Liberal arts colleges face a public skeptical about rising college costs, and pricing policies that seem unfairly "redistributive;" an education economy in which new information technologies are transforming how and why people need schooling; and a competitive environment that favors resource-wasting maneuvers to gain tactical advantage, rather…

Compares constant dollar spending on research with constant dollar spending on libraries 1960-1995. Evaluation of the indirect cost policy by which library costs are reimbursed as a function of science grant management suggests it has failed to promote cost-effective research. Evaluation of the impact of various information technologies finds…

Addresses public policy issues concerned with treatment of children with autism under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Emphasis is on issues raised by the popular, but labor-intensive, Lovaas method, such as whether these therapies are an entitlement under IDEA, the choice of an intervention strategy decision process,…

This 22nd annual Official Education Construction Report details school and university construction information. It documents the amount and type of construction put in place and projected to be completed by the nations' educational institutions over the next three years (1996-1998). Annual and regional construction activity projections are…

Summarizes the most important economic factors that have had an impact upon kindergartens in Kazakhstan in recent years. Provides city-specific data detailing the effects of the collapse of communism and the rise of market-oriented economic reform on kindergarten closures. Discusses policy responses to declining enrollments and school closures.…

Argues that the shortage of financial aid for minority students is a serious national problem deserving of special attention. A study of 131 black college students shows that the burden of self-financing their education triggered a variety of other educational and personal difficulties. Coping efforts and outcomes related to the educational…

Progress of British students embarking on doctoral degrees in the 1980s was analyzed for factors in completion of doctoral degrees. Results show funding had insignificant positive impact on completion rate, completion rate was highest in the sciences, ability (measured by first degree type) affected doctoral completion, and part-time status (or…

Celebrates 30 years of programs and projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Profiles 11 funded projects from the 1960s through the 1990s. These include the Talking about Books program, Center for the Study of Southern Culture, Ken Burns's documentaries, and The Library of America. (MJP)

Presents an impassioned and cogent plea for supporting the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Corrects and answers many of the misconceptions concerning the NEH and effectively refutes the most repeated criticisms. Briefly describes some of the NEH's most popular and successful projects. (MJP)

Contrasts early childhood education policymakers with researchers to explore ways in which these groups differ and the ways in which the media, private foundations, and advocacy groups can facilitate communication among the two groups and the public. The author reviews her experiences in Florida to show how research can help shape policy for young…

Discusses several strategies recommended by small business experts to help for-profit and non-profit child care centers survive a financial crisis. Strategies include: identifying the source of the problem, monitoring cash flow, reducing or deferring expenditures, expediting regular income and exploring new sources of income, patiently working…

Discusses the Higher Education Act of 1992, which increased the availability of student loan funds. Examines the difference in effects of background, achievement and aspiration, college experience, price variables, and accumulated debt in 1993 as compared with 1996 on student persistence decisions. Finds that current year subsidies are positively…

Describes creative responses of six colleges and universities to the information-technology personnel shortage, salary differentials with marketplace, recruitment and retention difficulties, and the need to support institution-wide technology growth. Institutions include: Alamo Community College District (Texas); Texas A&M University; Wake…

The Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) recognizes the need for continuing medical education (CME) reform and intends to be actively engaged in that process. While recognizing that CME reform must involve many organizations, the CMSS and particularly the 23 societies that make up the CMSS are in a position to affect many of the needed…

Research Findings: This study was designed to assess whether investments in child care quality were maintained 3 years after public funding for these centers was significantly reduced. An earlier evaluation documented significant improvements in classroom environments, teachers' sensitivity, and teachers' child-centered beliefs following a…