The three major presidential candidates express their views on three questions relating to vocational education: (1) what role will vocational education play in the nation's goals; (2) what priority does federal support of vocational programs hold; and (3) how will you spend funds slated for state and federal employment and training programs? (CT)

The author points out weaknesses in the services provided by the state of Wisconsin for young children with exceptional educational needs. Among the areas considered are reimbursement for early intervention, teacher certification, and pre- and inservice teacher training. (SBH)

Evaluates the implementation of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and postulates future trends in the development and protection of these areas. Emphasis is upon approaches used by various states in carrying out their coastal zone management programs. (WB)

The article provides a review of state services for young handicapped children. Section one contains a description of legislation for preschool handicapped education. Part two describes federal programs that relate to special children from birth to mandatory school age. Teacher certification requirements are reviewed in the third section. The…

The article outlines the process used in Oregon to initiate a Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) in special education. Factors contributing to the CSPD success include extensive involvement of a wide array of people in the process, clear responsibility outlines, and workable size of the cooperative personnel planning council. (CL)

The growth of the Children, Youth and Families At Risk National Initiative into a base program was charted through a survey documenting changes in 22 participating states' ability to develop and sustain programs. Data from 1997-1998 and 2000-2001 reveal gains in four of six components: statewide commitment, individuals' understanding of states'…

Studied the New Millennium High School Model in Florida in a multisite case study of the original 10 sites involving interviews with 15 school leaders and 530 school personnel. Findings show the essentially grassroots nature of the model and the functioning of school leadership in this context. (SLD)

Separated Massachusetts colleges and universities into three categories to examine their differentiated responses to teacher testing in Massachusetts, where poor results have resulted in much controversy. The finding that institutions of higher education have responded effectively to teacher testing does not preclude critique of teacher testing as…

Responses from 35 of 52 state tech prep coordinators indicated that 77% had evaluation plans; 68.6% had mechanisms for identifying tech prep students. Most frequent evaluation components were articulation, staff development, curriculum, and marketing. Most used evaluation criteria were job placement, postsecondary enrollment, graduation rate, and…

Evaluation of changes in Maryland's unemployment insurance (UI) program found that duration and amount of UI receipt were reduced by requiring additional employer contacts or a job-search workshop; these requirements did not affect employment and earnings. However, eliminating employer contact requirements increased UI receipt and subsequent…

Reviews the history of initial teacher licensure testing in the United States and summarizes issues and problems, focusing on Massachusetts, a state that has only recently begin initial licensure testing. Provides information on past practices and a table of current state approaches to teacher licensure. (SLD)

Research has shown that preschool education is a sound investment--academically, socially, and economically. Offers some options for integrating the existing patchwork of U.S. public and private programs into a uniform system that provides a high-quality early education to all young children. (Contains 13 references.) (MLF)

Studied the implementation of a state-funded restructuring initiative that intended broad changes in teacher roles aimed at higher student achievement. Multiple data sources from three schools indicate that the observed changes in professional roles were not well enough established to affect core educational practice in the long run. (SLD)

Studied teacher evaluation practice in 27 North Carolina school districts 14 years after the initial implementation of the North Carolina Teacher Appraisal System. Findings show more inconsistencies in practice and less support for the system than would be desirable. (SLD)

Responses from 45 of 50 state correctional education directors indicated that, following the ban on Pell Grants for inmates, 25 states still offered college programs, with funding from state and federal agencies, corporations, foundations, universities, and inmates. States most likely to have college programs had higher total population and higher…