A new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program, Compliance 2000, assists taxpayers wanting to comply with tax laws but finding it difficult because of legal complexity or administrative burden. Kent State University (Ohio) has used the program to resolve a compliance problem with nonresident alien students and scholars. IRS contact information is…

State-level early childhood leaders were surveyed regarding issues related to early childhood transitions. Respondents indicated considerable concern about transition issues; concerns were less when respondents perceived their state as having developed state transition policies and utilizing local interagency agreements. States varied…

A November 1993 conference in Seattle, Washington, is recommended as a national model for initiating change in public policy as it impacts adult learning disability and literacy issues. Participants included a coalition of federal, state, and local policymakers and agencies as well as adults with learning disabilities and persons providing…

Describes the status of educational telecommunications networks operated and funded by state government agencies to support K-12 programs. Summaries of a 1993 survey and other recent studies are presented together with recommendations for network infrastructure, instruction, transport, funding, and evaluation development. (Contains 12 references.)…

Describes a review by the British Columbia (Canada) College of Teachers of the origin, nature, and role of the College of Teachers and of teacher education in British Columbia. The paper outlines the comprehensive, collaborative review procedures; it explains the findings, resulting recommendations, and actions taken by the college. (SM)

It is unclear whether the New American Schools Development Corporation will create a systematic research program or whether the approach through design teams will stimulate random innovation. This paper discusses unanswered questions about President Bush's current proposals. (SLD)

Describes initiatives of the Community Relations Service, a Justice Department agency, to mediate disputes involving the following areas: (1) minority community reaction to authorities' handling of drug and street gang activity; (2) racial conflict in higher education; (3) acts of racial hate or violence; (4) voting districts and redistricting;…

New Jersey is strengthening its high-technology economy by encouraging technology transfer through supporting advanced technology centers, funding academic researchers for technical problems of immediate industry interest and application, and forming other, less-structured alliances. Better interaction between the state's research community and…

Describes some of the experiences of African-American families adopting African-American children through African-American adoption agencies. Reviews the development of these agencies beginning in the 1960s; and discusses the unique role of adoption agencies in recruiting families, placing children, and serving the African-American community. (JB)

Examines the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the federal government setting. Topics covered include federal corporate culture, benefits to employees, early programs in productivity improvement, governmentwide implementation, the information network on TQM applications maintained by the Federal Quality Institute, and barriers to…

A cooperative experiment between the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges and the Soviet Union's Mendeleev Institute of Chemical Technology involves establishment of an international board of trustees. The board will seek funding from multiple sources, involve the surrounding community in its planning, and strengthen the…

Discusses efforts of states to develop plans to implement the Child Care and Development Block Grant and reexamine and strengthen state child care policies. Describes plans from four states. Lists key elements for an effective early childhood development system. (SH)

Principles of planning for the transition of students with special needs into postsecondary educational programs include incorporation of postsecondary objectives into the secondary school individualized education program, use of the team approach, comprehensive program planning, interagency collaboration, and identification of resources and…

Discussion of a ruling allowing state agencies to deny new educational loans to students with previous loans discharged in bankruptcy looks at the intent behind the Bankruptcy Code, specifically concerning the nature of educational loans and the "fresh start" policy. Potential conflicts between the state and federal statute is also…

Explains how the North Central Region's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education certifies quality and encourages improvement. Traces the evolution of the commission's emphasis on assessment, highlighting its "Statement on Assessment and Student Academic Achievement," the essential elements and implementation of an assessment…