The impacts of poverty in this country cast a long shadow over the issues of education, social mobility, and global competitiveness. Although national conversations regarding income inequality have increased, the topic of poverty in America has not had as much attention. We seem to be at a loss about specific solutions that could address this…

In November 2014, with broad bipartisan support, Congress reauthorized CCDBG [Child Care and Development Block Grant] (the major federal child care program) for the first time since 1996. The new law strengthens CCDBG's dual role as a major early childhood education program and a work support for low-income families. This implementation guide is…

The demand for workers (employers, self-employed people and employees) having research training extends beyond the researcher workforce itself and is increasing. The research workforce is not uniform but segmented according to disciplines and the economic and sectoral contexts in which researchers work. The growth of cross-disciplinary and…

Reports on major bills passed by the houses of Congress, designed to cut federal funding and also to streamline delivery systems for child care and related services. In addition, discusses the Clinton administration's proposed budget for Federal Year 1996, which calls for increased funding for child care. (AA)

The impact of and justification for using federal grants to carry out national policies in education is explored in this document. The paper opens by noting that the locally-made decisions typical of our federal system of government do not always take into account such national interests as those in increasing equality of opportunity, providing…

Reviews national interests in education and considers the effectiveness of different forms of federal grants in addressing those interests. Concludes that providing equalization aid is the only appropriate purpose for block grants since such grants do not encourage state and local agencies to concern themselves with national priorities. (PGD)

This issue brief, which is intended for individuals involved in planning and delivering adult literacy programs, examines several major characteristics of recent House and Senate bills regarding block grants, describes the new requirements of block grants and their potential effects on adult education and literacy services, and suggests actions…

American educational policy is based on three preeminent values: equity, efficiency, and choice. The problem is that these values are often antithetical: an emphasis on one deemphasizes the others. Coming to an acceptable balance among all three values is therefore the essence of public policymaking. Accordingly, this paper takes one of these…

Characterizes federal support for education as a political process involving Congress, the president, special interest groups, program administrators, and the general public. Examines policy shifts from bipartisan congressional leadership in the late 1940s through John Kennedy's advocacy of federal aid and Ronald Reagan's endorsement of state and…

The Advisory Panel on Financing Elementary and Secondary Education appointed by President Reagan in 1982 developed recommendations regarding both the Federal role in education and the practical means for carrying out that role. To encourage accountability and educational quality, the panel urged giving locally selected authorities primary…

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was the first piece of legislation to provide for basic literacy training to adults, was passed as a result of a number of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, the influence of the media, and the political astuteness of President Lyndon B. Johnson. As a redistributive policy, the Economic…

A study examined the views of state vocational education directors concerning the impact of the 1976 amendments to the Vocational Education Act in their states. Specifically addressed in the study were the effects of the amendments on elimination of sex stereotyping and on helping displaced homemakers. To collect these data researchers…

Policymakers must review the accomplishments of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), problems associated with suggestions for its reform, and incremental reforms to the program that are required and possible. Despite the fact that research generally attests to CETA's success, the system suffers from a poor public image.…

This document summarizes the responses from members of the public throughout the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to a September 1994 notice in the Federal Register in which the Secretary of Education invited public comments regarding reauthorization of programs under the Perkins Act, Adult Education Act, and National Literacy Act…