A study investigated effects of training related to using the Sequenced Transition to Education in the Public Schools model (STEPS) on the development of community-wide transition systems. Seven teams composed of public schools, Head Start, and early intervention representatives were trained. Change occurred as a result of the training. (Author/CR)

Counters the criticism of the statement by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges on governance and suggests that the critics have misconstrued the statement an attack on shared governance. Suggests that what was intended was an affirmation of governance principles and standards of good practice that reflect a governing…

Details creation of Adoption Option, Inc., a public adoption agency founded in 1986 in Ohio. Highlights three program areas of agency's mission: (1) training for those who assist pregnant women/teens with unplanned pregnancies; (2) educational programs for school-based health curricula; and (3) media initiative to convey accurate information about…

Notes that open adoption is less typical in adoptions of special-needs children; presents a model for openness in special-needs adoptions. Notes that the primary benefit of openness for an adopted child is loss minimization and maintenance of familial connections even in cases of abuse or neglect, as children continue to form significant…

Canadian universities now have the fastest research network backbone in the world, CA*Net 3, claiming it can transmit the contents of the Library of Congress in one second. In the United States, network officials feel that their competing Internet2 project supports more research into new network applications than the Canadian project. CA*Net 3…

This article describes the successful Ohio Early Start program, which is designed to prevent later developmental problems in infants and toddlers. The program was coordinated with the existing early intervention program and other efforts to ensure a comprehensive, community-based and family friendly network of child development health and…

Analyzes the challenges, pressures, and uncertainties facing the public child protection systems with recommendations for strengthening child protective services agencies and expanding prevention and treatment resources. Articles in this special issue place typical agency practices in a historical context as they consider dimensions of the child…

Describes an attempt to evaluate the Transition Systems Change Initiative despite geographically dispersed program sites and different program goals, activities, and impacts. The design focused on common impacts and unique accomplishments of the projects by making maximum use of existing data. Project directors were involved in planning,…

A study examined the effects of organizational characteristics, including organizational climate and interorganizational coordination, on the quality and outcomes of 32 public children's service offices in Tennessee. Findings show that organizational climate is the primary predictor of positive service outcomes and a significant predictor of…

Participants from four teams attempting to write an interagency agreement on the transition of children with disabilities from early intervention programs to early childhood special education were interviewed at three points in time, spanning 5 months. Results indicate that writing an interagency agreement was a complex, multidimensional, and…

Interview with Trevor Quinn, head of Ardnabannon Outdoor Education Centre, Northern Ireland, discusses the center's history and association with the local education authority; courses provided to schools, college students, teachers, community groups, and businesses; the role of outdoor education in promoting peace and cultural understanding; and…

Discusses the importance of fathers in the lives of young children. Describes the Partners for Fragile Families (PFF) project, a national initiative operating in 10 cities to integrate low-income single fathers into their children's lives and to help strengthen families. Notes that a partnership with the National Head Start Association will offer…

Directors of the largest and most active executive branch evaluation offices from 14 government agencies assessed the impacts of the first year of federal government "reinvention." Results suggest an erosion of government capacity to conduct evaluations that is expected to increase in the presidential election year. (SLD)

Intended to assist special educators as they help students in the transition from school to work, this article describes vocational education and vocational rehabilitation programs. Issues discussed include the referral process, eligibility, range of services and curricula available, preparation of students for entry into vocational education and…

Addresses specific National Park Service (NPS) responses to executive memorandum on collaboration with federally recognized tribes, and to Executive Order 13007 on Indian sacred sites: extent of consultation, confidentiality, access, avoiding adverse effects, collaborative planning, notification procedures, training managers, and suggested changes…