The next year or two will determine just how hard state park and recreation agencies have been hit by the troubled economy and whether or not they can maintain quality services while expanding where necessary to meet their share of society's leisure needs. (JD)

Described are the background and educational program at the North Carolina School for the Arts, a tax supported high school and college for artistically talented students. (CL)

Perceptions of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process for children with disabilities were assessed in a statewide (North Carolina) survey of approximately 600 child service coordinators. Divergent viewpoints about the usefulness and process of developing the IFSP emerged, depending on the program with which the child service…

A study of 105 parents and 30 state-level administrators from six states investigated the state-level policy- and organization-centered strategies that are compatible with the needs identified by families of young children with disabilities. Results found parents identified access to services and the need for improved coordination as continuing…

Explores several methods through which to evaluate statewide electronic networks, and discusses key issues and preliminary findings that affect the successful evaluation of statewide networked services. (Author/AEF)

The growth of state prepaid plans and state savings plans has been phenomenal. Every state now has a savings plan, and 18 have both a saving plan and prepaid plan. Raises issues of concern and requests more information on the plans. One table shows, by state, the program, start date, administrative agency, and website. (Contains 129 references.)…

This listing provides directory information on U.S. schools and programs for preschool, elementary, and secondary children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under each state is an alphabetical listing by city of schools (residential, day, center schools), local programs, and other types of facilities. (Author/CR)

This listing provides directory information for state vocational rehabilitation offices for individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or who have hearing impairments. (CR)

Describes specific K-12 policy initiatives of the State Board of Education, fiscal support from the government, and partnerships with the business community and higher education that are aligning and improving student learning outcomes in Maryland at all levels of education. (EV)

Examines the evolution of the telecommunications systems in Oklahoma higher education and the state policies that developed at the same time. Topics include early televised instruction for distance education; policy development and evolution; OneNet, the statewide network for education and government; and policy challenges. (Author/LRW)

This study identified factors that best predicted the amount and perceived benefits of network use based on TENET (Texas Education Network) use. A 70-item electronic mail survey measured five categories of variables, and findings suggest that network facilitators should try to increase interactions among potential and current network users.…

"Schoolyard Bullies" deals with the Sullivan Royal Commission on Education in British Columbia (Canada), the school reform it initiated, usually called "Year 2000," and what has happened in the province's schools since that reform effort was abandoned. New emphases in reform efforts in British Columbia stress vocationalism.…

Describes a statewide language-development program developed among Maryland's city, county, and regional library systems to help parents prepare their preschoolers for success in school. Discusses child development, the role of libraries, storytelling training, and preschool literacy efforts by the Public Library Association; and lists Web…

Describes Minnesota's responses to the challenges of secondary student achievement and transition to college or employment: "fast-track" planning, tech prep, postsecondary enrollment options, early assessment for developmental education, alignment of graduation standards and college preparation, achievement documentation, and charter…

Composite state-level data from four national sets were used to compare 1991 and 1997 higher education participation of adults over 24. Variations in state structural factors significantly affected participation variance. Factors at one point in time substantially affected future participation. State policymakers had an influence on access and…