A critique of federal education policy discusses questionable purposes, flaws in aid-dispensing mechanisms, and undue regulatory burdens and other constraints. The proper federal role in education is described, involving information dissemination, educational improvement through federal programs, compensation, and financial assistance. (CJ)

A professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh tracks the fiscal fortunes of the National Institutes of Health. Any tightening of the NIH budget might starve out talented young researchers at Pittsburgh. Support from the agency amounts to about half of all government support. (MLW)

Discusses administration proposals to expand federal support for local public education, especially for urban schools . The initiatives include subsidizing the hiring of more teachers, encouraging grade retention, and providing more money for construction. Also examines the importance of school quality in metropolitan location decisions. (JOW)

The Universal Basic education (UBE) Programme could not have been introduced at a better time than now that the nation is in dire need of all round national Development. The major objective of the UBE programme is to provide free, universal and compulsory basic education for every Nigerian child aged 6-15 years. However, for the Universal Basic…

This report presents the text of hearings on urban education and focuses on what makes urban schools effective instruments of learning and why urban school students consistently achieve above national norms on standardized reading, writing, and mathematics tests. Specifically considered are (1) the impact of the federal government's budget cuts on…

The appointment of David Mathews, a 39-year-old Southerner and respected educator, as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare is reviewed with reference to his position on various issues and substantial hope and confidence among educational leaders that he will "deliver education from the bureaucratic doldrums." (JT)

Supporting federal financing of private schools, the author defines public schools as sectarian and believes that denying aid to private schools effectively denies freedom of choice. (MD)

This report provides a comprehensive picture of federal financial support for education from fiscal year 1980 through fiscal year 2003. The federal government provides support for education well beyond programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education. It discusses off-budget suport and nonfederal funds generated by federal legislation,…

This digest offers a brief discussion about the growth of distance education in the postsecondary arena and summarizes the U.S. Department of Education's progress in evaluating current rules governing financial aid for distance learning. Department of Education statistics show that there was a 72% increase in the number of institutions offering…

Federal action in the field of education should take the form of (1) a separate Department of Education, (2) expanded vocational and career education, (3) expanded aid for handicapped education, (4) aid to colleges and universities. (MB)

A broader form of cost recovery for higher education, repayment in-kind through national or community service is considered. Focus is on the experience of developing countries, where such programs for students and graduates emphasize personal development rather than potential contribution to society. Ways of redesigning programs to constitute a…

"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) Congress Comes to Agreement on Budget Resolution: Budget Blueprint Outlines Large Funding Increase for Education…

"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) President Bush Releases Fiscal Year 2007 Budget: Education Funding Cut by $2.1 Billion; $100 Million Request for…

"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) House Subcommittee Passes Education Funding Bill: Appropriations Bill Would Provide Large Increases for Title I and…

"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) Senate Begins Debate on Education Spending Bill: White House Threatens Presidential Veto; (2) NCLB Timetable in…