The "gold standard" of youth outcomes is when they are achieving employment and pursuing a clear career path. The activities transition and employment initiatives, and the partnerships that support them, are most appropriately judged against this standard. This Guide presents approaches and considerations for the development and…

Based on a program which was developed in Maine, this guide provides specific suggestions for establishing a new "tradition" of substance-free celebration at graduation and prom parties for high school students. An introduction discusses the dangers of drinking at high school parties, the benefits of alcohol and drug-free parties, and…

Even the best schools must undertake a systematic and continuous appraisal of their current condition and future directions if they are to remain valuable and viable contributors to their community's quality of life. It is clear that schools cannot undertake that appraisal unless it is done in full partnership with the communities in which they…

The education of today's Iowa students does not provide them with the technical skills that will be demanded by nearly every work place. Neither does it provide them with sufficient ability to analyze complex information to make increasingly difficult social, political, or life decisions. This plan encourages and guides the reconstruction of…

This document describes account classifications and definitions for the accounting system of the Iowa community colleges. In view of the objectives of the accounting system, it is necessary to segregate the assets of the community college according to its source and intended use. Additionally, the accounting system should provide for accounting by…

The 12 states comprising the North Central Region have been affected in similar ways by the farm crisis of the 1980s. Statewide surveys show sizeable proportions of farm operations that are experiencing moderately high levels of financial stress. The problems caused by chronic stress on family structure and functioning, the loss of mainstreet…

This curriculum offers a comprehensive guide for teaching Iowa's historical and cultural heritage. The book is divided into six sections including: (1) "Using This Book"; (2) "Using Local History"; (3) "Lesson Plans"; (4) "Fun Facts"; (5) "Resources"; and (6) "Timeline." The bulk of the…

The handbook provides parents of children with disabilities guidance on planning for the child's future needs with special attention to resources and laws of Iowa. Section 1 gives a Future Planning Checklist and definitions of common legal terms. Section 2 addresses estates, trusts, and wills and provides common estate planning questions and…

Art instruction in Iowa schools lacks cohesiveness and continuity. This may be due in part to the state government's commitment to local autonomy. The Iowa Department of Education does not mandate what schools must do; it only suggests and encourages. In 1986, the department published a five-year plan for the achievement of educational goals,…

The purposes of this handbook are (1) to help individuals who are thinking about becoming family day care providers decide whether the profession is appropriate for themselves and their families, and (2) to present ideas for setting up and maintaining a family day care home that provides high quality service to families, a developmental learning…

In view of federal legislation being proposed for the reauthorization of the Adult Education Act that promotes increased program accountability and benchmarking of learner outcomes, this publication has been prepared as part of an effort to document student achievement in Iowa. Based on studies that have taken place over the past 17 years, this…

The reference guide presents information on placing special education students in the community for "specially designed" career exploration or "specially designed" vocational training in Iowa. Much of the information is in question and answer format. An introductory section provides background on the employee-employer…

Designed for use by parents and professionals, this guide provides assistance in finding appropriate financial resources and services for children with special needs in Iowa. Divided into six chapters, the guide presents programs related to education, health, human services, insurance, social security, and other support services. After a brief…

This resource guide for comprehensive counseling and guidance programs provides counselors, student service personnel, and administrators of Iowa's K-12 schools and community colleges with a means to improve or design programs. With the rapidly changing global society and the increase in violence at all levels of society, there is a critical need…

This inventory was developed to serve as a working tool to help local education agencies review existing policies and practices that may negatively affect students' achievement and encourage their dropping out, especially in grades 7 through 12. The following areas are covered: (1) instruction; (2) discipline; (3) support services; (4) attendance;…