The American doctorate owes its lineage to the German research ideal, but its purpose, structure, and process have become Americanized through six developmental stages over a century and a half. Federal and state governments, accreditation officials, policymakers, campus administrators, faculty, and students all have sought to professionalize…

Presents the text of GPO/2001, a strategic planning document for the Government Printing Office (GPO) that addresses GPO's mission; strategies for human resources, staff training, products and services, appropriate technology, dissemination of information, administrative and support activities, organizational structure, financial resources, and…

Provides a starting point from which individual libraries can evaluate continuation of their depository status. Many of the basic questions that a library needs to address are explored. Issues covered include availability of government information on the Internet, costs, and incentives. Recommended specifications for public workstations in…

In this article, the author takes an inside look at efforts in Worcester, Massachusetts to offer families the opportunities promised by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Worcester is the third largest school system in the state of Massachusetts, serving roughly 25,000 students in 46 public schools (36 elementary, 4 middle, 5 high, and one…

This study evaluates characteristics and critical issues facing urban schools in 1992 via a survey of school districts with membership in the Council of Urban Boards of Education and in several eligible districts. Sixty-two urban school districts responded to the survey. Of this total, 47 (68 percent) of the Council's participating districts…

At the core of a world-class system of delivery of educational services, there must be a comprehensive process for continual transmission of the best that knowledge synthesis and new experimentation can offer for utilization procedures and practices. This idea was expressed by Representative Major R. Owens, committee chairman, in his opening…

The report, from the General Accounting Office to the chairman of the Senate's committee on appropriations, responds to a request for review of Department of Defense (DOD) training of linguists engaged in intelligence-related activities. It summarizes its examination of: (1) the language and technical training provided to DOD linguistics; and (2)…

Research findings relating to the impact of student financial aid policies and practices on women are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of student aid for improving economic opportunity and security for women. The primary focus is on institutional practices and student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education…

This report is adapted from a letter sent to President-Elect George Bush in early January 1989. The report was published to stimulate a broad public discussion of the role that the Federal Government might play in developing the skills of the Nation's people. The priority of preventing damage to young children is the topic of the first section. In…

The effects of the current system for delivering federal financial assistance to students under the Pell Grant, Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL), and campus-based programs are analyzed. Information is included on the use of the assessment model, which combines program evaluation, systems research, and policy analysis methodologies.…

New initiatives in home economics research, extension, and higher education are proposed in order to influence national goals for family well-being measurably within five to ten years. The proposals are for work to be conducted cooperatively by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the land-grant colleges and universities, cooperative extension…

The situation of professor Carol B. Thompson, a Fulbright scholar, who participated in a demonstration outside the American embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, is discussed. She was severely reprimanded by senior government officials at the U.S. Information Agency responsible for administering the Fulbright program. (MLW)

Outlines issues that could arise in a debate on the appropriate role of government in supplying scientists with the access to data and information technology necessary for their research. Some of the areas explored include electronic dissemination of information, federal support mechanisms, international competition, and access to information.…

Describes the historical relationships between the federal government and research universities, particularly with regard to scientific research. Argues that the autonomy of the research university is being undermined by the vast increases in federal funding of applied research contracts, especially those related to national defense, including the…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Must be in the Front Row!: High Schools, Graduation Rates Receive New Attention from Policy Community and World of…