Presents national data on elementary and secondary schools and degree-granting institutions, including projections to the year 2012. Also includes state-level projections of public school enrollment and public high school graduates. (SLD)

This article discusses the continuing trend of downsizing and closure of large state institutions for persons with mental retardation. Between 1987 and 2001, nine states closed all of their large state residential facilities, reducing the total national population of such facilities by 2,414 residents. A chart illustrates state reductions. (CR)

Studied a policy requiring students to obtain a specified level of performance on a state's reading proficiency test. Analyses of the scores of 5,611 students show a high degree of agreement among educators' judgments and students' performance, but they also show that educators' operational definitions of adequate preparation in reading vary in…

Discussed are practices used in Nevada to differentiate students who are conduct disordered or socially maladjusted from those who are seriously emotionally handicapped. Programs for students with conduct disorders are described, and implications of Nevada's approach to serving the behaviorally disordered are considered. (DB)

Means of interpreting norm-referenced tests to lead to more accurate reporting results are discussed, with particular emphasis on state-level and district-level data. Suggestions fall into the categories of documentation, frequency norming, and multiple form use. (TJH)

Describes the appointment and charge of a statewide marketing committee to study trends and issues related to declining enrollments in North Carolina's community college system. Reports on the committee's recommendations, the initiation of a statewide promotional campaign to implement them, and the campaign's impact on enrollments. (DMM)

Summarizes themes of welfare reform in America and policy shifts that have resulted in the introduction of state-focused workfare programs. (MW)

Discusses the rationale for the use of school incentives in public education and reviews the use of incentives in the public sector. Provides a topological overview of incentive programs and case descriptions. (JOW)

The article reports on a survey of 27 states that received major systems change grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to convert traditional day activity programs to supported employment for developmentally and other severely disabled persons. Results indicate states are taking a cautious approach toward converting existing…

Describes the procedures followed by Louisiana public libraries in establishing and operating that state's award winning summer reading program. The cooperative efforts of the state library, state library association, and committees of public librarians are discussed, as is the incorporation of performing artists funded by grants from the state's…

False positive and false negative error rates were studied for competency testing when failing examinees are permitted to retake the test. Formulas are provided for the beta-binomial and Rasch models. Estimates based on these models are compared for six data sets from the South Carolina Basic Skills Assessment Program. (SLD)

A survey of the background, attitudes, and perceptions of 44 Diversified Technology teachers (100 percent response), 42 counselors (95 percent), and 42 vocational directors (95 percent) in Mississippi found that most teachers were satisfied with training and had positive attitudes toward the program. Teachers and directors found low enrollment its…

Describes Athletes Caring Together-Informing, Organizing and Networking (ACTION), a chemical health program targeted at student athletes developed by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). ACTION focuses on athletes, coaches, and parents without increasing staffing or funding. Includes a list of trainers. (FMW)

Florida is becoming a favored environment for the college fund raiser. Fund-raising statistics suggest that Florida relies on donors who are not their alumni, and an increasing number are older citizens who have moved to the state or who spend the winter months there. (MLW)

As required by Public Law 100-146, states must submit to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities data concerning services to persons with developmental disabilities. This paper reviews relevant literature to establish a theoretical framework, definitions, and suggestions for extent, scope, eligibility requirements, and measures of…