction…

This working paper examines key policy issues in the implementation of Australia's User Choice policy regarding allocating public funds for vocational education and training (VET). Part 1 explains the process used to obtain stakeholders regarding the User Choice policy, the administrative arrangements required to support it, and issues that must…

This brochure introduces a current initiative of the Education Commission of the States (ECS) under the chairmanship of Paul Patton, Governor of Kentucky, suggesting ways that political leaders, education policymakers, and institutional/faculty leaders can work together toward a more responsive, efficient postsecondary education system. Trends…

Noting that Head Start has become the largest community-based preschool program providing services to children with disabilities, this guide is intended to build the skills of Head Start staff in effectively using the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to accommodate children with disabilities. Following an introductory section, the guide…

Noting that a high-quality preschool program is one that promotes learning through rich play experiences, this book gives parents information needed to select the right preschool for their children. Chapter 1, "Thinking about Preschool," discusses questions parents ask, practical considerations, beginning the search, and the screening phone call.…

The key skills: communication, numeracy, interpersonal, information technology, learning, and problem-solving have been identified as underlying good performance in the labor market now and in the future. The factors most important to development of key skills and ways of facilitating young people's development of those skills were examined in a…