Describes the objectives and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights (OCR) within the purview of the Reagan administration's civil rights policy. Describes OCR methodologies designed to ensure enforcement of nondiscrimination requirements in state implementation of programs under federal block grants. (MJL)

Examines current debate and advocacy efforts to protect Head Start funding in light of congressional budget reductions. Presents appropriation and enrollment figures, and current proposed funding levels. Describes new directions in Head Start, including Early Start, collaboration efforts with public schools, and full day care. Highlights the…

Reviews progress made toward educating handicapped children in the United States under Public Law 94-142. Describes how proposals by the Reagan Administration to reduce Federal involvement in education would place a heavy burden on individual States and would erode recent gains in educational opportunity for the handicapped. (GC)

Summarizing findings of a study on the distribution of Federal, State, and local funds for vocational education, examines the case for deregulating vocational education. Reviews recent efforts to direct Federal funds to local education agencies with particular characteristics, and reviews efforts to control how Federal funds are spent. (Author/GC)

Outlines the latest Federal budget and regulatory proposals being discussed, examines the spending and taxation priorities on which they are based, and suggests alternatives for the funding of education and other human services. (Available from Gutman Library, 6 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138.) (Author/GC)

The report of the presidential Advisory Panel on Financing Elementary and Secondary Education presents the panel's philosophy, describes current problems, and recommends (1) returning financial autonomy to state and local levels, (2) dismantling the Department of Education, (3) deregulating public schools, and (4) encouraging school-based…