This summary of a seminar meeting on the demographics of blindness or visual impairments addresses demographic data as "hard facts" (three studies are compared) and implications of the demographic "facts" related to the nature and location of clients, barriers to service receipt, independence versus interdependence, and the need for greater…

The complex needs of the heterogeneous group of homeless women suggest that policy and services must focus on a continuum from adequate and accessible emergency services (shelter, food, financial assistance) to transitional assistance with housing, employment, and mental and physical health care, and ultimately to stabilization. (SK)

Describes activities of the Council on Competitiveness under the leadership of Vice President Dan Quayle. Regulatory interference, legislative projects, and policy proposals for special interests that have benefited business and industry are described; refusals to comply with the Freedom of Information Act are discussed; and recommendations for…

Priority setting is examined from the perspective of planning practitioners operating in a major federal regulatory agency. Causes of ambivalence in setting priorities are considered, and ways to reduce ambivalence are suggested. Three models are proposed for setting priorities in the public sector. (SLD)

Describes the North Central Association's 1965 decision to require member schools to undertake a self-study followed by a team visitation every seven years. Offers background for the decision, a description of the decision process, and information on subsequent decisions. (DMM)

NCATE (the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) has been unable to unify the teaching profession through professional accreditation standards; the largest impediment has been assertion of states' rights. The adoption of a common system of national accreditation is virtually a prerequisite to developing a respected,…

In some states, the higher education coordinating board is threatened with reduced autonomy or even dissolution. Boards must carefully execute their leadership role, protect their nonpartisan character, create a vision for higher education in the state, become its chief proponent, and plan strategically by differentiating college missions and…

Discusses the need for proposing and implementing an information technology standards policy for the federal government. Topics addressed include the National Information Infrastructure (NII); voluntary standards among federal agencies; private sector organizations; coordinating the use of standards; enforcing compliance; policy goals; a framework…

Describes three projects sponsored by the International Community Education Association: (1) functional literacy for railway workers in Ghana; (2) youth farmers' community development project in Ghana; and (3) participatory research in a community education and development network in Sierra Leone. (SK)

Programming that involves both the alumni association and current students can build good working relationships, promote the alumni office, and help provide efficient student programming. The experiences of several colleges and universities illustrate the creative role alumni can play in campus programs. (MSE)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is developing a certification process, rather than a test, to confer distinction on experienced teachers who meet demanding standards. The role of performance assessment in this voluntary certification is discussed, and the research goals of the NBPTS are described. (SLD)

This paper notes developments in supported employment practices and the manner in which support organizations, employees with disabilities, and companies interact. The paper then reconceptualizes supported employment and the role of employers. The reconceptualized approach involves such techniques as extending support to employer personnel and…

A survey of frontline child welfare workers in a Canadian province revealed the importance of understanding the nature of external and internal advocacy and social action. It also revealed the need for a concerted educational approach to advocacy strategies and techniques in particular practice situations. (GLR)

One elementary school located in a depressed area (Norfolk, Virginia) created a computerized service directory and referral system providing immediate, accurate information on available children's services. The principal or counselor accesses the database by indicating individual student characteristics, such as low achievement or family problems,…

Emphasizes link between objectives and quantified outcomes of rural support programs. Synthesizes a hierarchy of objectives based on the state aims of the 40 public institutions active in rural areas in England and Wales and programs they operated in financial year 1987-88. Describes allocation of financial resources between various objectives,…