Now that all 50 states and the District of Columbia are building statewide longitudinal data systems, the next step is to ensure that the information in these systems is used to improve student learning. The Data Quality Campaign (DQC) has identified 10 actions that states can take to ensure that the right data are available and accessible and…

Even though a majority of Americans claim to support public funding of the arts, state government spending on the arts is minimal--and may be losing ground relative to other types of state expenditures. Moreover, most state arts agencies, or SAAs, have not succeeded in convincing state government leaders that the arts should be integral to their…

Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have given all the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states a new tool to help focus their colleges and universities on state needs. These three states have created plans for their higher education institutions by drawing on leadership from a broad range of state agencies. They identified state needs and…

Comprehensive Family Services (CFS) is a strengths-based and partnership-oriented approach to casework implemented through multiple initiatives. This study examines the relationship between the practice of CFS and satisfaction of clients, foster parents, and community partners. CFS indicators are paired with statewide customer satisfaction survey…

This study was designed to compare outcomes for two groups of alcohol and substance abuse clients (N=230): a control group assigned to regular 90 days of outpatient treatment, and an experimental group assigned to 180 days of extended outpatient care. Outcomes were compared in the following nine categories: (1) relapse, measured as reported…

This document presents funding and expenditure statistics for the Mississippi Library Commission for fiscal year 1995, as well as an overview of developments in the state's public libraries. These developments include budget increases; increased circulation and use of electronic reference sources; additional staffing; and developments in state…

A study designed to consider the feasibility of creating a State Office of Literacy in Hawaii found no consensus among those interviewed as to whether such an office should be established or what its duties should be. Consequently, the creation of a permanent Governor's Commission on Literacy was recommended instead. Housed within the Office of…

This report examines state-by-state child support data to determine the impact of child support legislation over the last decade. In the text portion, the report compares data provided by the states in fiscal years 1983 and 1992. It finds that while states have made some improvements over the decade, performance in many critical areas has remained…

This report presents the results of a management study of audio playback equipment operations conducted by the National Library Service, Library of Congress, its associated network of state and local machine lending agencies (MLA), and other parties that play a role in current operations. The objectives were to document current operations,…

This report provides an overview of vocational training programs and activities for Limited English Proficient (LEP) adults in Florida, with particular emphasis on Dade County and Bay County. State policy regarding LEP adults is discussed, as are the roles of state agencies in providing services to these individuals. Statistical information…

Interest in evaluating vocational and technical education has increased with changes in the federally legislated evaluation requirements and the national interest in economic development. Recommendations have stressed mastery of basic academic skills and preparation for multiple jobs during the working years. Indiana's three-level system for…

The services and functions of state and national organizations and agencies that could serve as heritage resources are summarized in this handbook. Both national and statewide public/government and private organizations are included. The handbook, originally developed for the use of Indiana's county historians, also lists Indiana county heritage…

This document consists of a handbook for consumers and a teacher's guide to the handbook. The first part of the handbook gives advice on how to be a smart consumer and includes information on how to get the most for the money, handle a complaint, write a complaint letter, use the handbook, select child care, protect personal property, choose a…

This executive summary provides an overview of the current status of the following aspects of statewide planning for telecommunications in education: (1) governance structures; (2) the role of public broadcasting organizations; (3) state telecommunications administration divisions; (4) the role of higher education institutions in coordinating…

The Interagency Plan for Children with Special Needs for Maryland residents has three major purposes: (1) to set priorities for developing or expanding services required by special needs children and their families; (2) to ensure that resources targeted for special needs children are administered effectively by increasing interagency coordination…