Reviews the history and development of distance education in Africa. Highlights include the expansion in formal education; language diversity and competing interests; the role of intergovernmental agencies; infrastructure deficiencies; political considerations; social considerations; and possible solutions to problems. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the National Science Foundation's Urban Systemic Initiative. Argues that educational policies and recommendations for educational reform in the absence of restructuring our social commitments to address oppression and poverty will be of little benefit to the many children who live under such circumstances. (JRH)

This response to a paper on teacher communication in cases of dual enrollment of preschool children in both early intervention and day care stresses the need for formal mechanisms to ensure collaborative planning and ongoing communication among the multiple adults involved in the child's day. (DB)

Rather than viewing an early intervention team in isolation, a systems perspective considers the interrelationships and interdependence of the various elements comprising service delivery for children with disabilities. This article proposes a model, a multilayered framework, that takes into account the larger system of community and organization…

Asserts that the federal government should adopt a centralized governmental structure for the privacy protection of personal information and data. Discusses the roles of federal law, federal agencies, and the judiciary; the concept of information privacy; the impact of current technologies; and models of centralized government structures for…

Several colleges and universities have been accredited by the relatively new American Academy for Liberal Education, but at Rhodes College (Tennessee), faculty are concerned that a connection to the group might introduce unwanted conservative political ideology into the campus culture. The Academy has 16 traditional liberal arts standards,…

Gives results of a survey on the nature of, and the services offered by, suicide survivor groups. Results indicate that most groups are sponsored by mental health or social service agencies, have operated eight to nine years on average, and have fewer than 10 people typically in attendance at meetings. Other findings are reported. (RJM)

A study of 38 letters of finding examined the involvement of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in gifted education from 1992-95. Results indicate a majority of complaints handled by OCR involved minority access to gifted programs and an increase in the complaints involving gifted students with disabilities. (CR)

Assessments of learning needs of community development practitioners were conducted at a university, two government agencies, and two associations in Canada. Assessments were conducted from the top down, limiting practitioners' ability to define their needs. Recommendations were oriented toward institutions rather than staff members. (SK)

Eight successful secondary special education school programs in Nebraska were visited in 1983, 1988, and 1996. Findings indicate an increased consideration being given to transition, including more training in the community, emphasis on the role of work, linkages with adult agencies, and the use of job coaches and school rehabilitation counselors.…

A survey revealed best practices of state higher education agencies in the organization and use of transfer student information systems. The best practices fall within the areas of: purpose of the information system, its structure, assessing the educational progress of students, interactivity of the information system, and linking information with…

Interviews with 26 information technology professionals in British Columbia government indicated that all wanted to feel their input was valued and to make a difference. They wanted management and leadership skill training and opportunities for advancement. The unstable environment of the government workplace made retention a challenge. (Contains…

A case study of a large urban school district analyzed partnerships that brought together career-centered high school reforms. The initiative regularly convened partners and generated important conversations about educational options. Environmental conditions limited change efforts, including tensions between the school system and employment…

Examines ways in which policy is constructed in a UK multi-agency partnership established to challenge the exclusion of children from primary schools. Considers current social-exclusion policies focusing on problems and dilemmas of multi-agency partnerships. Drawing on data from one study, examines partnership in one specific context, combining…

Describes archival, historical, and current government publications from Quebec that are available in microform, on computerized databases, and on diskettes. Government sources as well as private sector sources are cited; the requirements for legal deposit of government documents are discussed; and future prospects are suggested. (32 references)…