This article describes activities to improve the access to cross-agency information systems, including identifying outcome goals and objectives, the populations of concern, needed sources of information, data collection methods, and data utilization. Benefits of establishing cross-agency agreements, common cross-agency definitions, and procedures…

Case studies of 6 students with moderate/severe mental retardation investigated the impact of the federal transition mandate on student outcomes. Data revealed that high school programs have become more community-based, employment oriented, and age-appropriate with an increased emphasis on establishing linkages with adult service providers.…

Describes the grievance-arbitration process for collective bargaining used in the Connecticut State University System, consisting of a grievance-arbitration panel of administration and faculty representatives. The process, the final step before professional arbitration, is used for faculty. However, it could be adopted for bargaining units…

Inherent in the philosophy behind community outreach partnership center (COPC) programs and university-community collaboration is flexibility in instituting models, strategies, and solutions for those partnerships. However, evaluating collaborative efforts is difficult because each project differs according to needs, resources, and goals. One…

Examined "core groups," a child-protective practice in Great Britain aimed at fostering professional cooperation. Surveyed school teachers, health visitors, and social workers about their respective roles and the management and tasks of core groups. Found conflicts in understanding of the system and roles, raising questions about the…

This survey examined benefits received by 56 vocational services customers through the Illinois Bureau of Blind Services (BBS). Consumers reported high levels of satisfaction with the services, substantial improvements in mobility and daily living skills, and a sense that the BBS had improved their overall quality of life. (PB)

Describes the historical context in which the North Central Association was created. Indicates that the 1890s were a time of rapid industrialization and economic, political, and social change. Suggests a parallel with contemporary society regarding educational issues such as the role of vocational education and the preparation of educators. (MAB)

Presents a training model that uses an interdisciplinary approach to train students from various disciplines to work as team members with families who have a disabled infant or toddler. Discusses the role of school social workers in providing leadership on teams and service coordination and in coordinating the continuum of care needed by a family.…

An older graduate student preparing to teach at a liberal arts college describes participation in the Preparing Future Faculty program at Northwestern University (Illinois), a cooperative effort of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Council of Graduate Schools. The program provides monthly colloquia on college…

Discusses telecommunications in Mississippi and efforts to ensure equal access. Highlights include the development of the telecommunications infrastructure and the various levels of involvement of the Mississippi Library Association, institutions of higher learning and community colleges, the Department of Education, and public libraries. (LRW)

Describes efforts of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Central Labor Council (California) to develop programs in cooperation with local academics, including a successful law student internship program and some academic work with local unions. Constituency interests and needs, procedures, and general values involved in such cooperative programs are…

During the implementation of a cross-agency, co-located service delivery system, the number of youths eligible for public mental health services in Santa Barbara County increased from 956 to 1,826 and the number of youths eligible for special education services for students with emotional/behavioral disorders increased from 101 to 204. (Contains…

Comments on the development of partnerships across schools, colleges, community agencies, and families to support at-risk students, analyzing: barriers to interagency collaboration and interprofessional training and research; changes necessary in higher education to handle these barriers; and implications of lessons learned from existing…

Provides an overview of a session that planned to discuss selected information policy issues that affect the management of and access to Federal Websites, including agencies' development and use of Web-based services; needs for improvement; implementation issues; and issues that affect the delivery of Web-based services to the public. Panelists…

Discusses challenges involved in streamlining the accreditation process of the American Montessori Society (AMS) to make it more relevant to Montessori schools. Announces upcoming validator's training workshops and a protocol for self-study to be used in addition to "The Authentic American Montessori School." Encourages Montessori schools to…