Sample records for state assessment program

  1. Evidence-Based Medicine and State Health Care Coverage: The Washington Health Technology Assessment Program.

    PubMed

    Rothman, David J; Blackwood, Kristy L; Adair, Whitney; Rothman, Sheila M

    2018-04-01

    To evaluate the Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program (WHTAP). Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program proceedings in Seattle, Washington. We assessed the program through observation of its proceedings over a 5-year period, 2009-2014. We conducted detailed analyses of the documents it produced and reviewed relevant literature. Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program is unique compared to other state and federal programs. It has successfully applied evidence-based medicine to health care decision making, limited by the strength of available data. It claims cost savings, but they are not substantiated. Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program is a useful model for other states considering implementation of technology assessment programs. We provide key lessons for improving WHTAP's process. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

  2. 45 CFR 284.30 - What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? 284.30 Section... FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN INCREASE IN A STATE OR TERRITORY'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE... TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? (a) The State's assessment must: (1...

  3. Government regulation of forestry practices on private forest land in the United States: an assessment of state government responsibilities and program performance

    Treesearch

    Paul V. Ellefson; Michael A. Kilgore; James E. Granskog

    2006-01-01

    In 2003, a comprehensive assessment of state government, forest practice regulatory programs in the United States was undertaken. Involved was an extensive review of the literature and information gathering h m program administration in all 50 states. The assessment determined that regulatory programs focus on a wide range of forestry practices applied to private...

  4. 45 CFR 284.30 - What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? 284.30 Section... TANF PROGRAM § 284.30 What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the... PROGRAMS), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY...

  5. 45 CFR 284.30 - What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? 284.30 Section... TANF PROGRAM § 284.30 What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the... PROGRAMS), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY...

  6. 45 CFR 284.30 - What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? 284.30 Section... TANF PROGRAM § 284.30 What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the... PROGRAMS), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY...

  7. 45 CFR 284.30 - What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State on the increase in child poverty? 284.30 Section... TANF PROGRAM § 284.30 What information must the State include in its assessment of the impact of the... PROGRAMS), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY...

  8. Evaluation of a peer assessment approach for enhancing the organizational capacity of state injury prevention programs.

    PubMed

    Hunter, Wanda M; Schmidt, Ellen R; Zakocs, Ronda

    2005-01-01

    To conduct a formative and pilot impact evaluation of the State Technical Assessment Team (STAT) program, a visitation-based (visitatie) peer assessment program designed to enhance the organizational capacity of state health department injury prevention programs. The formative evaluation was based on observational, record review, and key informant interview data collected during the implementation of the first 7 STAT visits. Pilot impact data were derived from semi-structured interviews with state injury prevention personnel one year after the visit. Formative evaluation identified 6 significant implementation problems in the first visits that were addressed by the program planners, resulting in improvements to the STAT assessment protocol. Impact evaluation revealed that after one year, the 7 state injury prevention programs had acted on 81% of the recommendations received during their STAT visits. All programs reported gains in visibility and credibility within the state health department and increased collaboration and cooperation with other units and agencies. Other significant program advancements were also reported. Specific program standards and review procedures are important to the success of peer assessment programs such as STAT. Early impact evaluation suggests that peer assessment protocols using the visitatie model can lead to gains in organizational capacity.

  9. Assessing the Deployment of Home Visiting: Learning from a State-Wide Survey of Home Visiting Programs.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Robert L; Anthony, Elizabeth R; Lalich, Nina; Nevar, Ann; Bakaki, Paul; Koroukian, Siran

    2016-03-01

    Large-scale planning for health and human services programming is required to inform effective public policy as well as deliver services to meet community needs. The present study demonstrates the value of collecting data directly from deliverers of home visiting programs across a state. This study was conducted in response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires states to conduct a needs assessment of home visiting programs for pregnant women and young children to receive federal funding. In this paper, we provide a descriptive analysis of a needs assessment of home visiting programs in Ohio. All programs in the state that met the federal definition of home visiting were included in this study. Program staff completed a web-based survey with open- and close-ended questions covering program management, content, goals, and characteristics of the families served. Consistent with the research literature, program representatives reported great diversity with regard to program management, reach, eligibility, goals, content, and services delivered, yet consistently conveyed great need for home visiting services across the state. Results demonstrate quantitative and qualitative assessments of need have direct implications for public policy. Given the lack of consistency highlighted in Ohio, other states are encouraged to conduct a similar needs assessment to facilitate cross-program and cross-state comparisons. Data could be used to outline a capacity-building and technical assistance agenda to ensure states can effectively meet the need for home visiting in their state.

  10. The Technical Report of NAEP's 1990 Trial State Assessment Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koffler, Stephen L.; And Others

    This report documents the design and data analysis procedures of the Trial State Assessment Program of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Today the NAEP is the only survey using advanced plausible values methodology that uses a multiple imputation procedure in a psychometric context. The 1990 Trial State Assessment collected…

  11. Assessing cumulative impacts within state environmental review frameworks in the United States

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ma Zhao, E-mail: zma@nrc.umass.ed; Becker, Dennis R., E-mail: drbecker@umn.ed; Kilgore, Michael A., E-mail: mkilgore@umn.ed

    Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of systematically assessing a proposed action's cumulative environmental effects in the context of past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Previous studies have examined CIA efforts at the federal level but little is known about how states assess the cumulative impacts of nonfederal projects. By examining state environmental review statutes, administrative rules, agency-prepared materials, and a national survey of the administrators of state environmental review programs, this study identifies the legal and administrative frameworks for CIA. It examines current CIA practice, discusses the relationship between CIA policy and itsmore » implementation, and explores the opportunities for improvement. The results of the study show that twenty-nine state environmental review programs across twenty-six states required the assessment of cumulative environmental impacts. More than half of these programs have adopted specific procedures for implementing their policies. Some programs assessed cumulative impacts using a standard review document, and others have created their own documentations incorporated into applications for state permits or funding. The majority of programs have adopted various scales, baselines, significance criteria, and coordination practices in their CIA processes. Mixed methods were generally used for data collection and analysis; qualitative methods were more prevalent than quantitative methods. The results also suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent environmental review policies and procedures does not always imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. Finally, this study discusses the potential for improving existing CIA processes and promoting CIA efforts in states without established environmental review programs.« less

  12. Is There a Hole in the Bucket? Understanding SCHIP Retention. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies. Occasional Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hill, Ian; Lutzky, Amy Westpfahl

    This study examined states efforts to retain children in their State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Data were obtained during spring and summer of 2000 through telephone interviews with state program officials from eight states selected based on a variety of demographic and programmatic variables; the states were Alabama, California,…

  13. Analysis of state-energy-program capabilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tatar, J.; Clifford, D.; Gunnison, F.; Humphrey, B.

    1981-05-01

    The potential effects on state energy programs of a reduction in the financial assistance available through the state and local assistance programs and the distribution of those effects are assessed. The assessment is based on a survey of nine state energy offices (SEOs), which were selected on the basis of state support of energy programs weighted by state energy consumption. The nine SEOs surveyed were the Arizona Energy Office, Arkansas Department of Energy, California Energy Commission, Florida Governor's Energy Office, Illinois Institute of Natural Resources, Minnesota Energy Agency, New Jersey Department of Energy, South Carolina Governor's Division of Energy Resources, and Washington State Energy Office.

  14. Comprehensive Educational Assessment for the States: The Duplex Design.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bock, R. Darrell; Mislevy, Robert

    State testing programs often attempt to provide annual information for use in student guidance and qualification, school and program evaluation, and broad policy decisions. With the development of a new type of assessment instrument, the "duplex design," the several functions of state testing programs can be served in a single test…

  15. Premium Assistance Programs under SCHIP: Not for the Faint of Heart. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies. Occasional Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lutzky, Amy Westpfahl; Hill, Ian

    Under the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), states have the option to subsidize employer premiums for low-income workers with children. Given the potential for subsidized employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) programs to reduce the number of uninsured children, this study examined SCHIPs regulations and state experiences with premium…

  16. A Comparison of High and Low Performing Secondary Physical Education Programs in South Carolina.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Castelli, Darla M.

    This study compared high and low performing schools in a state secondary physical education high stakes assessment and accountability program. The South Carolina Physical Education Assessment Program (SCPEAP) required teachers to assess samples of students on competency across four state mandated performance indicators. This study examined the…

  17. Assessment and Program Accountability in Early Childhood Education: Lessons Learned in Ohio

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boat, Mary; Zorn, Debbie; Austin, James T.

    2005-01-01

    Ensuring that children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, start school ready to learn is an important goal. This paper presents lessons learned from the state of Ohio's multi-year program to develop a standards-based assessment system for programs delivering state-funded early childhood education (ECE) through programs receiving…

  18. California's Early Assessment Program: Its Effectiveness and the Obstacles to Successful Program Implementation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McLean, Hilary

    2012-01-01

    The Early Assessment Program (EAP) has emerged as a national model for states seeking to design policies that increase the number of students who leave high school ready for college and careers. In addition, the two national consortia designing new assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards have recognized the EAP as a model for the…

  19. Assessing state stem cell programs in the United States: how has state funding affected publication trends?

    PubMed

    Alberta, Hillary B; Cheng, Albert; Jackson, Emily L; Pjecha, Matthew; Levine, Aaron D

    2015-02-05

    Several states responded to federal funding limitations placed on human embryonic stem cell research and the potential of the field by creating state stem cell funding programs, yet little is known about the impact of these programs. Here we examine how state programs have affected publication trends in four states. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. K-12 Postsecondary Alignment and School Accountability: Investigating High School Responses to California's Early Assessment Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, Jacob; Kurlaender, Michal

    2016-01-01

    State K-12 assessments may soon include measures for college readiness, as California's already do. We seek to understand how California's Early Assessment Program (EAP, designed to assess high school juniors' college readiness in English and math) may have influenced overall school-level college readiness and state accountability outcomes. Using…

  1. Framework for a ground-water quality monitoring and assessment program for California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Belitz, Kenneth; Dubrovsky, Neil M.; Burow, Karen; Jurgens, Bryant C.; John, Tyler

    2003-01-01

    The State of California uses more ground water than any other State in the Nation. With a population of over 30 million people, an agricultural economy based on intensive irrigation, large urban industrial areas, and naturally elevated concentrations of some trace elements, there is a wide range of contaminant sources that have the potential to contaminate ground water and limit its beneficial uses. In response to the many-and different-potential sources of ground-water contamination, the State of California has evolved an extensive set of rules and programs to protect ground-water quality, and agencies to implement the rules and programs. These programs have in common a focus on compliance with regulations governing chemical use and (or) ground-water quality. Although appropriate for, and successful at, their specific missions, these programs do not at present provide a comprehensive view of ground-water quality in the State of California. In October 2001, The California Assembly passed a bill, AB 599, establishing the Ground-Water- Quality Monitoring Act of 2001.' The goal of AB 599 is to improve Statewide comprehensive ground-water monitoring and increase availability of information about ground-water quality to the public. AB 599 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in collaboration with an interagency task force (ITF) and a public advisory committee (PAC), to develop a plan for a comprehensive ground-water monitoring program. AB 599 specifies that the comprehensive program should be capable of assessing each ground-water basin in the State through direct and other statistically reliable sampling approaches, and that the program should integrate existing monitoring programs and design new program elements, as necessary. AB 599 also stresses the importance of prioritizing ground-water basins that provide drinking water. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the SWRCB, and in coordination with the ITF and PAC, has developed a framework for a comprehensive ground-water-quality monitoring and assessment program for California. The proposed framework relies extensively on previous work conducted by the USGS through its National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. In particular, the NAWQA program defines three types of ground-water assessment: (1) status, the assessment of the current quality of the ground-water resource; (2) trends, the detection of changes in water quality, and (3) understanding, assessing the human and natural factors that affect ground-water quality. A Statewide, comprehensive ground-water quality-monitoring and assessment program is most efficiently accomplished by applying uniform and consistent study-design and data-collection protocols to the entire State. At the same time, a comprehensive program should be relevant at a variety of scales, and therefore needs to retain flexibility to address regional and local issues. Consequently, many of the program components include a predominant element that will be consistently applied in all basins, and a secondary element that may be applied in specific basins where local conditions warrant attention.

  2. 7 CFR 227.5 - Program funding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM General § 227.5 Program funding. (a... assessment in the State, (iii) Developing a State Plan for nutrition education and training within the State...

  3. 7 CFR 227.5 - Program funding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM General § 227.5 Program funding. (a... assessment in the State, (iii) Developing a State Plan for nutrition education and training within the State...

  4. 7 CFR 227.5 - Program funding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM General § 227.5 Program funding. (a... assessment in the State, (iii) Developing a State Plan for nutrition education and training within the State...

  5. 7 CFR 227.5 - Program funding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM General § 227.5 Program funding. (a... assessment in the State, (iii) Developing a State Plan for nutrition education and training within the State...

  6. 7 CFR 227.5 - Program funding.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM General § 227.5 Program funding. (a... assessment in the State, (iii) Developing a State Plan for nutrition education and training within the State...

  7. An Assessment of Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Engineering.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Lyle V., Ed.; And Others

    The quality of doctoral-level chemical engineering (N=79), civil engineering (N=74), electrical engineering (N=91), and mechanical engineering (N=82) programs at United States universities was assessed, using 16 measures. These measures focused on variables related to: (1) program size; (2) characteristics of graduates; (3) reputational factors…

  8. An Assessment of Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Mathematical & Physical Sciences.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Lyle V., Ed.; And Others

    The quality of doctoral-level chemistry (N=145), computer science (N=58), geoscience (N=91), mathematics (N=115), physics (N=123), and statistics/biostatistics (N=64) programs at United States universities was assessed, using 16 measures. These measures focused on variables related to: program size; characteristics of graduates; reputational…

  9. Correlation of United States Medical Licensing Examination and Internal Medicine In-Training Examination Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perez, Jose A., Jr.; Greer, Sharon

    2009-01-01

    The Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (ITE) is administered during residency training in the United States as a self-assessment and program assessment tool. Performance on this exam correlates with outcome on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying examination. Internal Medicine Program Directors use the United States Medical…

  10. Assessment Practices in Undergraduate Accounting Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lusher, Anna L.

    2010-01-01

    This study examined accounting program assessment plans at 102 colleges and universities in the United States. The research focused on identifying assessment practices in undergraduate accounting programs by examining the skills and competencies assessed and determining the methods of assessment used. The study also investigated what course and/or…

  11. Assessment of elementary school safety restraint programs.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1985-06-01

    The purpose of this research was to identify elementary school (K-6) safety belt : education programs in use in the United States, to review their development, and : to make administrative and impact assessments of their use in selected States. : Six...

  12. Standardization of the Functional Assessment and Intervention Program (FAIP) with Children Who Have Externalizing Behaviors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hartwig, Laurie; Heathfield, Lora Tuesday; Jenson, William R.

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop standardization data for the Functional Assessment Intervention Program (FAIP; University of Utah, Utah State University, & Utah State Office of Education, 1999), a computerized, functional behavioral assessment expert system. Reliability, validity, and utility analyses were conducted with students serving…

  13. Assessment Methodology in Technical Courses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fogle, Ty; Insabella, Mary

    2004-01-01

    Columbus State Community College is committed to assessment (measurement) of student achievement of academic outcomes. This process addresses the issues of what each student needs to learn in his or her program of study and if each student is learning what they need to learn. The assessment program at Columbus State Community College has four…

  14. The State Agency--College-Mandated Approach.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Capoor, Madan; Morante, Edward

    1990-01-01

    Describes two state-mandated programs for institutional accountability in New Jersey (i.e., Basic Skills Assessment Program and College Outcomes Evaluation Program), which function through cooperation between the state's higher education agency and its colleges and universities. Highlights research objectives, procedures, responsibilities,…

  15. Mine Burial Assessment State-of the Art in Prediction and Modeling Workshop and Initiation of Technical Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2000-09-30

    Burial Assessment State-of-the Art Science , Technology, and Modeling. A Review of Coastal Research, Modeling, and Naval Operational Needs in Shallow Water...the ONR Mine Burial Prediction Program are summarized below. 1) Completed comprehensive technical reports: a. Mine Burial Assessment, State-of-the Art ... Science , Technology, and Modeling. A review of Coastal Research, Modeling, and Naval Operational Needs in Shallow Water Environments with

  16. Idaho Geothermal Commercialization Program. Idaho geothermal handbook

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hammer, G.D.; Esposito, L.; Montgomery, M.

    The following topics are covered: geothermal resources in Idaho, market assessment, community needs assessment, geothermal leasing procedures for private lands, Idaho state geothermal leasing procedures - state lands, federal geothermal leasing procedures - federal lands, environmental and regulatory processes, local government regulations, geothermal exploration, geothermal drilling, government funding, private funding, state and federal government assistance programs, and geothermal legislation. (MHR)

  17. Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2000: Analysis of Questionnaire Data from United States Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ngwudike, Benjamin C.

    2005-01-01

    The Program for International Student Assessment 2000 (PISA) is an International Examination that was developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assess the reading, mathematics, and science literacy of students in participating countries, including the United States. PISA is a two-hour paper-and-pencil…

  18. National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program Report to Congress: An Integrated Assessment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-01

    tion, Title IV includes a market-based program that provides economic incentives (CENR) of the National Science and Technology Council. for...Eastern United States Figure 19. Comparison of annual ambient nitrate (NO3 -) concentrations in rural Eastern United States Figure 20. Comparison... nitrate (NO3 -) deposition in the United States Figure 24. Comparison of annual concentrations of nitrate (NO3 -) in wet deposition in the United States

  19. Microswitch- and VOCA-Assisted Programs for Two Post-Coma Persons with Minimally Conscious State and Pervasive Motor Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lancioni, Giulio E.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Buonocunto, Francesca; Sacco, Valentina; Colonna, Fabio; Navarro, Jorge; Oliva, Doretta; Signorino, Mario; Megna, Gianfranco

    2009-01-01

    Intervention programs, based on learning principles and assistive technology, were assessed in two studies with two post-coma men with minimally conscious state and pervasive motor disabilities. Study I assessed a program that included (a) an optic microswitch, activated via double blinking, which allowed a man direct access to brief music…

  20. NAEP 1992 Mathematics State Report for the Virgin Islands. The Trial State Assessment Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Assessment of Educational Progress, Princeton, NJ.

    In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) included a Trial State Assessment which, for the first time in the NAEP's history, made voluntary state-by-state assessments. This 1992 mathematics report marks the first attempt of the National Center for Education Statistics to shift to standards-based reporting of National…

  1. A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MONITORING STREAM CONDITION IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

    EPA Science Inventory


    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently initiated a four-year survey of streams in the Western United States as a component of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). EMAP is developing indicators to monitor and assess the condition of ecological...

  2. An Assessment of Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Humanities.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Lyle V., Ed.; And Others

    U.S. research-doctorate programs in the humanities were assessed by a committee of the Conference Board of Associated Research Councils. Attention was focused on 522 programs in nine disciplines in the humanities that award research doctorates. The effectiveness of these programs in preparing students for research careers was assessed. Indices…

  3. Extracurricular Physical Activity Programs in California Private Secondary Schools.

    PubMed

    Kahan, David; McKenzie, Thomas L

    2017-12-01

    Interscholastic, intramural, and club physical activity (PA) programs can be important contributors to student PA accrual at schools. Few studies have assessed factors related to the provision of these extracurricular PA programs, especially in private schools. We used a 16-item questionnaire to assess the associations and influences of selected factors relative to extracurricular PA program policies and practices in 450 private California secondary schools. Associations were evaluated using contingency table analyses (i.e., chi-squared, effect size, and post-hoc analyses). Six factors were associated with schools providing extracurricular PA programs: school location, level, enrollment, and religious classification and whether the physical education (PE) program met state PE time standards and was taught by PE specialists. Both static factors (e.g., school location, level, enrollment, and religious affiliation) and modifiable factors (e.g., meeting PE standards and employing specialists) affect the provision of extracurricular PA programs. As education is state-mandated, additional study is recommended to assess the generalizability of these findings to other states and to public schools.

  4. The Effects of Finite Sampling Corrections on State Assessment Sample Requirements. NAEP Validity Studies (NVS).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chromy, James R.

    States participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress State Assessment program (state NAEP) are required to sample at least 2,500 students from at least 100 schools per subject assessed. In this ideal situation, 25 students are assessed for a subject in each school selected for that subject. Two problems have arisen: some states…

  5. State Assessment (Accountability): Potential for Becoming a Friend or Foe?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buchmiller, Archie A.

    A summary of legislation concerning educational accountability reveals that 13 States hope to find greater accountability in testing or assessment programs, 7 in planning, programming, budgeting systems, 4 in uniform accounting system, 8 in the evaluation of professional employees, 2 in management information systems, and 1 in performance…

  6. UNESCO Science Programs: Impacts of U.S. Withdrawal and Suggestions for Alternative Interim Arrangements. A Preliminary Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council, Washington, DC. Office of International Affairs.

    This study was conducted to provide the U.S. Department of State with an assessment of the potential impacts on science of a United States withdrawal from UNESCO and to suggest possible alternative arrangements to maintain essential U.S. scientific contacts with UNESCO-sponsored programs in case the United States were no longer a member of UNESCO…

  7. 34 CFR 361.1 - Purpose.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM General § 361.1 Purpose. Under the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program (Program), the Secretary provides grants to...) Designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with...

  8. Influence and effectiveness of financial incentive programs in programs in promoting sustainable forestry in the South

    Treesearch

    John L. Greene; Thomas J. Straka; Steven E. Daniels; Michael G. Jacobson; Michael A. Kilgore

    2009-01-01

    Selected state agency foresters in each of the 13 southern states were surveyed about the financial incentive programs available to nonindustrial private forest owners. The foresters were asked to name and describe the public and private programs available in their state, to assess forest owners’ awareness of each program, its appeal among the owners aware of it, its...

  9. Assessing Student Achievement in the States. The First Report of the National Academy of Education Panel on the Evaluation of the NAEP Trial State Assessment: 1990 Trial State Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Academy of Education, Stanford, CA.

    This report presents findings of the National Academy of Education Panel on the Evaluation of the Trial State Assessment (TSA) concerning the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics TSA program. The Panel's recommendations regarding the continuation of TSAs for review by the Congress, states, and Executive Branch of the…

  10. The State of Alaska's early experience with institutionalization of health impact assessment.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Paul J; Yoder, Sarah; Fogels, Ed; Krieger, Gary; McLaughlin, Joseph

    2013-01-01

    Many nations routinely include health impact assessments (HIA) in public policy decisions. Institutionalization of HIA formally integrates health considerations into a governmental decision-making process. We describe an example of institutionalization in the United States through Alaska's early experience with institutionalization of HIA. HIA arose from a series of health conferences in the 1970s that affirmed the importance of "health for all." A number of key milestones eventually defined HIA as a unique field of impact assessment. There are several approaches to institutionalization, and one common approach in the United States is through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA formed the basis for the earliest HIAs in Alaska. Early HIAs in Alaska led to conferences, working groups, a state guidance document and the institutionalization of a HIA program within the Department of Health and Social Services in 2010. A medical epidemiologist staffs the program, which utilizes contractors to meet rising demand for HIA. The HIA program has sustainable funding from the state budget and from the state's natural resource permitting process. The HIA document is the main deliverable, but the program performs other tasks, including fieldwork and technical reviews. The HIA program works closely with a host of collaborative partners. Alaska's institutionalized HIA program benefits from sustainable funding that promotes continuous quality improvement and involves the program in the entire life cycle of a development project. The program structure adapts well to variations in workflow and supports a host of quality control activities. Currently, the program focuses on HIAs for natural resource development projects.

  11. North Carolina Linking Study: A Study of the Alignment of the NWEA RIT Scale with the North Carolina State End of Grade (EOG) Testing Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Northwest Evaluation Association, 2014

    2014-01-01

    Recently, the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) completed a study to connect the scale of the North Carolina State End of Grade (EOG) Testing Program used for North Carolina's mathematics and reading assessments with NWEA's Rausch Interval Unit (RIT) scale. Information from the state assessments was used in a study to establish…

  12. Report: Source Water Assessment and Protection Programs Show Initial Promise, But Obstacles Remain

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Report #2005-P-00013, March 28, 2005. Source water assessments are being used by (1) some States to improve the overall drinking water protection program by prioritizing protection efforts and program resources.

  13. Assessment of epidemiology capacity in state health departments - United States, 2013.

    PubMed

    Hadler, James L; Lampkins, Rebecca; Lemmings, Jennifer; Lichtenstein, Meredith; Huang, Monica; Engel, Jeffrey

    2015-04-17

    Since 2001, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) periodically has conducted a standardized national assessment of state health departments' core epidemiology capacity (1-4). During August-September 2013, CSTE sent a web-based questionnaire to state epidemiologists in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The questionnaire inquired into workforce capacity and technology advancements to support public health surveillance. Measures of capacity included the total number of epidemiologists, a self-assessment of the state's ability to carry out four of the 10 essential public health services* most relevant to epidemiologists, and program-specific epidemiology capacity. This report summarizes the results, which indicated that in 2013, most of these measures were at their highest level since assessments began in 2001, including the number of epidemiologists, the percentage of state health departments with substantial-to-full (>50%) capacity for three of the 10 essential public health services, and the percentage with substantial-to-full epidemiology capacity for eight of 10 program areas. However, >50% of states reported minimal-to-no (<25%) epidemiology capacity for four of 10 program areas, including occupational health (55%), oral health (59%), substance abuse (73%), and mental health (80%). Federal, state, and local agencies should work together to develop a strategy to address continued outstanding gaps in epidemiology capacity.

  14. Patient Satisfaction With Pharmacist-Led Chronic Disease State Management Programs.

    PubMed

    Schuessler, Tyler J; Ruisinger, Janelle F; Hare, Sarah E; Prohaska, Emily S; Melton, Brittany L

    2016-10-01

    To assess patient satisfaction, perception of self-management, and perception of disease state knowledge with pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular disease state management (DSM) programs. A self-insured chain of grocery store pharmacies in the Kansas City metropolitan area administers pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular DSM programs for eligible employees and dependents. A modified version of the Diabetes Disease State Management Questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with the DSM programs. Demographic information was also collected. Survey items were based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree). Patients were eligible to complete the survey if he or she had been in at least 1 DSM program for 6 months. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Across 20 pharmacies, 281 eligible participants were identified, and 46% (n = 128) completed a survey. Means for summed items relating to overall satisfaction (8 items), self-management (5 items), and knowledge (4 items) were 36.6/40 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.9), 20.9/25 (SD = 3.4), and 17.6/20 (SD = 2.1), respectively. Participant comments further indicated that the program and pharmacists are helpful and increase motivation and accountability. Positive patient responses to the program support use of pharmacist-led DSM programs. © The Author(s) 2015.

  15. Lessons Learned from a Tryout of Spanish and English Versions of a State Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stansfield, Charles W.; Kahl, Stuart R.

    The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the new Massachusetts state assessment program that is being implemented in response to state education reform legislation. The paper describes the early efforts of the state Department of Education (MDOE), its prime contractor for development of the MCAS (Advanced Systems in Measurement…

  16. Preliminary results of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission collaborative research program to assess tsunami hazard for nuclear power plants on the Atlantic and gulf coasts

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kammerer, A.M.; ten Brink, Uri S.; Twitchell, David C.; Geist, Eric L.; Chaytor, Jason D.; Locat, J.; Lee, H.J.; Buczkowski, Brian J.; Sansoucy, M.

    2008-01-01

    In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) initiated a long-term research program to improve understanding of tsunami hazard levels for nuclear facilities in the United States. For this effort, the US NRC organized a collaborative research program with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other key researchers for the purpose of assessing tsunami hazard on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. The initial phase of this work consisted principally of collection, interpretation, and analysis of available offshore data and information. Necessarily, the US NRC research program includes both seismic- and landslide-based tsunamigenic sources in both the near and the far fields. The inclusion of tsunamigenic landslides, an important category of sources that impact tsunami hazard levels for the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts over the long time periods of interest to the US NRC is a key difference between this program and most other tsunami hazard assessment programs. Although only a few years old, this program is already producing results that both support current US NRC activities and look toward the long-term goal of probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment. This paper provides a summary of results from several areas of current research. An overview of the broader US NRC research program is provided in a companion paper in this conference.

  17. Assessment of the Joint Food Science Curriculum of Washington State University and the University of Idaho by Graduates and Their Employers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clark, Stephanie; McCurdy, Alan; Roy, Sharon; Smith, Denise

    2006-01-01

    Thirty-two recent graduates from the joint food science program of Washington State Univ. (WSU) and The Univ. of Idaho (UI) and 12 of their employers participated in a survey study to assess food science program outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the joint curriculum in its ability to prepare undergraduate students for critical…

  18. The State of New Hampshire Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook. Revised

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tracy, Lyonel B.

    2006-01-01

    New Hampshire is in the midst of a transition--a transition between assessment systems--a transition between accountability systems. The elementary grades were assessed with the newly developed New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) tests in October 2005. The high school (grade 10) will be assessed with New Hampshire's previous state-wide…

  19. Assessment of Quality Vocational Education in State Prisons. Executive Summary. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rice, Eric; And Others

    A study explored the relationship of program components and variables within successful correctional vocational education programs in adult state prisons, and the outcomes of those programs, leading to in-depth descriptions of exemplary programs in the full document on this project (see note). Program success was determined by the following data:…

  20. THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM: NATIONAL COASTAL ASSESSMENT - LESSONS LEARNED

    EPA Science Inventory

    The purpose of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program's National Coastal Assessment is to estimate the current status, extent, changes, and trends in ecological indicators of the condition of the nation's coastal resources on a state, regional and national basis. Bas...

  1. Postsecondary Preparation and Remediation: Examining the Effect of the Early Assessment Program at California State University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Howell, Jessica S.; Kurlaender, Michal; Grodsky, Eric

    2010-01-01

    In this paper we investigate how participation in the Early Assessment Program, which provides California high school juniors with information about their academic readiness for college-level work at California State University campuses, affects their college-going behavior and need for remediation in college. Using administrative records from…

  2. Risk Management and Critical Infrastructure Protection: Assessing, Integrating, and Managing Threats, Vulnerabilities and Consequences

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-02-04

    Consequences 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7...OSLGCP). The OSLGCP now administers the grants programs. 37 According to the guidance, threat assessment determines the relative likelihood of a...Preparedness (OSLGCP) administers two grant programs that give states the opportunity to identify critical infrastructure assets: the State Homeland Security

  3. State Early Childhood Inclusion Self-Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whaley, Kathy T.; Cate, Debbie; Dell, Penny; Vinh, Megan; Neitzel, Jen

    2017-01-01

    This self-assessment tool provides a framework for examining key aspects of a State infrastructure that are useful for promoting high quality inclusive practices, programs and policies. The sections of the self-assessment are organized by the nine state recommendations of the "Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in…

  4. State Alternate Assessments: Status as IDEA Alternate Assessment Requirements Take Effect. Synthesis Report 35.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Sandra J.; Thurlow, Martha L.

    An online survey investigated the development of alternate assessments for students with disabilities who cannot participate in state and district-wide assessment programs. Responses from all 50 states, American Samoa, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Marshall Islands, Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. found there is a divergence in who is involved in…

  5. Delays and Uncertain Energy Savings in Program to Promote State Energy Conservation. Report to the Congress by the Comptroller General of the United States.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Comptroller General of the U.S., Washington, DC.

    Presented is a study and assessment of the United States Department of Energy State Energy Conservation Program (SECP). The goal of the SECP is to reduce energy consumption in each state by 5% by 1980. However, it is unlikely that this goal will be attained or that the savings reported for 1978 are a valid measure of the program's impact on energy…

  6. Analysis and production of the traffic incident management state self-assessments (TIM SA) national report.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-09-29

    The Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment (TIM SA) provides a means for evaluating progress in achievement of individual TIM program components and overall TIM program success in three areas: Program and Institutional Issues; Operational Issues...

  7. Assessment of the Sustainability Capacity of a Coordinated Approach to Chronic Disease Prevention.

    PubMed

    Moreland-Russell, Sarah; Combs, Todd; Polk, LaShaun; Dexter, Sarah

    This article outlines some factors that influenced the sustainability capacity of a coordinated approach to chronic disease prevention in state and territory health departments. This study involved a cross-sectional design and mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT), a 40-item multiple-choice instrument that assesses 8 domains of sustainability capacity (environmental support, funding stability, partnerships, organizational capacity, program evaluation, program adaptation, communications, and strategic planning). Qualitative data were collected via phone interviews. The PSAT was administered to staff and stakeholders from public health departments in 50 US states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, who were involved in the implementation of coordinated chronic disease programs. Phone interviews were conducted with program coordinators in each state. Sustainability score patterns and state-level categorical results, as well as strengths and opportunities for improvement across the 8 program sustainability domains, were explored. On average, programs reported the strongest sustainability capacity in the domains of program adaptation, environmental support, and organizational capacity, while funding stability, strategic planning, and communications yielded lowest scores, indicating weakest capacity. Scores varied the most by state in environmental support and strategic planning. The PSAT results highlight the process through which states approached the sustainability of coordinated chronic disease initiatives. This process included an initial focus on program evaluation and partnerships with transfer of priority to long-term strategic planning, communications, and funding stability to further establish coordinated chronic disease efforts. Qualitative interviews provided further context to PSAT results, indicating that leadership, communications, partnerships, funding stability, and policy change were perceived as keys to success of the transition. Integrating these findings into future efforts may help those in transition establish greater sustainability capacity. The PSAT results and interviews provide insight into the capacity for sustainability for programs transitioning from traditional siloed programs to coordinated chronic disease programs.

  8. Using an Evaluability Assessment To Select Methods for Evaluating State Technology Development Programs: The Case of the Georgia Research Alliance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Youtie, Jan; Bozeman, Barry; Shapira, Philip

    1999-01-01

    Describes an evaluability assessment of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), a technology development program. Presents the steps involved in conducting an evaluability assessment, including development of an understanding of the program and its stakeholders. Analyzes and compares different methods by which the GRA could be evaluated. (SLD)

  9. Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress. Report to Congress. Nutrition Assistance Program Report Series. Special Nutrition Programs Report No. CN-09-DC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ranalli, Dennis; Harper, Edward; O'Connell, Rosemary; Hirschman, Jay; Cole, Nancy; Moore, Quinn; Coffee-Borden, Brandon

    2009-01-01

    This report responds to the legislative requirement of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L.110-246) to assess the effectiveness of State and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Direct certification is a process conducted by the States and by local…

  10. Pennsylvania Occupational Competency Assessment Program--1983. Final Report. Vocational-Technical Education Research Report, Volume 22, Number 2. Occupational Competency Evaluation Monograph, Number 15.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walter, Richard A.

    The Pennsylvania State University served as the Pennsylvania Coordinator of Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA). It managed the Pennsylvania OCA Program, which provides the secondary public schools of the state with competent vocational instructors as a component of teacher preparation at Temple University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania,…

  11. After The Demonstration: What States Sustained After the End of Federal Grants to Improve Children's Health Care Quality.

    PubMed

    Ireys, Henry T; Brach, Cindy; Anglin, Grace; Devers, Kelly J; Burton, Rachel

    2018-02-01

    Introduction Under the CHIPRA Quality Demonstration Grant Program, CMS awarded $100 million through 10 grants that 18 state Medicaid agencies implemented between 2010 and 2015. The program's legislatively-mandated purpose was to evaluate promising ideas for improving the quality of children's health care provided through Medicaid and CHIP. As part of the program's multifaceted evaluation, this study examined the extent to which states sustained key program activities after the demonstration ended. Methods We identified 115 potentially sustainable elements within states' CHIPRA demonstrations and analyzed data from grantee reports and key informant interviews to assess sustainment outcomes and key influential factors. We also assessed sustainment of the projects' intellectual capital. Results 56% of potentially sustainable elements were sustained. Sustainment varied by topic area: Elements related to quality measure reporting and practice facilitation were more likely to be sustained than others, such as parent advisors. Broad contextual factors, the state's Medicaid environment, implementation partners' resources, and characteristics of the demonstration itself all shaped sustainment outcomes. Discussion Assessing sustainment of key elements of states' CHIPRA quality demonstration projects provides insight into the fates of the "promising ideas" that the grant program was designed to examine. As a result of the federal government's investment in this grant program, many demonstration states are in a strong position to extend and spread specific strategies for improving the quality of care for children in Medicaid and CHIP. Our findings provide insights for policymakers and providers working to improve the quality of health care for low income children.

  12. 34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

  13. 34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

  14. 34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

  15. 34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

  16. 34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

  17. Using a Crystal Ball Instead of a Rear-View Mirror: Helping State Legislators Assess the Future Impacts of Major Federal Legislation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alter, Joel; Patterson, John

    2006-01-01

    Typically, program evaluation agencies in the legislative branch of state government examine programs that have already been implemented. These evaluations often consider whether a program achieved the legislature's original goals or complied with statutory requirements. Program evaluations frequently determine whether executive branch agencies…

  18. Methods for Upgrading an Intramural-Recreational Sports Program: An Agency Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Newman, Richard E.; Miller, Michael T.

    This study assessed the state of intramural-recreational (IR) programs at Peru State College (Nebraska) and offered suggestions for the improvement of existing IR programs. The existing IR sports program is directed by a part-time adjunct staff member with the aid of student assistants and receives limited support. Upgrading the directorship of…

  19. Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP), 1999. Technical Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maryland State Dept. of Education, Baltimore.

    Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) assessments are criterion-referenced performance tests designed, developed, and implemented by the Maryland State Department of Education in collaboration with classroom teachers and other Maryland educators. MSPAP is the major strategy for implementing Maryland's educational reform…

  20. Assessing the Impact and Effectiveness of the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program. Survey Results 2004. Volume III: Status of ATE Projects and Articulation Partnerships

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coryn, Chris L.; Gullickson, Arlen R.; Hanssen, Carl E.

    2004-01-01

    The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program is a federally funded program designed to educate technicians for the high-technology disciplines that drive the United State's economy. As stated in the ATE program guidelines, this program promotes improvement in technological education at the undergraduate and secondary school levels by…

  1. VA Student Financial Aid: Management Actions Needed to Reduce Overlap in Approving Education and Training Programs and to Assess State Approving Agencies. Report to the Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate. GAO-07-384

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scott, George A.

    2007-01-01

    Since the 1940s, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its predecessor agencies have contracted with state approving agencies (SAA) to assess whether schools and training programs offer education of sufficient quality for veterans to receive VA education assistance benefits. SAAs are created or designated by state governments but are…

  2. The Economic Cost of Substance Abuse Treatment in the State of Florida

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alexandre, Pierre K.; Beulaygue, Isabelle C.; French, Michael T.; McCollister, Kathryn E.; Popovici, Ioana; Sayed, Bisma A.

    2012-01-01

    Objective: Public and private stakeholders of substance abuse treatment services require economic cost data to guide program evaluations and funding decisions. Background: Rigorous cost assessments have been conducted for several treatment programs across the United States, but a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of programs in a particular…

  3. Bilingual Education: An Analytical Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mendoza, Agapito

    Bilingual education has had great impact on education in the United States. Bilingual education programs have existed since 1845. Between 1854-1877, eight states enacted laws stipulating that local school boards had the power to require English-German bilingual programs. Many bilingual education programs were created, thrived, and eventually died;…

  4. Assessment is Epistemic and Heuristic: The Role of Video Tape in the Public Speaking Course.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clyde, Glenda; And Others

    With certifying end-of-program achievement as their goal, a group of educators conducted a pilot assessment program at Northeast Missouri State University in 1992. The program called for the videotaping of each student's third speech to be assessed by outside judges. The present study attempted to determine if videotaping and self-evaluation…

  5. Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress School Year 2010-2011. Report to Congress. Nutrition Assistance Program Report Series. Special Nutrition Programs Report Number CN-11-DC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, Quinn; Conway, Kevin; Kyler, Brandon

    2011-01-01

    This report responds to the legislative requirement of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L.110-246) to assess the effectiveness of State and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Direct certification is a process conducted by the States and by local…

  6. The value of partnerships in state obesity prevention and control programs.

    PubMed

    Hersey, James; Kelly, Bridget; Roussel, Amy; Curtis, LaShawn; Horne, Joseph; Williams-Piehota, Pamela; Kuester, Sarah; Farris, Rosanne

    2012-03-01

    State health departments funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Program collaborate with multiple partners to develop and implement comprehensive obesity prevention and control programs. A mixed-methods evaluation of 28 state programs over a 5-year period assessed states' progress on program requirements, including developing statewide partnerships and coordinating with partners to support obesity prevention and control efforts. States with greater partnership involvement leveraged more funding support for their programs, passed more obesity-related policies, and were more likely to implement obesity interventions in multiple settings. Case studies provided guidance for establishing and maintaining strong partnerships. Findings from this study offer emerging evidence to support assumptions about the centrality of partnerships to states' success in obesity program development and implementation and related health promotion activities.

  7. Iraqi Police Development Program: Opportunities for Improved Program Accountability and Budget Transparency

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-24

    makes three recommendations to the Secretary of State, highlighting the need for (1) an adequate current assessment of the Iraqi police forces, (2...with documents obtained from other sources, allowed us to determine that: • DoS does not have a current assessment of Iraqi police forces...capabilities upon which to base its program. Such an assessment is essential for effective program targeting. Further, DoS does not have a sufficiently

  8. Assessing Capacity to Promote Science-Based Programs: A Key Informant Study of State Teen Pregnancy Prevention Organizations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saunders, Edward; Sabri, Bushra; Huberman, Barbara; Klaus, T. W.; Davis, Laura

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify significant external and internal challenges that state organization leaders face in promoting science-based teen pregnancy prevention programs within their states. The state organization administrators were chosen because their organizations were funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control…

  9. Evaluation Methods Used during the Assessment of an Academic Program at Micro-Level

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chinembiri, France

    2017-01-01

    This paper majors on the evaluation criteria and methods used for the assessment of health education programs in the United States. The choice of the topic is dictated by the fact that there is need to improve on the quality of the graduates that the different nursing and medical institutions in the United States produce. By looking at the…

  10. Veterans Justice Outreach Program: VA Could Improve Management by Establishing Performance Measures and Fully Assessing Risks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-04-01

    Assessing Risks Report to Congressional Requesters April 2016 GAO-16-393 United States Government Accountability Office United States...Government Accountability Office Highlights of GAO-16-393, a report to congressional requesters April 2016 VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH PROGRAM...quality, timeliness, efficiency, cost of service, and outcome. GAO, Tax Administration: IRS Needs to Further Refine Its Tax Filing Season

  11. Groundwater quality in the Northern Sacramento Valley, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bennett, George L.; Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2011-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California's drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State's groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Northern Sacramento Valley is one of the study units being evaluated.

  12. Groundwater quality in the Southern Sacramento Valley, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bennett, George L.; Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2011-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California's drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State's groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Southern Sacramento Valley is one of the study units being evaluated.

  13. Commonly Unrecognized Error Variance in Statewide Assessment Programs: Sources of Error Variance and What Can Be Done to Reduce Them

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brockmann, Frank

    2011-01-01

    State testing programs today are more extensive than ever, and their results are required to serve more purposes and high-stakes decisions than one might have imagined. Assessment results are used to hold schools, districts, and states accountable for student performance and to help guide a multitude of important decisions. This report describes…

  14. Ethics education in family medicine training in the United States: a national survey.

    PubMed

    Manson, Helen M; Satin, David; Nelson, Valerie; Vadiveloo, Thenmalar

    2014-01-01

    Although professional organizations endorse ethics education in family medicine training, there is little published evidence that ethics teaching occurs. This survey collated data on the aims, content, pedagogical methods, assessment, and barriers relating to formal ethics education in family medicine residency programs in the United States. A questionnaire surveyed all 445 family medicine residency programs in the United States. Forty percent of programs responded (178/445). Of these, 95% formally teach at least one ethics topic, 68.2% teach six or more topics, and 7.1% teach all 13 core topics specified in the questionnaire. Programs show variation, providing between zero to 100 hours' ethics education over the 3 years of residency training. Of the responding programs, 3.5% specify well-defined aims for ethics teaching, 25.9% designate overall responsibility for the ethics curriculum to one individual, and 33.5% formally assess ethics competencies. The most frequent barriers to ethics education are finding time in residents' schedules (59.4%) and educator expertise (21.8%). Considerable variation in ethics education is apparent in both curricular content and delivery among family medicine residency programs in the United States. Additional findings included a lack of specification of explicit curricular aims for ethics teaching allied to ACGME or AAFP competencies, a tendency not to designate one faculty member with lead responsibility for ethics teaching in the residency program, and a lack of formal assessment of ethics competencies. This has occurred in the context of an absence of robust assessment of ethics competencies at board certification level.

  15. Overview of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission collaborative research program to assess tsunami hazard for nuclear power plants on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kammerer, A.M.; ten Brink, Uri S.; Titov, V.V.

    2017-01-01

    In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) initiated a long-term research program to improve understanding of tsunami hazard levels for nuclear facilities in the United States. For this effort, the US NRC organized a collaborative research program with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with a goal of assessing tsunami hazard on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Necessarily, the US NRC research program includes both seismic- and landslide-based tsunamigenic sources in both the near and the far fields. The inclusion of tsunamigenic landslides, an important category of sources that impact tsunami hazard levels for the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts is a key difference between this program and most other tsunami hazard assessment programs. The initial phase of this work consisted of collection, interpretation, and analysis of available offshore data, with significant effort focused on characterizing offshore near-field landslides and analyzing their tsunamigenic potential and properties. In the next phase of research, additional field investigations will be conducted in key locations of interest and additional analysis will be undertaken. Simultaneously, the MOST tsunami generation and propagation model used by NOAA will first be enhanced to include landslide-based initiation mechanisms and then will be used to investigate the impact of the tsunamigenic sources identified and characterized by the USGS. The potential for probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment will also be explore in the final phases of the program.

  16. Assessment of eutrophication in estuaries: Pressure-state-response and source apportionment

    Treesearch

    David Whitall; Suzanne Bricker

    2006-01-01

    The National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment (NEEA) Update Program is a management oriented program designed to improve monitoring and assessment efforts through the development of type specific classification of estuaries that will allow improved assessment methods and development of analytical and research models and tools for managers which will help guide and...

  17. THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM: THE NATIONAL COASTAL ASSESSMENT ERF 2001, ST. PETE BEACH, NOV 4-8, 2001

    EPA Science Inventory

    The purpose of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program's National Coastal Assessment (NCA) is to estimate the current status, extent, changes, and trends in ecological indicators of the condition of the nation's coastal resources on a state, regional and national basi...

  18. United States Geological Survey, programs in Nevada

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    ,

    1995-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting and interpreting natural-resources data in Nevada for more than 100 years. This long-term commitment enables planners to manage better the resources of a State noted for paradoxes. Although Nevada is one of the most sparsely populated States in the Nation, it has the fastest growing population (fig. 1). Although 90 percent of the land is rural, it is the fourth most urban State. Nevada is the most arid State and relies heavily on water resources. Historically, mining and agriculture have formed the basis of the economy; now tourism and urban development also have become important. The USGS works with more than 40 local, State, and other Federal agencies in Nevada to provide natural-resources information for immediate and long-term decisions.Subjects included in this fact sheet:Low-Level Radioactive-Waste DisposalMining and Water in the Humboldt BasinAquifer Systems in the Great BasinWater Allocation in Truckee and Carson BasinsNational Water-Quality Assessment ProgramMinerals Assessment for Land ManagementIrrigation DrainageGround-Water Movement at Nevada Test SiteOil and Gas ResourcesNational Mapping ProgramDigital Mapping and Aerial PhotographyCollection of Hydrologlc DataGeologic MappingEarthquake HazardsAssessing Mineral Resources of the SubsurfaceEarth Observation DataCooperative Programs

  19. Assessment of training needs and preferences for geographic information systems (GIS) mapping in state comprehensive cancer-control programs.

    PubMed

    Hopfer, Suellen; Chadwick, Amy E; Parrott, Roxanne L; Ghetian, Christie B; Lengerich, Eugene J

    2009-10-01

    Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping technologies have potential to advance public health promotion by mapping regional differences in attributes (e.g., disease burden, environmental exposures, access to health care services) to suggest priorities for public health interventions. Training in GIS for comprehensive cancer control (CCC) has been overlooked. State CCC programs' GIS training needs were assessed by interviewing 49 state CCC directors. A majority perceived a need for GIS training, slightly more than half of state CCC programs had access to geocoded data, and the majority of programs did not require continuing education credits of their staff. CCC directors perceived judging maps and realizing their limitations as important skills and identified epidemiologists, CCC staff, public health officials, policy makers, and cancer coalition members as training audiences. They preferred in-class training sessions that last a few hours to a day. Lessons learned are shared to develop training programs with translatable GIS skills for CCC.

  20. Independence Community College Property Appraisal/Assessment Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Swender, Herbert J.

    This report to the Kansas State Department of Education supports Independence Community College's (ICC's) request for approval of a new vocational education program in Property Appraisal/Assessment. The report begins with two letters of support and the application for new program approval. Next, a project narrative provides background information…

  1. Scientific Framework for Stormwater Monitoring by the Washington State Department of Transportation

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Sheibley, R.W.; Kelly, V.J.; Wagner, R.J.

    2009-01-01

    The Washington State Department of Transportation municipal stormwater monitoring program, in operation for about 8 years, never has received an external, objective assessment. In addition, the Washington State Department of Transportation would like to identify the standard operating procedures and quality assurance protocols that must be adopted so that their monitoring program will meet the requirements of the new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System municipal stormwater permit. As a result, in March 2009, the Washington State Department of Transportation asked the U.S. Geological Survey to assess their pre-2009 municipal stormwater monitoring program. This report presents guidelines developed for the Washington State Department of Transportation to meet new permit requirements and regional/national stormwater monitoring standards to ensure that adequate processes and procedures are identified to collect high-quality, scientifically defensible municipal stormwater monitoring data. These include: (1) development of coherent vision and cooperation among all elements of the program; (2) a comprehensive approach for site selection; (3) an effective quality assurance program for field, laboratory, and data management; and (4) an adequate database and data management system.

  2. Kentucky's Early Childhood Continuous Assessment and Accountability System: Local Decisions and State Supports

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rous, Beth; McCormick, Katherine; Gooden, Caroline; Townley, Kim F.

    2007-01-01

    Kentucky has developed an assessment and accountability system that provides outcome data for a set of state early childhood standards for children birth to 5 years of age that are aligned with early childhood outcomes designated by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Within this flexible and comprehensive state assessment system,…

  3. Establishing a State Consortium for Assessment: A Discussion of Factors to Consider

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    DePascale, Charles A.

    2009-01-01

    Unparalleled demands on state assessment programs and conditions associated with the availability of federal monies, particularly the $350 million portion of the $4 billion Race to the Top funds set aside for assessment, have led to a renewed interest in the establishment of state consortia for the development and administration of assessment…

  4. With Our Feet on the Ground (and in the Classroom): Towards Making State-Mandated Assessment Meaningful

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carlile, Susan

    2006-01-01

    This study considered the problem of ineffective fieldwork experiences in the English Single Subject Credential Program at California State University, Long Beach prior to student teaching by combining structured fieldwork into a newly established state-mandated assessment, Teaching Performance Assessment Task 1 (TPA 1). This combination of a…

  5. CONDITION OF ESTUARIES OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES FOR 1999: A STATISTICAL SUMMARY

    EPA Science Inventory

    As a part of the National Coastal Assessment, the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) initiated a five-year Western Coastal component in 1999. The objectives of the program were: to assess the condition of estuarine resources of Washington, Oregon and Californ...

  6. Implementing Health Impact Assessment Programs in State Health Agencies: Lessons Learned From Pilot Programs, 2009-2011.

    PubMed

    Goff, Nancy; Wyss, Kerry; Wendel, Arthur; Jarris, Paul

    2016-01-01

    Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has emerged as a promising tool to integrate health considerations into decision making. The growth and success of HIA practice in the United States will be dependent on building the capacity of practitioners. This article seeks to identify the role of state health agencies (SHAs) in building capacity for conducting HIAs and the key components of initiatives that produced effective HIAs and HIA programs. The authors proposed to answer 3 research questions: (1) What can be the role of the SHA in HIA? (2) What are the characteristics of successful state HIA programs? and (3) What are some effective strategies for building capacity for HIA in SHAs and local health departments? The authors reviewed program reports from the ASTHO's pilot state health agencies (California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin) that, between 2009 and 2011, created HIA programs to provide HIA training, conduct HIAs, and build practitioner networks. Program reports were examined for shared themes on the role of SHAs in a statewide HIA initiative, the characteristics of successful programs, and effective strategies for building capacity. Despite differences among the programs, many shared themes existed. These include stressing the importance of a basic, sustained infrastructure for HIA practice; leveraging existing programs and networks; and working in partnership with diverse stakeholders. SHAs can build capacity for HIA, and SHAs can both lead and support the completion of individual HIAs. States and territories interested in starting comprehensive statewide HIA initiatives could consider implementing the strategies identified by the pilot programs.

  7. A Model for Using a Capstone Experience as One Method of Assessment of an Information Systems Degree Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murray, Meg; Perez, Jorge; Guimaraes, Mario

    2008-01-01

    Student attainment of educational outcomes is a core purpose of any institution of higher education and assessment provides a vehicle through which a program of study is able to ascertain how well it is achieving its stated learning outcomes and how program improvement might be achieved. Assessment of student learning begins with the clear…

  8. Rehabilitation Needs Assessment for Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies. Volume II. Needs Assessment Topics Identified in the Rehabilitation Act: Issues and Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wisconsin Univ.-Stout, Menomonie. Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Inst.

    This guide was developed to help Wisconsin agency assessment, evaluation, and planning personnel to develop a perspective on how needs assessment fits into their state's vocational rehabilitation program planning. Volume II provides state agency personnel with tools for conducting rehabilitation needs assessment. The first three chapters consider…

  9. Northeast regional and state trends in anuran occupancy from calling survey data (2001-2011) from the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Weir, Linda A.; Royle, Andy; Gazenski, Kimberly D.; Villena Carpio, Oswaldo

    2014-01-01

    We present the first regional trends in anuran occupancy from North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) data from 11 northeastern states using an 11 years of data. NAAMP is a long-term monitoring program where observers collect data at assigned random roadside routes using a calling survey technique. We assessed occupancy trends for 17 species. Eight species had statistically significant regional trends, of these seven were negative (Anaxyrus fowleri, Acris crepitans, Pseudacris brachyphona, Pseudacris feriarum-kalmi complex, Lithobates palustris, Lithobates pipiens, and Lithobates sphenocephalus) and one was positive (Hyla versicolor-chrysoscelis complex). We also assessed state level trends for 101 species/state combinations, of these 29 showed a significant decline and nine showed a significant increase in occupancy.

  10. The Development of Two Self-Assessment Work Value Instruments.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boyle, John R.

    In response to input from the employment and training community, the Department of Labor's Assessment and Research Development Program (ARDP) and its state partners have developed two self-assessment work value instruments to be incorporated into career exploration and counseling programs. Computerized multiple rank-order and paper-and-pencil…

  11. Rhode Island State Assessment Program District and School Testing Coordinators Handbook: K-1 Assessment Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2007

    2007-01-01

    This handbook will assist principals and school testing coordinators in implementing the spring 2007 administration of the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). Information regarding administration timeline, reporting, process, online tools and contact personnel is discussed. Contents include: (1) Scheduling; (2) Identify Primary Test…

  12. 42 CFR 438.240 - Quality assessment and performance improvement program.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Quality assessment and performance improvement... Performance Improvement Measurement and Improvement Standards § 438.240 Quality assessment and performance improvement program. (a) General rules. (1) The State must require, through its contracts, that each MCO and...

  13. Groundwater quality in the Tahoe and Martis Basins, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2012-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California's drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State's groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Tahoe and Martis Basins and surrounding watersheds constitute one of the study units being evaluated.

  14. Technical Report of the NAEP 1992 Trial State Assessment Program in Mathematics.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Eugene G.; And Others

    The "Nation's Report Card," the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. This report summarizes some of the sophisticated statistical methodology used in the 1992 Trial State Assessment of…

  15. Completing EdTPA: TSOL Candidate Performance and Reflection

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Micek, Timothy A.

    2017-01-01

    edTPA is a pre-service assessment process designed to determine if a new teacher is ready for the job. edTPA is part of a national movement towards the use of performance assessments in teacher education. As of 2014, 41 states (a) require a state-approved performance assessment like edTPA for program completion or for state licensure and/or state…

  16. An Assessment of Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Social & Behavioral Sciences.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Lyle V., Ed.; And Others

    U.S. research-doctorate programs in the social and behavioral sciences were assessed by a committee of the Conference Board of Associated Research Councils. Attention was focused on 639 research-doctorate programs in seven disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political sciences,…

  17. Outcome Assessment of the Visiting Fulbright Scholar Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Department of State, 2005

    2005-01-01

    The Office of Policy and Evaluation of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State contracted with SRI International to conduct a series of assessments of outcomes and impacts of various specialized exchange programs under the overall umbrella of the Fulbright Educational Exchange Program, the U.S. government's…

  18. 76 FR 42121 - Final Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact for a Programmatic Environmental Assessment...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-18

    ... for a Programmatic Environmental Assessment Implementing a Wind Energy Program at Marine Forces... Wind Energy Program at Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) Facilities Located Across the United States... final notice that the FONSI for the PEA implementing the MARFORRES Wind Energy Program will not have a...

  19. Assessing the New Competencies for Resident Education: A Model from an Emergency Medicine Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reisdorff, Earl J.; Hayes, Oliver W.; Carlson, Dale J.; Walker, Gregory L.

    2001-01-01

    Based on the experience of Michigan State University's emergency medicine residency program, proposes a practical method for modifying an existing student evaluation format. The model provides a template other programs could use in assessing residents' acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes reflected in the six general competencies…

  20. State Children's Health Insurance Program. CMS Should Improve Efforts to Assess whether SCHIP is Substituting for Private Insurance: Report to the Chairman, Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate. GAO-09-252

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Government Accountability Office, 2009

    2009-01-01

    Congress created the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to reduce the number of uninsured children in low-income families that do not qualify for Medicaid. States have flexibility in structuring their SCHIP programs, and their income eligibility limits vary. Concerns have been raised that individuals might substitute SCHIP for…

  1. Assessment Inventories, Surveys, and Templates for Evaluating Educational Technology Regional and Local Assistance Programs. Phase IV of the Comprehensive Study of Educational Technology Programs Authorized from 1984-1992.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Far West Lab. for Educational Research and Development, San Francisco, CA.

    This report on Phase IV, of a four-phase study, provided for the development of evaluation templates and instruments to be used by the California Department of Education to facilitate systematic assessment of state funded educational technology programs and projects. These assessment documents comprised the major data collection sources for the…

  2. State Minimum Competencies for High School Graduation. Technical Note.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lawlor, Joseph

    This paper contains descriptions of mandated minimum competency programs in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. Each description provides the skills assessed in the state, the assessment instruments used, and the overall purposes of…

  3. Classroom management programs for deaf children in state residential and large public schools.

    PubMed

    Wenkus, M; Rittenhouse, B; Dancer, J

    1999-12-01

    Personnel in 4 randomly selected state residential schools for the deaf and 3 randomly selected large public schools with programs for the deaf were surveyed to assess the types of management or disciplinary programs and strategies currently in use with deaf students and the rated effectiveness of such programs. Several behavioral management programs were identified by respondents, with Assertive Discipline most often listed. Ratings of program effectiveness were generally above average on a number of qualitative criteria.

  4. 78 FR 31359 - Applications for New Awards; Ehanced Assessment Instruments Grants Program-Enhanced Assessment...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-23

    ... measure for high-stakes decisions. (b) Design. The KEA must-- (1) Be a component of a State's student... States for measuring the academic achievement of elementary and secondary school students. In 2013, the... assessment. Priorities: This competition includes five absolute priorities and one competitive preference...

  5. The 2% Transition: Supporting Access to State Assessments for Students with Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jamgochian, Elisa M.; Ketterlin-Geller, Leanne R.

    2015-01-01

    Most students with disabilities participate in state assessments with or without accommodations [based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)]. A small number of students with the most severe or profound intellectual disabilities participate in an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). Until…

  6. The 2014 assessment of stream quality in the Piedmont and southern Appalachian Mountain region of southeastern United States

    Treesearch

    Celeste Journey; Paul M. Bradley; Peter Van Metre

    2016-01-01

    During the spring and summer of 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water- Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) assessed stream quality across the Piedmont and southern Appalachian Mountain region in the southeastern United States.

  7. 7 CFR 227.36 - Requirements of needs assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ....36 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM State Coordinator... listed below to enable State agencies to determine their nutrition education and training needs for each...

  8. 7 CFR 227.36 - Requirements of needs assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ....36 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM State Coordinator... listed below to enable State agencies to determine their nutrition education and training needs for each...

  9. 7 CFR 227.36 - Requirements of needs assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ....36 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM State Coordinator... listed below to enable State agencies to determine their nutrition education and training needs for each...

  10. 7 CFR 227.36 - Requirements of needs assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ....36 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM State Coordinator... listed below to enable State agencies to determine their nutrition education and training needs for each...

  11. 7 CFR 227.36 - Requirements of needs assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ....36 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS NUTRITION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM State Coordinator... listed below to enable State agencies to determine their nutrition education and training needs for each...

  12. K-12 Postsecondary Alignment and School Accountability: Investigating High School Responses to California's Early Assessment Program. Research Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kurlaender, Michal; Jackson, Jacob; Howell, Jessica S.

    2012-01-01

    This brief studies California's introduction of the Early Assessment Program to bridge the gap between K-12 educational standards and postsecondary education requirements, similar to the Common Core State Standards movement.

  13. School Indoor Air Quality Assessment and Program Implementation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Prill, R.; Blake, D.; Hales, D.

    This paper describes the effectiveness of a three-step indoor air quality (IAQ) program implemented by 156 schools in the states of Washington and Idaho during the 2000-2001 school year. An experienced IAQ/building science specialist conducted walk-through assessments at each school. These assessments documented deficiencies and served as an…

  14. Assessing the Impact of Reading First Programs on Student Achievement in K-3 Classrooms in Selected Mississippi Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Day-Meeks, Angel LaKease

    2011-01-01

    This study investigated the implementation and impact of Reading First programs in 8 elementary schools across the state of Mississippi. The study assessed how principals, literacy coaches, and kindergarten through third grade teachers perceived the implementation of the Reading First program at their respective schools. Data from these three…

  15. Evaluating the Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction Department: The Capital Programs Management Audit.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaiser, Harvey H.; Kirkwood, Dennis M.

    2000-01-01

    Presents a diagnostic model for assessing the state of an institution's capital programs management (CPM) by delineating "work processes" which comprise that function. What capital programs management is, its resources, and its phases and work processes are described, followed by case studies of the CPM Process Model as an assessment tool. (GR)

  16. CMAQ in the states : a preliminary assessment of the CMAQ program's contribution toward meeting ozone standards

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-01-08

    The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program provides funds to states for projects designed to help metropolitan areas attain and maintain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The objective of this analysis is t...

  17. MONITORING STREAM CONDITION IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

    EPA Science Inventory


    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is a national research program to develop the tools necessary to monitor and assess the- status and trends of ecological resources. EMAP's goal is to develop the scientific underst...

  18. ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF WINDBREAKS AS WILDLIFE HABITAT - 1994 PILOT PLAN

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program's (EMAP) Agroecosystem Resource Group is developing a program to monitor and evaluate the ecological condition of United States agricultural lands. indbreaks are an important non-crop element in the Great Plains, an extensive ag...

  19. Monitoring of health care personnel employee and occupational health immunization program practices in the United States.

    PubMed

    Carrico, Ruth M; Sorrells, Nikka; Westhusing, Kelly; Wiemken, Timothy

    2014-01-01

    Recent studies have identified concerns with various elements of health care personnel immunization programs, including the handling and management of the vaccine. The purpose of this study was to assess monitoring processes that support evaluation of the care of vaccines in health care settings. An 11-question survey instrument was developed for use in scripted telephone surveys. State health departments in all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia were the target audience for the surveys. Data from a total of 47 states were obtained and analyzed. No states reported an existing monitoring process for evaluation of health care personnel immunization programs in their states. Our assessment indicates that vaccine evaluation processes for health care facilities are rare to nonexistent in the United States. Identifying existing practice gaps and resultant opportunities for improvements may be an important safety initiative that protects patients and health care personnel. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. State Roles in the Global Climate Change Issue.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Changnon, Stanley A.

    1995-02-01

    Events in 1988 helped focus the attention of several states on the global climate change issue. Consequently, the National Governors' Association conducted an assessment in 1989 and recommended various actions. By 1994, 22 states have enacted laws or regulations and/or established research programs addressing climate change. Most of these "no regrets" actions are set up to conserve energy or improve energy efficiency and also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Illinois has adopted an even broader program by 1) establishing a Global Climate Change Office to foster research and provide information and 2) forming a task force to address a wide array of issues including state input to federal policies such as the Clinton administration's 1993 Climate Change Action Plan and to the research dimensions of the U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program. The Illinois program calls for increased attention to studies of regional impacts, including integrated assessments, and to research addressing means to adapt to future climate change. These various state efforts to date help show the direction of policy development and should be useful to those grappling with these issues.

  1. Washington State Even Start 1993-1994: Final Evaluation. A Report to the Office of Adult Literacy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Iglitzin, Lynne; Wandschneider, Mary

    All 18 Washington State Even Start sites participated in the program's evaluation. Site coordinators administered the assessment and evaluation measures to the adults served by the program and to teachers working with children at both entry and exit from the program. An indepth study was conducted of 134 families for whom there were complete sets…

  2. Financial incentive programs' influence in promoting sustainable forestry in the northern region

    Treesearch

    Michael G. Jacobson; Thomas J. Straka; John L. Greene; Michael A. Kilgore; Steven E. Daniels

    2009-01-01

    Selected forestry officials in each of the 20 northern states were surveyed concerning their opinions on the public and private financial incentive programs available to nonindustrial private forest owners in their state. The officials were asked to name and describe the programs and to assess forest owners' awareness of each one, its appeal among the owners aware...

  3. Outdoor education in the Mid-Atlantic states: an assessment of market segmentation

    Treesearch

    Stephanie L. Young; Megan L. Hash; Roy Ramthun

    2007-01-01

    Programs that emphasize experiential learning in outdoor settings have a long history in the United States and have been offered by a wide range of organizations. This study focused on programming that included environmental education, experiential education, and outdoor education. The purpose of this study was to examine the range of services and programs that offer...

  4. Acidic deposition and red spruce in the central and southern Appalachians, past and present

    Treesearch

    Mary Beth. Adams

    2010-01-01

    During the 1980s, the Spruce-Fir Research Program, part of the Congressionally mandated National Atmospheric Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP), investigated the links between acidic deposition and decline and mortality of red spruce forests in the eastern United States. The Spruce-Fir Research Program was highly successful in advancing the state of knowledge on...

  5. Advocacy, Assessment and Accountability: Using Policy to Impact Practice in Ohio

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lorson, Kevin; Mitchell, Stephen

    2016-01-01

    Physical education teachers and programs are affected by increasing accountability demands. The purpose of this article is to explain Ohio's journey from advocacy for state physical education academic content standards to state-level policy that led to the development of state-wide assessments and data reporting on each school's report card. The…

  6. The Next Generation of State Assessment and Accountability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rothman, Robert; Marion, Scott F.

    2016-01-01

    A pilot program in New Hampshire models innovative ways creating and applying state assessments and educator accountability. A study of New Hampshire's new system, which has already received approval by the U.S. Department of Education under a waiver from NCLB, finds some positive results and also suggests challenges states might face in putting…

  7. State Higher Education Funding Models: An Assessment of Current and Emerging Approaches

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Layzell, Daniel T.

    2007-01-01

    This article provides an assessment of the current and emerging approaches used by state governments in allocating funding for higher education institutions and programs. It reviews a number of desired characteristics or outcomes for state higher education funding models, including equity, adequacy, stability, and flexibility. Although there is…

  8. Veterans Employment Assistance Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-03-28

    Department of-Defense ’)IRECTIVE AD-A270 588 March 28, 1985 NUMBER 1341.6 ASD(MI sUBJECT: Veterans Employment Assistance Program Reference: (a) DoD...Instruction 1404.9, "Vietnam Era Veterans Employment Assistance Program ," August 28, 1974 (hereby canceled) (b) Title 38, United States Code, Section...assessment of local needs. b. As considered necessary, each DoD Component shall assess the status of the Veterans Employment Assistance Program and determine

  9. Groundwater quality in the Central Sierra Nevada, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2012-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California's drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State's groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. Two small watersheds of the Fresno and San Joaquin Rivers in the Central Sierra Nevada constitute one of the study units being evaluated.

  10. Groundwater quality in the Southern Sierra Nevada, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2012-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California's drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State's groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Tehachapi-Cummings Valley and Kern River Valley basins and surrounding watersheds in the Southern Sierra Nevada constitute one of the study units being evaluated.

  11. California's forest resources. Preliminary assessment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    1979-01-01

    This Preliminary Assessment was prepared in response to the California Forest Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 (FRAPA). This Act was passed to improve the information base upon which State resource administrators formulate forest policy. The Act provides for this report and a full assessment by 1987 and at five year intervals thereafter. Information is presented under the following chapter titles: introduction to the forest resources assessment program; the forest area: a general description; classifications of the forest lands; the watersheds; forest lands and the air resource; fish and wildlife resources; the forested rangelands; the wilderness; forest lands asmore » a recreation resource; the timber resource; wood energy; forest lands and the mineral, fossil fuels, and geothermal energy resources; mathematically modeling California's forest lands; vegetation mapping using remote sensing technology; important forest resources legislation; and, State and cooperative State/Federal forestry programs. Twelve indexes, a bibliography, and glossary are included. (JGB)« less

  12. Focus on Promising Practices of Needs Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento. Office of Program Planning and Development.

    The California State Department of Education and 33 California school districts contributed articles to this compendium focusing on the assessment of educational needs. It is noted that a crucial stage in the development of effective programs for pupils, as well as for requesting State and Federal funds, is the assessment of educational needs. A…

  13. Secondary Pre-Service Teachers' Content Knowledge for State Assessments: Implications for Mathematics Education Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilburne, Jane M.; Long, Michael

    2010-01-01

    Seventy secondary mathematics pre-service teachers from two universities were assessed on their content knowledge, vocabulary knowledge, and their perceived confidence in teaching the content addressed on the eleventh grade state assessment. The results indicate the pre-service teachers had significant content weakness in data analysis, algebra,…

  14. Item Response Theory at Subject- and Group-Level. Research Report 90-1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tobi, Hilde

    This paper reviews the literature about item response models for the subject level and aggregated level (group level). Group-level item response models (IRMs) are used in the United States in large-scale assessment programs such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the California Assessment Program. In the Netherlands, these…

  15. Planetary Patterns. Grade 8 Science, Language Usage. Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP): Resource Library. Public Release Task.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maryland State Dept. of Education. Baltimore. Div. of Planning, Results and Information Management.

    One component of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) is the state's performance-based assessments, criterion-referenced tests that require students to apply what they know and can do to solve problems and display other higher-order thinking skills. This document helps parents, teachers, students, and other citizens…

  16. Career Assessment: Interest and Values Measures for Tech Prep and School-to-Work Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kapes, Jerome T.; Martinez, Linda

    This paper describes and compares interests and values measures useful for career assessment and counseling in tech prep and school-to-work programs. The primary source of information for this information is the third edition of "A Counselor's Guide to Career Assessment Instruments" (Kapes, Mastie, and Whitfield 1994). Stated objectives…

  17. The Rudder and the Sail: Assessment for Staff, Program, and Organizational Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ratcliff, James L.

    1999-01-01

    States that comprehensive, systematic plans to assess student learning can be both the rudder guiding and the sail driving change in staff, program, and organizational development. Explores the nature of assessment and how it can and does serve such roles, driving change in the college or adapting to emerging community needs. Contains 27…

  18. The Financial Assessment of Colleges and Universities and Its Implication for State Policy. [Working] Papers in Education Finance, No. 4.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Minter, W. John

    Important issues and technical problems related to assessing the financial health of colleges and universities are described, along with implications of financial health assessment for state policy-making. It is proposed that a distinction be made between the assessments of financial health and program success. Other issues that should be…

  19. 45 CFR 284.21 - What will we do if the State's child poverty rate increased five percent or more over the two...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State, as specified in § 284.30. ... AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN INCREASE...

  20. 45 CFR 284.21 - What will we do if the State's child poverty rate increased five percent or more over the two...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State, as specified in § 284.30. ... AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN INCREASE...

  1. 45 CFR 284.21 - What will we do if the State's child poverty rate increased five percent or more over the two...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State, as specified in § 284.30. ... AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN INCREASE...

  2. 45 CFR 284.21 - What will we do if the State's child poverty rate increased five percent or more over the two...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... assessment of the impact of the TANF program(s) in the State, as specified in § 284.30. ... AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN INCREASE...

  3. Independent Assessment of Technology Characterizations to Support the Biomass Program Annual State-of-Technology Assessments

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yeh, B.

    2011-03-01

    This report discusses an investigation that addressed two thermochemical conversion pathways for the production of liquid fuels and addressed the steps to the process, the technology providers, a method for determining the state of technology and a tool to continuously assess the state of technology. This report summarizes the findings of the investigation as well as recommendations for improvements for future studies.

  4. College Readiness: A Compendium of M-DCPS Results from the Florida College Placement Test, 2007 to 2010

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Romanik, Dale; Rembowski, Mary

    2012-01-01

    Section 1008.30 (formerly 240.117), Florida Statutes, requires the State Board of Education to develop and implement a common placement testing program to assess the basic computation and communication skills of students who intend to enter a degree program at any public community college or state university. Every year the State provides reports…

  5. College Readiness: A Compendium of M-DCPS Results from the Florida College Placement Test, 2006 to 2009

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Romanik, Dale; Rembowski, Mary

    2011-01-01

    Section 1008.30 (formerly 240.117), Florida Statutes, requires the State Board of Education to develop and implement a common placement testing program to assess the basic computation and communication skills of students who intend to enter a degree program at any public community college or state university. Every year the State provides reports…

  6. Tobacco User Characteristics and Outcomes Related to Intensity of Quitline Program Use: Results From Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

    PubMed

    Lien, Rebecca K; Schillo, Barbara A; Mast, Jay L; Lukowski, Amy V; Greenseid, Lija O; Keith, Jennifer D; Keller, Paula A

    2016-01-01

    Tobacco users in all 50 states have access to quitline telephone counseling and cessation medications. While studies show multiple calls relate to quit success, most participants do not complete a full call series. To date, quitline program use studies have analyzed single factors-such as number of calls or counseling minutes. This study combines multiple factors of quitline program use across 2 states to describe how participants use a 5-call program; assess whether intensity of program use is associated with participant subgroups; and assess whether key outcomes (quitting, satisfaction) are associated with intensity. This observational study examines data for quitline participants in Minnesota (n = 2844) and Pennsylvania (n = 14 359) in 2011 and 2012. A subset of participants was surveyed 7 months after registration to assess key outcomes (response rates: Minnesota 65%; Pennsylvania 60%). Quitline utilization data were used to identify program use variables: nicotine replacement therapy provision, number of counseling calls, number of counseling minutes, days from first to last counseling call, and days from registration to first counseling call. Ten program use groups were created using all 5 program use variables, from lowest (1) to highest (10) intensity. Results were similar for both states. Only 11% of Minnesota and 8% of Pennsylvania participants completed all 5 calls. Intensity of quitline program use was associated with several participant characteristics including health conditions and age. Both quit status and program satisfaction were associated with program use intensity. Quit rates peaked in group 9, participants who received the full 5-call program. Quitlines should focus on engaging participants in multiple calls to improve quit outcomes. In addition, it is important to leverage multiple program use factors for a fuller understanding of how quitline participants use a program.

  7. Dancing with Languages

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sarmiento, Lilia

    2008-01-01

    Teachers in traditional bilingual settings confront strict program requirements under the guise of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), excessive assessment demands (state, district and program assessments in both English and Spanish), and negative attitudes about bilingual education from many in the political and public spheres. Since 1998, the passage…

  8. Computer Aided Instruction in Teaching Program Evaluation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dowell, David A.; Binette, Holly A. Lizotte

    This paper reports the results of two semesters of experience using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to teach topics in program evaluation to undergraduate and graduate psychology students at California State University, Long Beach. (The topics addressed are models of evaluation, evaluability assessment, needs assessment, experimental and…

  9. State trends in ecological risk assessment and standard setting

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Siegel, M R; Fowler, K M; Bilyard, G R

    1993-02-01

    The purposes of this paper are (1) to identify key states' activities and plans related to setting cleanup standards using the ecological risk assessment process, and (2) to discuss the impacts these actions may have on the US Department of Energy's (DOE's) environmental restoration program. This report is prepared as part of a larger task, the purpose of which is to identify and assess state regulatory trends and legal developments that may impact DOE's environmental restoration program. Results of this task are intended to provide DOE with advance notice of potentially significant regulatory developments so as to enhance DOE's abilitymore » to influence these developments and to incorporate possible regulatory and policy changes into its planning process.« less

  10. An In-Depth Survey of the Screening and Assessment Practices of Highly Regarded Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gans, Jeremy; Falco, Mathea; Schackman, Bruce R.; Winters, Ken C.

    2010-01-01

    Aims: To examine the quality of screening and assessment practices at some of the most highly regarded adolescent substance use treatment programs in the United States. Methods: Between March and September 2005, telephone surveys were administered to directors of highly regarded programs. Several different publications and databases were then used…

  11. A Case Study in Effectively Bridging the Business Skills Gap for the Information Technology Professional

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gorman, Michael F.

    2011-01-01

    A longitudinal study of information technology (IT) managers at a Fortune 200 company in the Southwest United States was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a training program at bridging the perceived business skills gap for IT employees. A needs assessment was carried out, resulting in a 4-module training program. The program was evaluated…

  12. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL/ENERGY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT. RADIATION PROGRAMS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report describes radiation education/training programs which are currently being conducted in 23 states and one territory. In total there are 39 program entries included in this volume. Although the report attempts to concentrate mainly on radiation protection programs, aspec...

  13. Developing a multidisciplinary robotic surgery quality assessment program.

    PubMed

    Gonsenhauser, Iahn; Abaza, Ronney; Mekhjian, Hagop; Moffatt-Bruce, Susan D

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel quality-improvement (QI) program designed to incorporate multiple robotic surgical sub-specialties in one health care system. A robotic surgery quality assessment program was developed by The Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSUMC) in conjunction with The Ohio State University Medical Center Quality Improvement and Operations Department. A retrospective review of cases was performed using data interrogated from the OSUMC Information Warehouse from January 2007 through August 2009. Robotic surgery cases (n=2200) were assessed for operative times, length of stay (LOS), conversions, returns to surgery, readmissions and cancellations as potential quality indicators. An actionable and reproducible framework for the quality measurement and assessment of a multidisciplinary and interdepartmental robotic surgery program was successfully completed demonstrating areas for improvement opportunities. This report supports that standard quality indicators can be applied to multiple specialties within a health care system to develop a useful quality tracking and assessment tool in the highly specialized area of robotic surgery. © 2012 National Association for Healthcare Quality.

  14. [Assessment of laboratory diagnostic network in the implementation of the Program for Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control in São Paulo State, Brazil, 1997-2012].

    PubMed

    Marques, Cristiano Corrêa de Azevedo; Carvalheiro, José da Rocha

    2017-01-01

    to assess the performance of the diagnostic network in the implementation process of the Program for Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control in São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2012. evaluation study based on documentary research and structured interviews, combined with a historical series analysis of indicators developed to assess the implementation process of the program, using data from the Department of the Brazilian National Health System. from 1997 to 2012, the serology, biopsy and molecular biology diagnostic networks showed an increase in the coefficients of coverage of 7.4, 7.3, and 62.0 times, respectively, with an increase in cases detection and treatment access. despite the effective implementation of the diagnostic network, there is a need to review the search strategy for new cases, and access to liver biopsy, still insufficient to the program demand.

  15. Factors Related to Medicaid Payment Acceptance at Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

    PubMed Central

    Terry-McElrath, Yvonne M; Chriqui, Jamie F; McBride, Duane C

    2011-01-01

    Objective To examine factors associated with Medicaid acceptance for substance abuse (SA) services by outpatient SA treatment programs. Data Sources Secondary analysis of 2003–2006 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services data combined with state Medicaid policy and usage measures and other publicly available data. Study Design We used cross-sectional analyses, including state fixed effects, to assess relationships between SA treatment program Medicaid acceptance and (1) program-level factors, (2) county-level sociodemographics and treatment program density, and (3) state-level population characteristics, SA treatment-related factors, and Medicaid policy and usage. Data Extraction Methods State Medicaid policy data were compiled based on reviews of state Medicaid-related statutes/regulations and Medicaid plans. Other data were publicly available. Principal Findings Medicaid acceptance was significantly higher for programs: (a) that were publicly funded and in states with Medicaid policy allowing SA treatment coverage; (b) with accreditation/licensure and nonprofit/government ownership, as well as mental- and general-health focused programs; and (c) in counties with lower household income. Conclusions SA treatment program Medicaid acceptance related to program-, county, and state-level factors. The data suggest the importance of state policy and licensure/accreditation requirements in increasing SA program Medicaid access. PMID:21105870

  16. Student Participation and Accommodations Handbook: Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10. Spring 2007. Hawai'i State Reading and Mathematics Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    State of Hawaii Department of Education, 2007

    2007-01-01

    The Hawai'i State Assessment is an annual testing program that measures student progress on Hawai'i's reading, writing, and mathematics standards. This handbook provides all Department of Education personnel at the school, complex area, and state levels with information about participation in the Hawai'i State Reading and Mathematics Assessment…

  17. Effectiveness of financial incentive programs in promoting sustainable forestry in the west

    Treesearch

    John L. Greene; Steven E. Daniels; Michael A. Kilgore; Thomas J. Straka; Michael G. Jacobson

    2011-01-01

    Selected forestry officials in each of the 13 western states were surveyed in 2005 concerning their opinions on the public and private financial incentive programs available to nonindustrial private forest owners in their state. The officials were asked to name and describe the programs and to assess forest owners’ awareness of each one, its appeal among owners aware...

  18. Profiles 1999 State Report. Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Education, Oklahoma City. Office of Accountability.

    The Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program is a system developed under the Oklahoma Education Reform Act of 1990 to assess the performance of public schools and school systems. "Profiles 1999" consists of state, district, and school components. Each component divides the information presented into three major reporting categories: (1)…

  19. 40 CFR 67.41 - When EPA may review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false When EPA may review. 67.41 Section 67.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) EPA APPROVAL OF STATE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY PROGRAM EPA Review of State Penalty Assessments § 67.41 When EPA...

  20. 40 CFR 67.41 - When EPA may review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 15 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false When EPA may review. 67.41 Section 67.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) EPA APPROVAL OF STATE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY PROGRAM EPA Review of State Penalty Assessments § 67.41 When EPA...

  1. 40 CFR 67.41 - When EPA may review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false When EPA may review. 67.41 Section 67.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) EPA APPROVAL OF STATE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY PROGRAM EPA Review of State Penalty Assessments § 67.41 When EPA...

  2. 40 CFR 67.41 - When EPA may review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 15 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false When EPA may review. 67.41 Section 67.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) EPA APPROVAL OF STATE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY PROGRAM EPA Review of State Penalty Assessments § 67.41 When EPA...

  3. 40 CFR 67.41 - When EPA may review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false When EPA may review. 67.41 Section 67.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) EPA APPROVAL OF STATE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY PROGRAM EPA Review of State Penalty Assessments § 67.41 When EPA...

  4. PESTICIDE EXPOSURE AND POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS IN YOUNG CHILDREN ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

    EPA Science Inventory

    The purpose of the Pesticides in Young Children - Border States Program is to assess the relationship of health outcomes in children living along the United States and Mexico border to repeated pesticide exposures via multiple sources and pathways. The present research program ...

  5. Tailoring Programs to Needs: Helping the Small Businessowner.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hester, Susan B.; McDowell, Julie E.

    1987-01-01

    A needs assessment of New York State small apparel and textile manufacturers suggested possible roles for extension education, such as newsletters providing information on market trends, government assistance, and new technology; a telephone hotline system; specialized media programs; and liaison between industry and state and local governments.…

  6. 45 CFR 305.60 - Types and scope of Federal audits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... self-assessments, or that those deficiencies are determined to seriously impact the performance of the... (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... assessments of: (1) Whether funds to carry out the State program are being appropriately expended, and are...

  7. 45 CFR 305.60 - Types and scope of Federal audits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... self-assessments, or that those deficiencies are determined to seriously impact the performance of the... (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... assessments of: (1) Whether funds to carry out the State program are being appropriately expended, and are...

  8. 45 CFR 305.60 - Types and scope of Federal audits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... self-assessments, or that those deficiencies are determined to seriously impact the performance of the... (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM), ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... assessments of: (1) Whether funds to carry out the State program are being appropriately expended, and are...

  9. 15 CFR 923.128 - Revisions to assessments and strategies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... strategies. 923.128 Section 923.128 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Coastal Zone Enhancement Grants Program § 923.128 Revisions to assessments and strategies. (a) A State, in consultation with the Assistant...

  10. IMPROVING ESTUARINE EVALUATION THROUGH OUTREACH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO STATES, TRIBES AND OTHER PARTNERS: EPA'S NATIONAL COASTAL ASSESSMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) National Coastal Assessment (NCA) is a large-scale, comprehensive environmental monitoring program designed to characterize the ecological condition of the Nation's coastal resources. A key to this successful program is the developmen...

  11. Restor(y)ing Teacher Education: A Critical Bifocal Case Study of the Impact of the Teacher Performance Assessment (EDTPA) in New York State on a Teacher Preparation Program in English Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKibbin, Kerry Marie

    2016-01-01

    In this critical bifocal case study, the author examines how the Obama administration's Race to the Top education reform agenda was enacted into policy that gave rise to the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), which was in turn embodied by a single MA English education teacher preparation program in New York State. Drawing on Weis and Fine's…

  12. Does SCHIP Spell Better Dental Care Access for Children? An Early Look at New Initiatives. Occasional Paper Number 50. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Almeida, Ruth; Hill, Ian; Kenney, Genevieve

    Dental disease is one of the most prevalent illnesses facing children in the United States today. Eighty percent of untreated dental disease in permanent teeth is found in roughly 25 percent of 5- to 17-year old children, most of whom come from low-income and other vulnerable populations. The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)…

  13. National Enhanced Elevation Assessment at a glance

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Snyder, Gregory I.

    2012-01-01

    Elevation data are essential for hazards mitigation, conservation, infrastructure development, national security, and many other applications. Under the leadership of the U.S. Geological Survey and the member States of the National Digital Elevation Program (NDEP), Federal agencies, State agencies, and others work together to acquire high-quality elevation data for the United States and its territories. New elevation data are acquired using modern technology to replace elevation data that are, on average, more than 30 years old. Through the efforts of the NDEP, a project-by-project data acquisition approach resulted in improved, publicly available data for 28 percent of the conterminous United States and 15 percent of Alaska over the past 15 years. Although the program operates efficiently, the rate of data collection and the typical project specifications are currently insufficient to address the needs of government, the private sector, and other organizations. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment was conducted to (1) document national-level requirements for improved elevation data, (2) estimate the benefits and costs of meeting those requirements, and (3) evaluate multiple national-level program-implementation scenarios. The assessment was sponsored by the NDEP's member agencies. The study participants came from 34 Federal agencies, agencies from all 50 States, selected local government and Tribal offices, and private and not-for-profit organizations. A total of 602 mission-critical activities were identified that need significantly more accurate data than are currently available. The results of the assessment indicate that a national-level enhanced-elevation-data program has the potential to generate from $1.2 billion to $13 billion in new benefits annually.

  14. Maine Assessment of Educational Progress, Report 2. Results Report 1: Citizenship and Writing, 1972.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maine State Dept. of Educational and Cultural Services, Augusta.

    The purpose of the Maine Assessment of Educational Progress (MAEP) in 1972 was to complete the first phase of a 10-year comprehensive needs assessment program involving students in public and non-public schools of the state. The total program is designed to provide specific information about knowledge, skills, understandings, and attitudes in 10…

  15. Salinity. Grade 5 Science Language Usage. Maryland School Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP): Resource Library. Public Release Task.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maryland State Dept. of Education. Baltimore. Div. of Planning, Results and Information Management.

    One component of the Maryland School Performance Assessment; Program (MSPAP) is the state's performance-based assessments, criterion-referenced tests that require students to apply what they know and can do to solve problems and display other higher-order thinking skills. This document helps parents, teachers, students, and other citizens…

  16. A PROPOSAL FOR A CCMS/NATO PILOT STUDY ON THE USE OF LANDSCAPE SCIENCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The United States Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, has developed through its research programs various landscape science approaches to environmental assessment. These approaches include both landscape characterization (land co...

  17. Horse Training and Management: Program of Excellence.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lane, Marvin

    This report on Lamar Community College's Horse Training and Management (HTM) program assesses the quality of the educational experience provided by the program, the quality of the faculty and students, institutional financial commitment to the program, contribution of the HTM program to state and local economic development, and external funding…

  18. Changing State Policy in Texas for Remedial/Developmental Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cook, Charles M.

    The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP), implemented in 1989, requires student assessment in reading, writing, and math prior to regular college course work. Students undergo continuous remediation until they are able to pass the assessment test. Though TASP advocates argue that the program helps maintain academic standards and provides students…

  19. Critical Issues in Large-Scale Assessment: A Resource Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Redfield, Doris

    The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidance and support for the design, development, and implementation of large-scale assessment systems that are grounded in research and best practice. Information is included about existing large-scale testing efforts, including national testing programs, state testing programs, and…

  20. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (EMAP): WESTERN STREAMS AND RIVERS STATISTICAL SUMMARY

    EPA Science Inventory

    This statistical summary reports data from the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) Western Pilot (EMAP-W). EMAP-W was a sample survey (or probability survey, often simply called 'random') of streams and rivers in 12 states of the western U.S. (Arizona, Californ...

  1. 77 FR 68795 - Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) Office Self-Assessment Questionnaire

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-16

    ...), Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP), Infrastructure Information Collection Division (IICD... forwarded to DHS/NPPD/IP/IICD, 245 Murray Lane, SW., Mail Stop 0602, Arlington,VA 20598-0602. Emailed.../IP PCII Program to assess state and local programs, their compliance with PCII rules and requirements...

  2. Assessing the Assessments of Teacher Preparation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brabeck, Mary M.; Dwyer, Carol Anne; Geisinger, Kurt F.; Marx, Ronald W.; Noell, George H.; Pianta, Robert C.; Subotnik, Rena F.; Worrell, Frank C.

    2016-01-01

    Teacher preparation programs have both a desire and a responsibility to demonstrate, with affirmative evidence, that teacher education makes a difference in PreK-12 student learning. Program faculty need good data to make decisions about the progress of students, whom to recommend for state licensure, and how to improve teacher education. This…

  3. MONITORING CHANGES IN THE ESTUARIES OF THE UNITED STATES: THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

    EPA Science Inventory

    The purpose of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program/Estuaries (EMAP-E) is to estimate the current status, extent, changes, and trends in ecological indicators of the condition of the nation's coastal resources (intertidal, subtidal, and offshore) on a regional and ...

  4. Undergraduate Instruction in Empirical Research Methods in Communication: Assessment and Recommendations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parks, Malcolm R.; Faw, Meara; Goldsmith, Daena

    2011-01-01

    This study assesses the current state of undergraduate instruction in empirical research methods in communication and offers recommendations for enhancing such instruction. Responses to an online questionnaire were received from 149 communication-related programs at four-year colleges and universities. Just over 85% of responding programs offered…

  5. Assessing the effects of USDA conservation programs on ecosystem services provided by wetlands

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in an effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation programs and practices on privately owned agricultural landscapes across the United States. CEAP’s approach includes application ...

  6. Ecological Condition of Coastal Ocean Waters along the U.S. Western Continental Shelf: 2003

    EPA Science Inventory

    The western National Coastal Assessment program of EPA, in conjunction with the NOAA National Ocean Service, west coast states (WA, OR, and CA), and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Bight ’03 program, assessed the ecological condition of soft sediment habita...

  7. Using the Internship as a Tool for Assessment: A Case Study.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Beverly; Bourland-Davis, Pamela G.; Fulmer, Hal W.

    1997-01-01

    States communication programs are expected to operate in some harmony with communication activities of organizations outside the university in professional settings. Describes one possible activity in this matrix: use of student internships as a means of assessing the communication program. Presents a case study involving public relations…

  8. The Tobacco Control Network's Policy Readiness and Stage of Change Assessment: What the Results Suggest for Moving Tobacco Control Efforts Forward at the State and Territorial Levels.

    PubMed

    Roeseler, April; Solomon, Madeleine; Beatty, Carissa; Sipler, Alison M

    2016-01-01

    The Tobacco Control Network (TCN) is comprised of the tobacco control programs in the health departments of states, territories, and the District of Columbia. During the assessment period, the TCN was managed by the Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium at Emory University. To assess the readiness of state and territory tobacco control programs to work on evidence-based, promising policy and system change strategies aimed at preventing and reducing tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. The Policy Readiness and Stage of Change Assessment was a Web-based survey fielded in September 2013, which was based on the Community Readiness Model. Fifty-nine comprehensive tobacco control programs. State and territory tobacco control program managers and their internal and external partners. The TCN's 2012 Policy Platform recommendations were used as the basis to assess state/territory readiness to adopt and implement evidence-based and promising tobacco control policy/system change strategies. Sixteen tobacco control strategies were rated on: (1) implementation status, (2) readiness, (3) stage of change, and (4) the appropriate level of action for work on the strategy. The 3 strategies with the highest readiness scores were as follows: (1) 100% smoke-free air in workplaces (64%), (2) tobacco-free schools (61%), and (3) $1.50 or less cigarette tax with funds to tobacco control (53%). The 3 strategies with lowest readiness scores were: 1) coupon redemption (17%), 2) tobacco mitigation fee (14%), and 3) disclosure or sunshine laws (8%). Readiness to work on tobacco control strategies varied by region and strategy. Many states/territories are ready to work on strategies for which there is less evidence of a population-level impact for reducing tobacco use, but which contribute to denormalizing tobacco use. Working toward less impactful policies may build support, capacity, and policy success, laying an important foundation to achieve more impactful strategies.

  9. Communication Skills Training in Ophthalmology: Results of a Needs Assessment and Pilot Training Program.

    PubMed

    Mishra, Anuradha; Browning, David; Haviland, Miriam J; Jackson, Mary Lou; Luff, Donna; Meyer, Elaine C; Talcott, Katherine; Kloek, Carolyn E

    To conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in communication skills training in ophthalmology residency programs and to use these results to pilot a communication workshop that prepares residents for difficult conversations. A mixed-methods design was used to perform the needs assessment. A pre-and postsurvey was administered to workshop participants. Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Department of Ophthalmology. HMS ophthalmology residents from postgraduate years 2-4 participated in the needs assessment and the workshop. Ophthalmology residency program directors in the United States participated in national needs assessment. Ophthalmology program directors across the United States were queried on their perception of resident communication skills training through an online survey. A targeted needs assessment in the form of a narrative exercise captured resident perspectives on communication in ophthalmology from HMS residents. A group of HMS residents participated in the pilot workshop and a pre- and postsurvey was administered to participants to assess its effectiveness. The survey of program directors yielded a response rate of 40%. Ninety percent of respondents agreed that the communication skills training in their programs could be improved. Fifteen of 24 residents (62%) completed the needs assessment. Qualitative analysis of the narrative material revealed four themes; (1) differing expectations, (2) work role and environment, (3) challenges specific to ophthalmology, and (4) successful strategies adopted. Nine residents participated in the workshop. There was a significant improvement post-workshop in resident reported scores on their ability to manage their emotions during difficult conversations (p = 0.03). There is an opportunity to improve communication skills training in ophthalmology residency through formalized curriculum. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. The Affordable Care Act's plan for consumer assistance with insurance moves states forward but remains a work in progress.

    PubMed

    Grob, Rachel; Schlesinger, Mark; Davis, Sarah; Cohen, Deborah; Lapps, Joshua

    2013-02-01

    The Affordable Care Act provides support for state-run consumer assistance programs to help privately insured consumers who experience problems with their coverage. Its provisions signify the first national commitment to such assistance and to using cases aggregated by these state programs to inform policy. We interviewed state-level administrators and analyzed program documents to assess whether federal support for state-run consumer assistance programs achieved certain goals. We found that some federally supported programs made substantial progress in supporting and empowering patients by reorienting state agencies to become active advocates for their citizens. Yet progress across the country was inconsistent, and there was little evidence that programs addressed systemic problems experienced by consumers. On balance, the consumer assistance provisions of health care reform do not yet ensure protection for all privately insured Americans because of uneven implementation-a problem likely to be of further concern as coverage is expanded and health insurance exchanges come on line in 2014. At the same time, the demonstrated impact of consumer assistance programs in the most innovative states is arguably a useful "proof of concept" for this young federal program.

  11. Options for streamlining the site assessment process

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Myers, R.

    The current site assessment process consists of entry into the CERCLA Information System (CERCLIS) database; completion of the Preliminary Assessment (PA), Site Inspection (SI), and Hazard Ranking System (HRS) documents; and placement on the National Priorities List (NPL). The purpose behind site assessment has been to identify sites for the NPL, not identify the most appropriate means for clearup. Several developments have led EPA to consider redesigning the process, including; the need to encourage brownfields redevelopment; the unintended stigma associated with being on CERCLIS; and the increased expertise of State and some Tribal programs. (For purposes of this paper, brownfieldsmore » are considered abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.) EPA has begun various site assessment pilots to aid in developing a more efficient and effective Superfund site assessment program. Key goals are to give States increased responsibility, encourage early/more efficient cleanups, reduce costs, and promote environmental recovery and economic revitalization. Possible components of a revised site assessment program are presented.« less

  12. Current state of high-risk infant follow-up care in the United States: results of a national survey of academic follow-up programs.

    PubMed

    Kuppala, V S; Tabangin, M; Haberman, B; Steichen, J; Yolton, K

    2012-04-01

    High-risk infant follow-up programs have the potential to act as multipurpose clinics by providing continuity of clinical care, education of health care trainees and facilitating outcome data research. Currently there are no nationally representative data on high-risk infant follow-up practices in the United States. The objective of this study is to collect information about the composition of high-risk infant follow-up programs associated with academic centers in the United States, with respect to their structure, function, funding resources and developmental assessment practices, and to identify the barriers to establishment of such programs. Staff neonatologists, follow-up program directors and division directors of 170 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) associated with pediatric residency programs were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey from October 2009 to January 2010. The overall response rate was 84%. Ninety three percent of the respondents have a follow-up program associated with their NICU. Birth weight, gestational age and critical illness in the NICU were the major criteria for follow-up care. Management of nutrition and neurodevelopmental assessments was the most common service provided. Over 70% have health care trainees in the clinic. About 75% of the respondents have the neurodevelopmental outcome data available. Most of the respondents reported multiple funding sources. Lack of personnel and funding were the most common causes for not having a follow-up program. High-risk infant follow-up programs associated with academic centers in the United States are functioning as multidisciplinary programs providing clinical care, trainee education and facilitating outcomes research.

  13. Maternal health behaviors and infant health outcomes among homeless mothers: U.S. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 2000-2007.

    PubMed

    Richards, Rickelle; Merrill, Ray M; Baksh, Laurie; McGarry, Joanne

    2011-01-01

    To determine whether participation in the Women, Infants, and Children Program is associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes among homeless women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Analyses were based on Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System participants from 31 states/cities in the United States, 2000-2007 (n=272,859). Overall, 4% of women completing the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey were homeless, with 76% participating in the Women, Infants, and Children Program, a federally-funded supplemental nutrition program for low-income women and children less than 5 years old. Among women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey who reported using the Women, Infants, and Children Program, those experiencing homelessness were older, less educated, less likely to have private health insurance, and more likely to receive government assistance. Homeless women in the Women, Infants, and Children Program compared with those not in the program were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index, to initiate breastfeeding after delivery, have prenatal care visits, have a longer gestational age, and have a greater infant birth weight. Characteristics of homeless pregnant women choosing to participate in the Women, Infants, and Children Program are consistent with the requirements for program participation for women in general. Homeless women accessing the Women, Infants, and Children Program had better maternal and infant health outcomes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Configuration Management Process Assessment Strategy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Henry, Thad

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: To propose a strategy for assessing the development and effectiveness of configuration management systems within Programs, Projects, and Design Activities performed by technical organizations and their supporting development contractors. Scope: Various entities CM Systems will be assessed dependent on Project Scope (DDT&E), Support Services and Acquisition Agreements. Approach: Model based structured against assessing organizations CM requirements including best practices maturity criteria. The model is tailored to the entity being assessed dependent on their CM system. The assessment approach provides objective feedback to Engineering and Project Management of the observed CM system maturity state versus the ideal state of the configuration management processes and outcomes(system). center dot Identifies strengths and risks versus audit gotcha's (findings/observations). center dot Used "recursively and iteratively" throughout program lifecycle at select points of need. (Typical assessments timing is Post PDR/Post CDR) center dot Ideal state criteria and maturity targets are reviewed with the assessed entity prior to an assessment (Tailoring) and is dependent on the assessed phase of the CM system. center dot Supports exit success criteria for Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews. center dot Gives a comprehensive CM system assessment which ultimately supports configuration verification activities.*

  15. A Program Evaluation of a Credit Recovery Program to Improve Graduation Rates for At-Risk High School Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parks, David R.

    2011-01-01

    Research has shown that low graduation rates are a problem in high schools across the United States. The problem is significant at a small, inner-city charter high school in a southwestern US state that had a 2008 graduation rate of 34%. After assessing the situation, educators at this school developed the Credit Retrieval Program (CRP) to help…

  16. 45 CFR 284.35 - What action will we take in response to the State's assessment and other information?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE TANF PROGRAM § 284.35 What action will we take in response... other available information. If we determine that the increase in the child poverty rate of five percent... increase in the State's child poverty rate of five percent or more is the result of the TANF program(s) in...

  17. 45 CFR 284.35 - What action will we take in response to the State's assessment and other information?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE TANF PROGRAM § 284.35 What action will we take in response... other available information. If we determine that the increase in the child poverty rate of five percent... increase in the State's child poverty rate of five percent or more is the result of the TANF program(s) in...

  18. The Relationship between Classworks and Georgia State Testing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baker, Amanda

    2014-01-01

    As teachers in Georgia utilize formative assessments to ensure successful performance on the state mandated Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), it is essential that the data they receive from these assessments are accurate. This study examined the correlation between the computer-assisted instructional program, Classworks, and student…

  19. THE MID-ATLANTIC INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT MAIA - ESTUARIES 1997-1998 SUMMARY REPORT

    EPA Science Inventory

    During the summers of 1997-98, a consortium of federal and state environmental agencies conducted the Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment (MAIA) program to characterize the environmental condition of the four major estuaries in the the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The...

  20. State Programs for the Differential Assessment of Farm and Open Space Land. Agricultural Economic Report No. 256.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hady, Thomas F.; Sibold, Ann Gordon

    Property taxes relate directly to rural education finance. This bulletin discusses differential tax assessment laws and the reasons states choose to institute them in 1970s. The first part of the report discusses the different types of tax laws and offers available evidence of their effects. More detailed summaries of individual state assessment…

  1. Healthe Kids: An Assessment of Program Performance and Participation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dean, Bonnie B.; Kindermann, Sylvia L.; Carson, Tabetha; Gavin, Jan; Frerking, Melissa; Bergren, Martha Dewey

    2014-01-01

    Many states in the United States have mandated school health screenings for early identification and referral to professional services for a set of health conditions. Healthe Kids, a community-based program, began offering school-based health screenings to Missouri elementary schools in March 2007. The purpose of the article is to provide a…

  2. Preparing Teachers for the Common Core: Aligning Preparation Program Curricula. Ask the Team

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Paliokas, Kathleen

    2014-01-01

    Implementing new college and career readiness standards, along with readying teachers and students for new assessments, is a monumental undertaking by multiple national, state, and local education leaders and organizations. One critical policy area for states to consider is supports for educator preparation programs to ensure that new teachers…

  3. The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS): Context, Methods, General Findings, and Future Efforts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kolbe, Lloyd J.; And Others

    1995-01-01

    The School Health Policies and Programs Study assessed health education, physical education, health services, food service, and policies prohibiting violence, tobacco use, and alcohol and other drug use at state, district, school, and classroom levels. State questionnaires found several common themes across the components of school health…

  4. Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tennessee State Board of Education, 2010

    2010-01-01

    Tennessee Code Annotated 49-5-108 requires the state to develop a report card or assessment on the effectiveness of teacher training programs. This report includes data on the performance of each institution's graduates in the following areas required by state statute: placement and retention rates, Praxis results, and teacher effect data based on…

  5. Loose regulation of medical marijuana programs associated with higher rates of adult marijuana use but not cannabis use disorder.

    PubMed

    Williams, Arthur Robin; Santaella-Tenorio, Julian; Mauro, Christine M; Levin, Frances R; Martins, Silvia S

    2017-11-01

    Most US states have passed medical marijuana laws (MMLs), with great variation in program regulation impacting enrollment rates. We aimed to compare changes in rates of marijuana use, heavy use and cannabis use disorder across age groups while accounting for whether states enacted medicalized (highly regulated) or non-medical mml programs. Difference-in-differences estimates with time-varying state-level MML coded by program type (medicalized versus non-medical). Multi-level linear regression models adjusted for state-level random effects and covariates as well as historical trends in use. Nation-wide cross-sectional survey data from the US National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) restricted use data portal aggregated at the state level. Participants comprised 2004-13 NSDUH respondents (n ~ 67 500/year); age groups 12-17, 18-25 and 26+ years. States had implemented eight medicalized and 15 non-medical MML programs. Primary outcome measures included (1) active (past-month) marijuana use; (2) heavy use (> 300 days/year); and (3) cannabis use disorder diagnosis, based on DSM-IV criteria. Covariates included program type, age group and state-level characteristics throughout the study period. Adults 26+ years of age living in states with non-medical MML programs increased past-month marijuana use 1.46% (from 4.13 to 6.59%, P = 0.01), skewing towards greater heavy marijuana by 2.36% (from 14.94 to 17.30, P = 0.09) after MMLs were enacted. However, no associated increase in the prevalence of cannabis use disorder was found during the study period. Our findings do not show increases in prevalence of marijuana use among adults in states with medicalized MML programs. Additionally, there were no increases in adolescent or young adult marijuana outcomes following MML passage, irrespective of program type. Non-medical marijuana laws enacted in US states are associated with increased marijuana use, but only among adults aged 26+ years. Researchers and policymakers should consider program regulation and subgroup characteristics (i.e. demographics) when assessing for population level outcomes. Researchers and policymakers should consider program regulation and subgroup characteristics (i.e. demographics) when assessing for population level outcomes. © 2017 Society for the Study of Addiction.

  6. Florida maintenance rating program (MRP) assessment and enhancement : final report, May 28, 2008 [summary].

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-01-01

    The Florida Department of Transportation : (FDOT) has used its maintenance rating : program (MRP) to evaluate the states : highway maintenance conditions and : determine asset maintenance needs since : 1985. Periodic evaluation of the program is :...

  7. Program Evaluation of Outcomes Based Orthotic and Prosthetic Education

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-12-01

    the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment group (SLOAC) at California State University Dominguez Hills. She is an assessment expert and consultant...identified in the program-level outcomes (Essential Elements of Learning Outcomes Assessment, Indicators 4 & 5, University Student Learning Outcomes...A short 70-mile trip is changing the lives of O&P students and impacting future care of returning military service members. By Jennifer Hoydicz

  8. Gender differences in partner interactions during an after-school science peer tutoring program

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brei-Crawley, M. Jo

    This teacher research study examined an after-school science program called SSTAR (Science Students Teaching as Resources) to determine if this program encourages early scientific involvement for girls, specifically the investigation of simple machines. SSTAR's overall goal was to develop scientific skills in fourth grade tutors who were partnered with second grade tutees. This study was conducted during two different SSTAR study sessions, identified as the pilot study (year one) and the expanded study (year two). The SSTAR program and the data collection instruments were refined and modified during this two-year process. Four data collection instruments were used to gather data and insights into this program; video-taped interactions between tutor and tutee, a writing assessment, a performance assessment and focus group discussions. The video taped partnership interactions found that tutors used similar instructional strategies and tutees gave similar response strategies. However, these strategies varied according to the gender of the partner. A written assessment, in the form of an open ended question was given to just the tutors at the beginning and end of their session. Additionally, a performance assessment was given. This assessment asked the tutors to construct a machine from the Legos(c) that were provided. This assessment was also done in a pretest/post-test format. Scores from the writing and performance assessment were then compared and the performance assessment showed more tutor growth in knowledge of simple machines than the writing assessment. Overall students made comments stating they enjoyed the SSTAR program and would sign up again. They had no preference for a same gender or opposite gender partner among either tutor or tutee discussions. All the data examined shows evidence that SSTAR was an effective program for tutor growth in the scientific area of simple machines. While the original study focus was specifically on girls, both genders benefited from the program and all students involved stated they had positive experiences during SSTAR.

  9. State-Mandated Student Assessment Programs: An Examination of the Issues. Proceedings of a Teleconference (October 3, 1985) and a Conference of National and State Educators (Stillwater, Oklahoma, October 4, 1985).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perry, Katye M., Ed.; And Others

    These combined proceedings summarize presentations of two conference programs designed to address state-mandated student achievement issues. Dr. Terrel Bell delivered the keynote speech at a teleconference focusing on a broad perspective of competency testing. He discussed testing problems, as well as positive aspects such as comparison, diagnosis…

  10. Assessing the Fiscal Impact of Wisconsin's Statewide Voucher Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bruecker, Ellie

    2017-01-01

    In 2013, Wisconsin's legislature added a statewide voucher program to the existing voucher programs in Milwaukee and Racine. The state expanded the statewide program in 2015 and changed the funding mechanism of the program so that its cost was borne by local school districts. The program is already distributing tens of millions of dollars to pay…

  11. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, Phase II, Post-Secondary Education Profile: Wastewater I (Single Degree Programs).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    This report, together with volume II, (multiple degree programs), detail 105 post-secondary wastewater treatment programs from 33 states. These programs represent a sample, only, of the various programs available nationwide. Enrollment and graduate statistics are presented. The total number of faculty involved in all the programs surveyed was…

  12. News focus: Report on state and local air toxics regulatory strategies published by STAPPA/ALAPCO (State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators/Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    1989-12-01

    The report is entitled Toxic Air Pollutants: State and Local Regulatory Strategies - 1989. The 364-page report is the result of a survey of state and local air pollution control agencies, which solicited information on their programs to control air toxics. According to the survey, every state currently has a program to address emissions of air toxics. Additionally, 27 of the 40 local agencies that responded to the survey have, or are developing, air toxics programs. The strategies employed by state and local agencies vary widely, including control technology requirements, risk assessment, acceptable ambient guidelines, or a combination of thesemore » approaches. This is a report summarizing the air toxics control programs currently implemented (or under development) by state and local air pollution control agencies throughout the US. The report is based upon a survey of all 50 states and 220 local air pollution control agencies conducted by the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators (STAPPA) and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO). This survey updates one published five years earlier.« less

  13. A Prospective Policy Evaluation of the Michigan Merit Award Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bishop, John H.

    In 1999 Michigan implemented the Michigan Merit Award program, a program to motivate high school students to take their studies more seriously. The program offers 1-year college scholarships to students who meet or exceed state standards on Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. This…

  14. Assessment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Upon the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program: Assessment of the ARRA

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tonn, Bruce; Hawkins, Beth; Rose, Erin

    The Department of Energy (DOE) administers the national low-income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Under this program, DOE provides grants to states (grantees), which then provide grants to local weatherization agencies (subgrantees), to weatherize income-eligible homes for free. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 allocated $5 billion in funding to WAP, a very significant increase from an annual appropriation that ranged in the $200–250 million range for many years. Furthermore, as part of a major evaluation of WAP, states and local weatherization agencies were surveyed, in part, to assess their experiences during the ARRA period. The substantial fundingmore » increase created a number of issues for the national weatherization network: the political visibility of their programs increased significantly, organizational responsibilities were shifted, new laws and regulations were passed that impacted their programs, media attention of their programs increased, federal oversight of their programs increased; and programmatic costs increased because of the increased oversight and because ARRA required WAP to operate under the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931. There was also some concern within the national weatherization network that the influx of ARRA funds would permanently damage nonfederal funding leveraging relationships. However, two-thirds of grantees and over 40% of subgrantees stated that they believe that the long-term impacts of ARRA on leveraging relationships will be positive.« less

  15. A REVIEW OF BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND BIOCRITERIA FOR STREAMS AND RIVERS IN NEW ENGLAND STATES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The primary purpose of this document is to serve as a detailed description of the biological assessment programs for wadeable streams and rivers within U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 states (i.e., Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and V...

  16. 78 FR 26646 - Office of Health Assessment and Translation Evaluation of the State of the Science for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-07

    ... and Translation Evaluation of the State of the Science for Transgenerational Inheritance of Health Effects; Request for Information SUMMARY: The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) of the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences...

  17. Fire management assessment of Eastern Province, Zambia

    Treesearch

    L. T. Hollingsworth; D. Johnson; G. Sikaundi; S. Siame

    2015-01-01

    The mission that produced this assessment was prompted by requests from Forestry Department personnel in Zambia to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for formal fire management training. USAID contacted the United States Forest Service's (USFS) International Programs (IP) with the training request. Together, USFS, USAID, and Zambian...

  18. Assessing STD Partner Services in State and Local Health Departments.

    PubMed

    Cuffe, Kendra M; Leichliter, Jami S; Gift, Thomas L

    2018-02-07

    State and local health department STD programs provide several partner services to reduce disease transmission. Budget cuts and temporary staff reassignments for public health emergencies may affect the provision of partner services. Determining the impact of staffing reductions on STD rates and public health response should be further assessed.

  19. COMPARISON OF BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND BIOCRITERIA USED BY STATES IN THE NEW ENGLAND AND MID-ATLANTIC REGIONS

    EPA Science Inventory

    This poster is an overview of biological assessment programs for wadeable streams within states in USEPA Regions 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) and 3 (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia). Specifically, we ...

  20. Review of Education-Focused Health Impact Assessments Conducted in the United States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gase, Lauren N.; DeFosset, Amelia R.; Gakh, Maxim; Harris, Celia; Weisman, Susan R.; Dannenberg, Andrew L.

    2017-01-01

    Background: Health impact assessment (HIA) provides a structured process for examining the potential health impacts of proposed policies, plans, programs, and projects. This study systematically reviewed HIAs conducted in the United States on prekindergarten, primary, and secondary education-focused decisions. Methods: Relevant HIA reports were…

  1. 34 CFR 403.203 - What are the State's responsibilities for a State assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Develop assessment criteria no later than the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year; and (2) Widely... leading to both academic and occupational competencies. (3) Increased student work skill attainment and... respect to vocational education. (7) Raising the quality of vocational education programs in schools with...

  2. 34 CFR 403.203 - What are the State's responsibilities for a State assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) Develop assessment criteria no later than the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year; and (2) Widely... leading to both academic and occupational competencies. (3) Increased student work skill attainment and... respect to vocational education. (7) Raising the quality of vocational education programs in schools with...

  3. 34 CFR 403.203 - What are the State's responsibilities for a State assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Develop assessment criteria no later than the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year; and (2) Widely... leading to both academic and occupational competencies. (3) Increased student work skill attainment and... respect to vocational education. (7) Raising the quality of vocational education programs in schools with...

  4. 34 CFR 403.203 - What are the State's responsibilities for a State assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Develop assessment criteria no later than the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year; and (2) Widely... leading to both academic and occupational competencies. (3) Increased student work skill attainment and... respect to vocational education. (7) Raising the quality of vocational education programs in schools with...

  5. 34 CFR 403.203 - What are the State's responsibilities for a State assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) Develop assessment criteria no later than the beginning of the 1991-1992 school year; and (2) Widely... leading to both academic and occupational competencies. (3) Increased student work skill attainment and... respect to vocational education. (7) Raising the quality of vocational education programs in schools with...

  6. Environmental Compliance Assessment Management Program (ECAMP) - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-06-01

    and Wildlife Service, began research on the Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP). The concept was to combine Code of ... The number of environmental laws and regulations have continued to grow in the United States and worldwide, making compliance with these regulations...Service has adopted an environmental compliance program that identifies compliance problems before they are cited as violations by the U.S

  7. Property-tax incentives for implementing soil-conservation programs under constitutional taxing limitations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Massey, D.T.; Silver, M.B.

    1982-01-01

    This article describes how property-tax incentives can be used to implement soil-conservation programs on agricultural and open-space lands under the differential-assessment statutes and other exceptions to constitutional limitations on taxation powers. The article describes restrictions imposed on taxing powers by the constitutional uniformity clauses and methods for circumventing those limitations; various property-tax incentives available for conservation programs; types of differential or use-value assessments providing property-tax relief for farm, forest, and open-space land preservation; eligibility of lands for differential assessments; methods available to landowners for participation in differential assessments; and determination of value under differential assessment. The article next details howmore » each of the three primary types of differential or use-value assessment statutes for farm, forest, and open-space land preservation provides exceptions to the uniformity clauses for property tax incentives to implement soil-conservation programs. Other methods available for providing exceptions to the uniformity clauses to permit property-tax incentives are also described for each of the three states. Each of these states has statutes giving favorable tax treatment to certain types of property, such as pollution-abatement equipment, alternative energy-producing devices, and even country clubs. These statutes can be used as examples of finding a constitutional method for providing favorabe tax treatment to promote participation in soil-conservation programs.« less

  8. IEC planning: eight state-of-the-art principles.

    PubMed

    Middleton, J

    1983-12-01

    Considerable experience and research has been accumulated in the last 20 years on the ways in which information/education/communication (IEC) programs can be effectively designed, implemented, and evaluated. Possibly more effort has focused on population and family planning IEC than on any other sectoral program of development communication. Several principles have emerged which, taken together, define the state of the art in the field. These principles provide a framework of experience which can guide the development of comprehensive IEC programs. They include: policy and resource assessment; audience analysis; strategy design; message research and pretesting; participation and feedback; management; evaluation; and collaboration. The nature of the national policy base for population and family planning programs will determine the goals and approaches of the IEC program. Strong policies of limitation on popultion growth lead to equally strong and pervasive IEC efforts designed to directly affect contraceptive behavior. Assessment of existing policy is an essential aspect of the design of an effective IEC program. Policies establish the rationale and boundaries for action. Population and family planning programs are concerned with some of the most intimate human behavior. Consequently, structured and sensitive audience analysis has become an integral part of the design of IEC programs. The design of communication strategy requires clearly stated objectives. Principles of human learning are used to structure information appropriately. Message research and pretesting have become integral components of the strategy design process. Small scale research on specific objectives is necessary to establish the basis for message design. Audience participation and feedback in remaining phases of program development and implementation are important. The management of an IEC program requires a specific combination of planning, flexibility, and creativity. Evaluation of program effects--identification of the degree of change toward stated objectives -- is critical to long term assessment of the underlying strategy and the identification both of needed corrections and new directions for the future. Collaboration with and involvement of stakeholders in the design and implementation of a national IEC program significantly raises the probability that support will be forthcoming. Taken together these 8 principles can become the basic building blocks of an effective population/family planning IEC program.

  9. Connecticut's New Comprehensive and Universal Early Childhood Health Assessment Form

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crowley, Angela A.; Whitney, Grace-Ann C.

    2005-01-01

    Health assessments are required for entrance into child care, Head Start, and preschool programs. However, state and federal screening and documentation mandates vary, and programs create their own forms for keeping required data on file. Inconsistent recording formats present challenges for primary care providers who must document each child's…

  10. Community Jobs Outcomes Assessment & Program Evaluation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Case, Annette; Burchfield, Erin; Sommers, Paul

    Unemployment wage data were evaluated to assess employment, job retention, and wage progression for graduates of Community Jobs (CJ), a short-term public job creation program for the hard to employ in the state of Washington. The following were among the findings: (1) 66% of all participants were employed after graduating from CJ; (2) 53% were…

  11. Government Workers Adding Societal Value: The Ohio Workforce Development Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guerra, Ingrid; Bernardez, Mariano; Jones, Michael; Zidan, Suhail

    2005-01-01

    This case study illustrates the application of Mega--adding measurable value for all stakeholders including society--as the central and ultimate focus for needs assessment. In this case, two needs assessment studies were conducted within a five-year period (1999-2003) with the State of Ohio's Workforce Development (WD) program. An initial needs…

  12. RI State Profile. Rhode Island: New England Common Assessments Program (NCAP)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Center on Education Policy, 2010

    2010-01-01

    This paper provides information about Rhode Island's New England Common Assessments Program (NCAP), a comprehensive test. Its purpose is to measure each student's overall proficiency for graduation in the six core academic areas. In 2008, the Board of Regents in Rhode Island established new regulations for high school diplomas. Beginning with the…

  13. A National Estimate of Performance: Statewide Highway Safety Program Assessment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (DOT), Washington, DC.

    A nationwide systematic approach to assess the developments and achievements of highway safety activities was conducted to measure program outputs from 1969 through 1974 using key indicators of performance such as ratios and percentages. A sample of 10 states was selected with overall sample of 105 local jurisdictions which would provide estimated…

  14. Scripted or Non-Scripted: A Comparative Analysis of Two Reading Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bosen, Pamela K.

    2014-01-01

    The focus of this quantitative comparative study was to analyze school achievement on third-grade reading assessments in 60 similar schools over a three-year period on Washington state standardized criterion-referenced assessments. This study provides statistical data showing the non-scripted programs were consistent for all three years while…

  15. 7 CFR 246.14 - Program costs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... understand the importance of nutrition to health. The cost of dietary assessments for the purpose of... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN State...

  16. 7 CFR 246.14 - Program costs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... understand the importance of nutrition to health. The cost of dietary assessments for the purpose of... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN State...

  17. 7 CFR 246.14 - Program costs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... understand the importance of nutrition to health. The cost of dietary assessments for the purpose of... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN State...

  18. Quantifying the benefits of the Florida Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) program.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-04-01

    This study details the analysis of the Florida Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) Program. It provides a comparative assessment of the program with respect to out-of-state practice, provides recommendations to improve life cycle...

  19. Assessing the effectiveness of Montana's vehicle occupant protection program : [summary].

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-03-01

    States invest extensively in : occupant protection programs, : yet the impact these programs : have on improving seat belt : compliance rates remains : unclear. Although seat belt use : was on the rise in Montana : prior to 2002, it has stagnated : a...

  20. Alabama Industrial Technician Education Cooperative Demonstration Program (I-TEC). Final Performance Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    John M. Patterson State Technical Coll., Montgomery, AL.

    A cooperative demonstration program between industry (General Electric) and education (John Patterson State Technical College, Alabama) designed and conducted a training program and competency assessment for individuals entering high technology positions related to industrial production in Alabama. The program was designed to develop employees as…

  1. Forest health assessment for eastern hardwood forests

    Treesearch

    Daniel B. Twardus

    1995-01-01

    Information presented here, was obtained generally from 3 sources: the Cooperative Forest Health Protection Program, the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program and the National Forest Health Monitoring Program. The Cooperative Forest Health Protection Program is a joint State-Federal effort responsible for forest-wide surveys of forest damage. From these surveys, we...

  2. 45 CFR 284.35 - What action will we take in response to the State's assessment and other information?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... STATE OR TERRITORY'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE TANF PROGRAM § 284.35 What action will we... assessment along with other available information. If we determine that the increase in the child poverty... determine that the increase in the State's child poverty rate of five percent or more is the result of the...

  3. 45 CFR 284.35 - What action will we take in response to the State's assessment and other information?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... STATE OR TERRITORY'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE TANF PROGRAM § 284.35 What action will we... assessment along with other available information. If we determine that the increase in the child poverty... determine that the increase in the State's child poverty rate of five percent or more is the result of the...

  4. 45 CFR 284.35 - What action will we take in response to the State's assessment and other information?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... STATE OR TERRITORY'S CHILD POVERTY RATE IS THE RESULT OF THE TANF PROGRAM § 284.35 What action will we... assessment along with other available information. If we determine that the increase in the child poverty... determine that the increase in the State's child poverty rate of five percent or more is the result of the...

  5. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, National Summary: Alabama-Indiana. Volume One.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    This report is one in a four-volume National Summary which presents existing workforce levels, training programs and career potentials for each of the states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each individual state program summary is followed by a depiction of the current and projected (1976-1981) workforce figures for the…

  6. Impact of the Basic Education Program on Educational Spending and Equity in Tennessee.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goldhaber, Dan; Callahan, Karen

    2001-01-01

    Examines state- and district-level spending patterns in Tennessee to assess the extent to which the Basic Education Program (BEP) funding formula has affected spending in the state and spending in districts with varying characteristics, for example, poverty status of students, school district size. Suggests that BEP led to greater education…

  7. 76 FR 59074 - State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program and Discretionary and Other Formula Grant Programs

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-23

    ... assessment type, is provided by States as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 34 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter II [Docket ID ED-2011-OS-0005] RIN 1894-AA02...: Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of proposed revisions to certain data collection and reporting...

  8. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, National Summary: Nevada-South Carolina. Volume Three.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    This report is one in a four-volume National Summary which presents existing workforce levels, training programs and career potentials for each of the states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each individual state program summary is followed by a depiction of the current and projected (1976-1981) workforce figures for the…

  9. North Carolina State Supported Early Childhood Demonstration Centers. Second Annual Evaluation: 1970-1971.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Learning Inst. of North Carolina, Durham.

    The second year of a state supported early childhood education program was evaluated, using a pre-post evaluation design involving experimental and control groups. An Early Childhood Assessment Battery was administered to 720 five-year-olds enrolled in the kindergarten program by their teachers. The control group (178) were tested locally. Results…

  10. Outcomes Assessment in Postsecondary Occupational Programs: A Consortial Approach. Project Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Winter, Gene M.; Fadale, LaVerna M.

    The Two-Year College Development Center, in cooperation with the New York State Education Department and seven community colleges in the Mid-Hudson Region of New York State conducted a 2-year project to determine the outcomes of selected occupational technical programs and feasible ways to measure them. The project operated as a consortium with…

  11. Content Knowledge Reading Assessment: A Policy Change Impacting Elementary Education Candidates' Preparation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rutherford, Angela; Carter, LeAnn; Riley, Monica; Platt, Sara

    2017-01-01

    This article examines data from three educator preparation programs in one southern state prior to a new licensure policy requirement for elementary education teachers. Previously, the state required educator preparation programs to offer two 3-hour courses focused on early literacy and a total of fifteen hours in reading and/or language arts…

  12. 2016-2017 Florida Adult High School Technical Assistance Paper

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Florida Department of Education, 2017

    2017-01-01

    The Adult High School (AHS) program enables an adult no longer enrolled in public high school to complete the required courses and state assessments to earn a standard high school diploma. Course requirements are in accordance with standards established by the state. A program of instruction for both traditional and co-enrolled AHS students shall…

  13. The Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education (JCTSE) "Educate the Educators" Faculty Development Course: Analysis of the First 5 Years.

    PubMed

    Yang, Stephen C; Vaporciyan, Ara A; Mark, Rebecca J; DaRosa, Deborah A; Stritter, Frank T; Sullivan, Maura E; Verrier, Edward D

    2016-12-01

    Since 2010, the Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc (JCTSE) has sponsored an annual "Educate the Educators" (EtE) course. The goal is to provide United States academic cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) the fundamentals of teaching skills, educational curriculum development, and using education for academic advancement. This report describes the course development and evaluation along with attendee's self-assessment of skills through the first 5 years of the program. The content of this 2½-day course was based on needs assessment surveys of CTS and residents attending annual meetings in 2009. From 2010 to 2014, EtE was offered to all CTS at training programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Course content was evaluated by using end-of-course evaluation forms. A 5-point Likert scale (1 = poor, 5 = excellent) was used to obtain composite assessment mean scores for the 5 years on course variables, session presentations, and self-assessments. With 963 known academic CTS in the United States, 156 (16.3%) have attended, representing 70 of 72 training programs (97%), and 1 international surgeon attended. There were also 7 program coordinators. Ratings of core course contents ranged from 4.4 to 4.8, accompanied with highly complementary comments. Through self-assessment, skills and knowledge in all content areas statistically improved significantly. The effect of the course was evaluated with a follow-up survey in which responders rated the program 4.3 on the usefulness of the information for their career and 3.9 for educational productivity. The EtE program offers an excellent opportunity for academic CTS to enhance their teaching skills, develop educational activities, and prepare for academic promotion. With its unique networking and mentorship environment, the EtE program is an important resource in the evolution of cardiothoracic surgical training in the United States. Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. One-to-One Laptop Programs: Do Students in Identified Illinois High Schools Have an Advantage When State Assessments Are Computer-Based?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bleyer, Charles T.

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine if students in identified Illinois high schools who were a part of a one-to-one (1:1) laptop program achieved higher results on the computer-based Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment than students in identified Illinois high schools that did not…

  15. Status of Net Metering: Assessing the Potential to Reach Program Caps

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Heeter, J.; Gelman, R.; Bird, L.

    2014-09-01

    Several states are addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. In this analysis, we examine net metering caps to gain perspective on how long net metering will be available in various jurisdictions under current policies. We also surveyed state practices and experience to understand important policy design considerations.

  16. Assessment of data quality and reporting systems for underserved populations: the case of integrated community case management programs in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Nyangara, Florence M; Hai, Tajrina; Zalisk, Kirsten; Ozor, Lynda; Ufere, Joy; Isiguzo, Chinwoke; Abubakar, Ibrahim Ndaliman

    2018-05-01

    Decision makers are searching for reliable data and best practices to support the implementation and scale-up of the integrated community case management (iCCM) programs in underserved areas to reduce under-five mortality in low-income countries. This study assesses data quality and reporting systems of the World Health Organization supported Rapid Access Expansion program implementing iCCM in Abia and Niger States, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study used data from 16 primary health facilities in both states. Data were collected through review of registers and monthly summary reports of 140 community-oriented resource persons (CORPs), assessments of the five dimensions of the data reporting systems and 46 key informant interviews with stakeholders. Data quality was assessed by availability, completeness and consistency. Each component of the reporting system was assessed on a 3-point scale (weak, satisfactory and strong). Results show that both the structure, functions and capabilities, as well as data collection and reporting tools dimensions of the reporting system were strong, scoring (2.80, 2.73) for Abia and (2.88, 2.75) for Niger, respectively. Data management processes and links with national reporting system components scored low 2 s, indicating fair strength. Data availability, completeness and consistency were found to be good, an indication of adequate training and supervision of CORPs and community health extension workers. Indicator definitions and reporting guidelines were the weakest dimension of the system due to lack of data reporting guidelines in both states. In conclusion, the results indicate satisfactory data reporting systems and good quality data during early implementation of iCCM programs in the two states. Hence, countries planning to adopt and implement iCCM programs should first develop structures, establish national standardized tools for collecting and reporting data, provide for adequate training and supervision of community health workers and develop reporting guidelines for all reporting levels to ensure data quality.

  17. The Cost of Saving Electricity Through Energy Efficiency Programs Funded by Utility Customers: 2009–2015

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hoffman, Ian M.; Goldman, Charles A.; Murphy, Sean

    The average cost to utilities to save a kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the United States is 2.5 cents, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the cost performance of energy efficiency programs funded by electricity customers. These costs are similar to those documented earlier. Cost-effective efficiency programs help ensure electricity system reliability at the most affordable cost as part of utility planning and implementation activities for resource adequacy. Building on prior studies, Berkeley Lab analyzed the cost performance of 8,790 electricity efficiency programs between 2009 and 2015 for 116 investor-owned utilities and other program administrators in 41 states. Themore » Berkeley Lab database includes programs representing about three-quarters of total spending on electricity efficiency programs in the United States.« less

  18. An empirical assessment of the Healthy Early Childhood Program in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Felipe Garcia; Braun, Gisele; Carraro, André; Teixeira, Gibran da Silva; Gigante, Denise Petrucci

    2018-01-01

    We investigate the effect of a family-based primary health care program (Healthly Early Childhood Program) on infant mortality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We estimate infant mortality's counterfactual trajectories using the differences-in-differences approach, combined with the use of longitudinal data for all municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Our main result is that the program reduced the number of deaths caused by external causes. The length of exposure to the program seems to potentiate the effects. For the number of deaths by general causes, there is no evidence of impact. Our findings are consistent with the nature of the program that aims to improve adults care with children. The Healthly Early Childhood Program is effective in reducing the number of avoidable deaths in infants.

  19. Evidence-Based Program Service Deserts: A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Approach to Identifying Service Gaps for State-Level Implementation Planning.

    PubMed

    Walker, Sarah Cusworth; Hurvitz, Philip M; Leith, Jessica; Rodriguez, Felix I; Endler, Gregory C

    2016-11-01

    The long term effects of untreated mental health need for individuals, families and society has prompted a number of federal policy statements encouraging the use of evidence-based programs (EBP) in children's healthcare. However, among other challenges of evidence-based practice implementation, states often do not know where to make investments based on population need. In this paper we present the use of a Geographic Information System approach to undertake a mental health needs assessment for Washington State. Our study found that this technology can be beneficially applied to conducting needs assessment for EBP implementation, and we provide recommendations for future applications.

  20. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, Phase II, Post-Secondary Education Profile: Wastewater II (Multiple Degree Programs).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    This report, together with volume I (single degree programs), detail 105 post-secondary wastewater treatment programs from 33 states. These programs represent a sample, only, of the various programs available nationwide. Enrollment and graduate statistics are presented. The total number of faculty involved in all the programs surveyed was 1,106;…

  1. Transportation energy strategy: Project {number_sign}5 of the Hawaii Energy Strategy Development Program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    1995-08-01

    This study was prepared for the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) as part of the Hawaii Energy Strategy program. Authority and responsibility for energy planning activities, such as the Hawaii Energy Strategy, rests with the State Energy Resources Coordinator, who is the Director of DBEDT. Hawaii Energy Strategy Study No. 5, Transportation Energy Strategy Development, was prepared to: collect and synthesize information on the present and future use of energy in Hawaii`s transportation sector, examine the potential of energy conservation to affect future energy demand; analyze the possibility of satisfying a portion of the state`s futuremore » transportation energy demand through alternative fuels; and recommend a program targeting energy use in the state`s transportation sector to help achieve state goals. The analyses and conclusions of this report should be assessed in relation to the other Hawaii Energy Strategy Studies in developing a comprehensive state energy program. 56 figs., 87 tabs.« less

  2. Southeast regional and state trends in anuran occupancy from calling survey data (2001-2013) from the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Villena Carpio, Oswaldo; Royle, J. Andrew; Weir, Linda; Foreman, Tasha M.; Gazenski, Kimberly D.; Campbell Grant, Evan H.

    2016-01-01

    We present the first regional trends in anuran occupancy for eight states of the southeastern United States, based on 13 y (2001–2013) of North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) data. The NAAMP is a longterm monitoring program in which observers collect anuran calling observation data at fixed locations along random roadside routes. We assessed occupancy trends for 14 species. We found weak evidence for a general regional pattern of decline in calling anurans within breeding habitats along roads in the southeastern USA over the last 13 y. Two species had positive regional trends with 95% posterior intervals that did not include zero (Hyla cinerea and Pseudacris crucifer). Five other species also showed an increasing trend, while eight species showed a declining trend, although 95% posterior intervals included zero. We also assessed state level trends for 107 species/state combinations. Of these, 14 showed a significant decline and 12 showed a significant increase in occupancy (i.e., credible intervals did not include zero for these 26 trends).

  3. Start Making Sense: Practical Approaches to Outcomes Assessment for Libraries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rabine, Julie; Cardwell, Catherine

    2000-01-01

    Discussion of the accountability of university libraries and assessment methods to show library effectiveness focuses on two assessment tools developed at Bowling Green State University: one program-level assessment which involved a student library skills assessment survey; and one class-level assessment which involved one-shot library instruction…

  4. After-School Program Engagement: Links to Child Competence and Program Quality and Content

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mahoney, Joseph L; Parente, Maria E.; Lord, Heather

    2007-01-01

    This 2-year study assessed program-level differences in after-school program (ASP) engagement in relation to child competencies (effectance motivation, social competence, school grades) and program quality and content. Participants were 141 children (M age = 8.4 years) who attended 9 ASPs in an urban, disadvantaged city in the United States.…

  5. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, Phase II, Post-Secondary Education Profile: Pesticides.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    Pesticide- and toxicology-related programs were reviewed in 21 states and in 26 academic institutions. These programs represent a sample, only, of the various programs available nationwide. Enrollment profiles are given for both pesticide and toxicology programs. The programs described in these profiles are served by a total of 620 faculty.…

  6. For the Children's Sake: How To Develop a Tribal Teacher Education Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barden, Jack; Davis, Carol

    1999-01-01

    Describes the development of a teacher preparation program at Turtle Mountain Community College, which tries to balance pedagogy, subject matter, and culture in a holistic way. States that the program seeks to assess students in the program based on the outcomes they have achieved. Asserts that the hallmark of this embryonic program is…

  7. Examination of sustainability indicators for fall prevention strategies in three states.

    PubMed

    Smith, Matthew Lee; Durrett, Nicholas K; Schneider, Ellen C; Byers, Imani N; Shubert, Tiffany E; Wilson, Ashley D; Towne, Samuel D; Ory, Marcia G

    2018-06-01

    With 1-in-4 older adults suffering a fall each year, fall prevention efforts have emerged as a public health priority. Multi-level, evidence-based fall prevention programs have been promoted by the CDC and other government agencies. To ensure participants and communities receive programs' intended benefits, organizations must repeatedly deliver the programs over time and plan for program sustainability as part of 'scaling up' the initiative. The State Falls Prevention Project (SFPP) began in 2011 when the CDC provided 5 years of funding to State Departments of Health in Colorado, New York, and Oregon to simultaneously implement four fall prevention strategies: 1) Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance; 2) Stepping On; 3) Otago Exercise Program; and 4) STEADI (STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) toolkit. Surveys were performed to examine systems change and perceptions about sustainability across states. The purposes of this study were to: 1) examine how funding influenced the capacity for program implementation and sustainability within the SFPP; and 2) assess reported Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) scores to learn about how best to sustain fall preventing efforts after funding ends. Data showed that more organizations offered evidence-based fall prevention programs in participants' service areas with funding, and the importance of programming implementation, evaluation, and reporting efforts were likely to diminish once funding concluded. Participants' reported PSAT scores about perceived sustainability capacity did not directly align with previously reported perceptions about PSAT domain importance or modifiability. Findings suggest the importance of grantees to identify potential barriers and enablers influencing program sustainability during the planning phase of the programs. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  8. Examining Alignment between State Performance Assessment and Mathematics Classroom Activities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parke, Carol S.; Lane, Suzanne

    2008-01-01

    The authors describe research on the extent to which mathematics classroom activities in Maryland were aligned with Maryland learning outcomes and the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP; Maryland State Department of Education, 1995, 2000). The study was part of a larger research project (S. Lane, C. S. Parke, & C. A. Stone,…

  9. State Evaluation and Assessment Programs: SEA Policy Options. Discussion Draft.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hansen, Kenneth H.

    When establishing statewide and nationally comparable educational evaluation and assessment systems, state education agencies (SEAs) must consider factors affecting policy in at least four areas. First, the full range of purposes for establishing such a system should be clarified. It must be decided whether the system exists to provide data for…

  10. Physical Activity Stories: Assessing the "Meaning Standard" in Physical Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Tyler G.

    2016-01-01

    The presence of the "meaning standard" in both national and state content standards suggests that professionals consider it an important outcome of a quality physical education program. However, only 10 percent of states require an assessment to examine whether students achieve this standard. The purpose of this article is to introduce…

  11. Evaluation of Student Engagement Assessment in Colorado State University's Warner College of Natural Resources

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holman, Debra Kaye

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this mixed methods study was to conduct a participatory program evaluation of student engagement assessment in Colorado State University's (CSU) Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR). The college requested the evaluation after completing two pilot studies of undergraduate engagement which led them to consider establishing the…

  12. DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF MICROBIAL ECOGENOMIC INDICATORS FOR MONITORING WATER QUALITY: REPORT OF A WORKSHOP ASSESSING THE STATE OF THE SCIENCE, RESEARCH.....

    EPA Science Inventory

    This article brings forth recommendations from a workshop sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EMAP) Programs and by the Council of State Governments, held during May 2002 in Kansas ...

  13. A strategic assessment of biofuels development in the Western States

    Treesearch

    Kenneth E. Skog; Robert Rummer; Bryan Jenkins; Nathan Parker; Peter Tittman; Quinn Hart; Richard Nelson; Ed Gray; Anneliese Schmidt; Marcia Patton-Mallory; Gordon Gayle

    2009-01-01

    The Western Governors' Association assessment of biofuels potential in western states estimated the location and capacity of biofuels plants that could potentially be built for selected gasoline prices in 2015 using a mixed integer programming model. The model included information on forest biomass supply curves by county (developed using Forest Service FIA data...

  14. 34 CFR 388.20 - What additional selection criterion is used under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... State unit in-service training plan responds to needs identified in their training needs assessment and... employment outcomes; and (iv) The State has conducted a needs assessment of the in-service training needs for... Secretary uses the following additional selection criteria to evaluate an application: (a) Evidence of need...

  15. 34 CFR 388.20 - What additional selection criterion is used under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... State unit in-service training plan responds to needs identified in their training needs assessment and... employment outcomes; and (iv) The State has conducted a needs assessment of the in-service training needs for... Secretary uses the following additional selection criteria to evaluate an application: (a) Evidence of need...

  16. 34 CFR 388.20 - What additional selection criterion is used under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... State unit in-service training plan responds to needs identified in their training needs assessment and... employment outcomes; and (iv) The State has conducted a needs assessment of the in-service training needs for... Secretary uses the following additional selection criteria to evaluate an application: (a) Evidence of need...

  17. 34 CFR 388.20 - What additional selection criterion is used under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... State unit in-service training plan responds to needs identified in their training needs assessment and... employment outcomes; and (iv) The State has conducted a needs assessment of the in-service training needs for... Secretary uses the following additional selection criteria to evaluate an application: (a) Evidence of need...

  18. 34 CFR 388.20 - What additional selection criterion is used under this program?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... State unit in-service training plan responds to needs identified in their training needs assessment and... employment outcomes; and (iv) The State has conducted a needs assessment of the in-service training needs for... Secretary uses the following additional selection criteria to evaluate an application: (a) Evidence of need...

  19. Availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation programs in one Brazilian state: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Sérvio, Thaianne Cavalcante; Ghisi, Gabriela Lima de Melo; Silva, Lilian Pinto da; Silva, Luciana Duarte Novais; Lima, Marcia Maria Oliveira; Pereira, Danielle Aparecida Gomes; Grace, Sherry L; Britto, Raquel Rodrigues

    2018-03-22

    Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a recommended model of care for cardiovascular diseases; however, is not widely available and is underutilized, especially in low- and middle-income countries. To identify the CR programs available in one Brazilian state (Minas Gerais; MG) and describe their characteristics by funding type. In this multi-center descriptive study, CR programs were identified in four MG regions and 41 CR coordinators were sent a survey to report the characteristics of their programs, including CR components described in guidelines and barriers to patients' participation. Descriptive and comparative analysis between public and private programs were carried out. Forty-one CR programs were identified, only 21.9% public. Nineteen completed the survey. The majority of CR programs offered initial assessment and physical training. Components of comprehensive CR programs that were rarely offered included treatment of tobacco dependence, psychological support and lipid control. Physical therapists were present in all CR programs. The six-minute walk test was used in most programs to assess functional capacity. Programs were located intra-hospital only in public hospitals. Phase 2 (initial outpatient) and phase 4 (maintenance) were offered significantly more in private programs when compared to public ones. The main barrier for CR participation was the lack of referral. The availability of CR programs in MG state is low, especially public programs. Most programs do not offer all core components of CR. Copyright © 2018 Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  20. Assessing the Nation's Coastal Waters....Better

    EPA Science Inventory

    The USEPA has been assessing estuarine and coastal condition in the United States since 1999 via the National Coastal Assessment (NCA) and National Aquatic Resources Surveys (NARS) programs. Approximately 1500 randomly selected coastal sites were surveyed annually during summers ...

  1. Design and implementation of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: a United States example: understanding the limitations of using compliance-monitoring data to assess the water quality of a large river basin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wangsness, David J.

    1997-01-01

    In the 1980s it was determined that existing ambient and compliance-monitoring data could not satisfactorily evaluate the results of hundreds of billions of dollars spent for water-pollution abatement in the United States. At the request of the US Congress, a new programme, the National Water-Quality Assessment, was designed and implemented by government agency, the US Geological Survey (USGS). The Assessment has reported status and trends in surface- and ground-water quality at national, regional, and local scales since 1991. The legislative basis for US monitoring and data-sharing policies are identified as well as the successive phases of the design and implementation of the USGS Assessment. Application to the Danube Basin is suggested. Much of the water-quality monitoring conducted in the United States is designed to comply with Federal and State laws mandated primarily by the Clean Water Act of 1987 and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986. Monitoring programs generally focus on rivers upstream and downstream of point-source discharges and at water-supply intakes. Few data are available for aquifer systems, and chemical analyses are often limited to those constituents required by law. In most cases, the majority of the available chemical and streamflow data have provided the information necessary to meet the objectives of the compliance-monitoring programs, but do not necessarily provide the information requires for basin-wide assessments of the water quality at the local, regional, or national scale.

  2. Assessing institutional support for Hispanic nursing student retention: a study to evaluate the psychometric properties of two self-assessment inventories.

    PubMed

    Bond, Mary Lou; Cason, Carolyn L

    2014-01-01

    To assess the content validity and internal consistency reliability of the Healthcare Professions Education Program Self-Assessment (PSA) and the Institutional Self-Assessment for Factors Supporting Hispanic Student Retention (ISA). Health disparities among vulnerable populations are among the top priorities demanding attention in the United States. Efforts to recruit and retain Hispanic nursing students are essential. Based on a sample of provosts, deans/directors, and an author of the Model of Institutional Support, participants commented on the perceived validity and usefulness of each item of the PSA and ISA. Internal consistency reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha using responses from nursing schools in states with large Hispanic populations. The ISA and PSA were found to be reliable and valid tools for assessing institutional friendliness. The instruments highlight strengths and identify potential areas of improvement at institutional and program levels.

  3. 50 CFR 86.120 - What is the Comprehensive National Assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Assessment? 86.120 Section 86.120 Wildlife and Fisheries UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT... INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG) PROGRAM Completing the Comprehensive National Assessment § 86.120 What is the Comprehensive National Assessment? The Comprehensive National Assessment is a national report integrating the...

  4. 50 CFR 86.120 - What is the Comprehensive National Assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Assessment? 86.120 Section 86.120 Wildlife and Fisheries UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT... INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG) PROGRAM Completing the Comprehensive National Assessment § 86.120 What is the Comprehensive National Assessment? The Comprehensive National Assessment is a national report integrating the...

  5. 50 CFR 86.120 - What is the Comprehensive National Assessment?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Assessment? 86.120 Section 86.120 Wildlife and Fisheries UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT... INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG) PROGRAM Completing the Comprehensive National Assessment § 86.120 What is the Comprehensive National Assessment? The Comprehensive National Assessment is a national report integrating the...

  6. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROBLEMS IN TEACHING ADULTS AS REPORTED BY TEACHERS OF ADULTS AND DIRECTORS OF ADULT EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOL REIMBURSED HOME ECONOMICS PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK STATE DURING THE PERIOD 1960-1962.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    FERRANTE, LOUISE ANN

    AN INVESTIGATION WAS MADE OF PROBLEMS AND PERSONAL NEEDS IN NEW YORK STATE REIMBURSED PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ADULT EDUCATION IN HOME ECONOMICS AS SEEN BY TEACHERS AND BY ADULT EDUCATION DIRECTORS, OF PROGRAM AND TEACHER CHARACTERISTICS, AND OF DIFFERENCES IN ASSESSMENTS BY TEACHERS UNDER DIFFERING TYPES OF CERTIFICATION. QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES…

  7. FHM lichen community results from Wyoming, 1997: a preliminary summary

    Treesearch

    Peter Neitlich; Linda Hasselback; Susan Szewczak; Paul Rogers

    1999-01-01

    The Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program seeks to assess the condition and trend of the forests of the United States (Riiters et al. 1992; NAPAP 1993). FHM is linked with the national sampling grid established by the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) of the Environmental Protection Agency. Epiphytic lichen communities were included in FHM because...

  8. Year One Implications of a Teacher Performance Assessment's Impact on Multicultural Education across a Secondary Education Teacher Preparation Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liu, Laura B.; Milman, Natalie B.

    2013-01-01

    This case study examines the impact of the 1-year implementation of a state-mandated, standardized teacher performance assessment (TPA) on a faculty's infusion of multicultural education across a secondary education teacher preparation program. Findings show that faculty and teacher candidate (TC) perceptions predominantly concluded that the TPA…

  9. Calibration Study of POWER Performance Levels to the CASAS Scale. Research Brief No. 5

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Posey, Virginia

    2005-01-01

    The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, as part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, requires programs to use standardized assessments to report learning gains for students in adult education programs. In addition, local and state agencies need an accountability tool for students who are difficult to assess adequately with a…

  10. [Methodologies for Ascertaining Local Education Needs and for Allocating and Developing Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bellott, Fred

    A survey of 125 school systems in the United States was conducted to investigate methodologies used for developing needs assessment programs at a local level. Schools were asked to reply to a questionnaire which attempted to detail and identify how needs assessment programs are set up, what methodologies are employed, the number of resultant…

  11. Georgia's Teacher Performance Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fenton, Anne Marie; Wetherington, Pamela

    2016-01-01

    Like most states, Georgia until recently depended on an assessment of content knowledge to award teaching licenses, along with a licensure recommendation from candidates' educator preparation programs. While the content assessment reflected candidates' grasp of subject matter, licensure decisions did not hinge on direct, statewide assessment of…

  12. State Energy Efficiency Benefits and Opportunities

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Describes the benefits of energy efficiency and how to assess its potential for your state. Also, find details on energy efficiency policies, programs, and resources available for furthering energy efficiency goals.

  13. Using Assessment as a Basis for Improvement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harms, Thelma

    2009-01-01

    Improving the quality of early childhood programs has become a public policy priority, not only in the United States but also in Canada, Europe, and Asia. As programs are given increasing amounts of public funds, more systematic oversight of program quality is being required. Because many of these programs are conducted under various auspices in a…

  14. Developing the Preparation in STEM Leadership Programs for Undergraduate Academic Peer Leaders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Blackwell, Stacey; Katzen, Sari; Patel, Nipa; Sun, Yan; Emenike, Mary

    2017-01-01

    The authors introduce the Preparation in STEM Leadership Program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. This NSF-Funded program and research study creates a centralized training program for peer leaders that includes a battery of assessments to evaluate peer leaders' content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, communication skills, and…

  15. Assessing the present state and potential of Medicaid controlled substance lock-in programs.

    PubMed

    Roberts, Andrew W; Skinner, Asheley Cockrell

    2014-05-01

    Nonmedical use of prescription medications--particularly controlled substances--has risen dramatically in recent decades, resulting in alarming increases in overdose-related health care utilization, costs, and mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 80% of abused and misused controlled substances originate as legal prescriptions. As such, policymakers and payers have the opportunity to combat nonmedical use by regulating controlled substance accessibility within legal prescribing and dispensing processes. One common policy strategy is found in Medicaid controlled substance lock-in programs. Lock-in programs identify Medicaid beneficiaries exhibiting high-risk controlled substance seeking behavior and "lock in" these patients to, typically, a single prescriber and pharmacy from which they may obtain Medicaid-covered controlled substance prescriptions. Lock-in restrictions are intended to improve care coordination between providers, reduce nonmedical use behaviors, and limit Medicaid costs stemming from nonmedical use and diversion. Peer-reviewed and gray literature have been examined to assess the current prevalence and design of Medicaid lock-in programs, as well as the current evidence base for informing appropriate program design and understanding program effectiveness. Forty-six state Medicaid agencies currently operate lock-in programs. Program design varies widely between states in terms of defining high-risk controlled substance use, the scope of actual lock-in restrictions, and length of program enrollment. Additionally, there is a remarkable dearth of peer-reviewed literature evaluating the design and effectiveness of Medicaid lock-in programs. Nearly all outcomes evidence stemmed from publicly accessible internal Medicaid program evaluations, which largely investigated cost savings to the state. Lock-in programs are highly prevalent and poised to play a meaningful role in curbing the prescription drug abuse epidemic. However, achieving these ends requires a concerted effort from the academic and policy communities to rigorously evaluate the effect of lock-in programs on patient outcomes, determine optimal program design, and explore opportunities to enhance lock-in program impact through coordination with parallel controlled substance policy efforts, namely prescription drug-monitoring programs.

  16. A Technique for the Assessment of Flight Operability Characteristics of Human Rated Spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crocker, Alan

    2010-01-01

    In support of new human rated spacecraft development programs, the Mission Operations Directorate at NASA Johnson Space Center has implemented a formal method for the assessment of spacecraft operability. This "Spacecraft Flight Operability Assessment Scale" defines six key themes of flight operability, with guiding principles and goals stated for each factor. A standardized rating technique provides feedback that is useful to the operations, design and program management communities. Applicability of this concept across the program structure and life cycle is addressed. Examples of operationally desirable and undesirable spacecraft design characteristics are provided, as is a sample of the assessment scale product.

  17. The NASA Lewis Research Center SBIR program: An assessment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Grimes, Hubert H.; Metzger, Marie E.; Kim, Walter S.

    1993-01-01

    An assessment was made of the NASA Lewis Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for the years 1983 to 1989. The assessment was based on the study of 99 Phase 1 contracts and 39 Phase 2 contracts. The overall impact of SBIR was found to be very positive, contributing strongly to many NASA programs. In addition, many successful efforts were commercialized benefiting the small business, federal agencies, and the aerospace industry. The program was evaluated in terms of contract quality, innovativeness, comparison to the state-of-the-art, achievement of goals, difficulty, and impact. Program difficulties were also identified, which could suggest possible program improvements. Much of the information gained in this assessment provided a basis for a SBIR data base which will be updated every year. This data base is computerized and will provide an excellent source of information about past SBIR efforts and company capabilities.

  18. EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DATA BROWSER

    EPA Science Inventory


    The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale asse...

  19. Negotiating Implementation of High-Stakes Performance Assessment Policies in Teacher Education: From Compliance to Inquiry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peck, Charles A.; Gallucci, Chrysan; Sloan, Tine

    2010-01-01

    Teacher education programs in the United States face a variety of new accountability policies at both the federal and the state level. Many of these policies carry high-stakes implications for students and programs and involve some of the same challenges for implementation as they have in the P-12 arena. Serious dilemmas for teacher educators…

  20. Unified State Plan for Guidance, Counseling and Placement in Colorado. Grades K-6.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terrill, Jerry; And Others

    This guide, one of three units in the Colorado state plan for guidance program development, is written for educators as both a guideline and a needs assessment instrument to assist in the identification of deficit areas in school guidance programs. In a beginning section, this unit for the elementary years provides a brief philosophy of elementary…

  1. "Do I Have to Leave?" Beyond Linear Text: Struggling Readers' Motivation with an Innovative Musical Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bennett, Susan V.; Calderone, Cynthia; Dedrick, Robert F.; Gunn, AnnMarie Alberton

    2015-01-01

    In this mixed method research, we examined the effects of reading and singing software program (RSSP) as a reading intervention on struggling readers' reading achievement as measured by the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, the high stakes state test administered in the state of Florida, at one elementary school. Our team defined struggling…

  2. Unified State Plan for Guidance, Counseling and Placement in Colorado. Grades 7-12.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terrill, Jerry; And Others

    This guide, one of three units in the Colorado state plan for guidance program development, is written for educators as both a guideline and a needs assessment instrument to assist in the identification of deficit areas in school guidance programs. In a beginning section, this unit for grades 7-12 provides a brief philosophy of guidance and…

  3. Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application and Income Verification Practices in School Nutrition Programs in the United States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kwon, Junehee; Lee, Yee Ming; Park, Eunhye; Wang, Yujia; Rushing, Keith

    2017-01-01

    Purpose/Objectives: This study assessed current practices and attitudes of school nutrition program (SNP) management staff regarding free and reduced-price (F-RP) meal application and verification in SNPs. Methods: Stratified, randomly selected 1,500 SNP management staff in 14 states received a link to an online questionnaire and/or a printed…

  4. Terrorism and emergency preparedness in state and territorial public health departments--United States, 2004.

    PubMed

    2005-05-13

    After the events of September 11, 2001, federal funding for state public health preparedness programs increased from $67 million in fiscal year (FY) 2001 to approximately $1 billion in FY 2002. These funds were intended to support preparedness for and response to terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) assessed the impact of funding on epidemiologic capacity, including terrorism preparedness and response, in state health departments in November 2001 and again in May 2004, after distribution of an additional $1 billion in FY 2003. This report describes the results of those assessments, which indicated that increased funding for terrorism preparedness and emergency response has rapidly increased the number of epidemiologists and increased capacity for preparedness at the state level. However, despite the increase in epidemiologists, state public health officials estimate that 192 additional epidemiologists, an increase of 45.3%, are needed nationwide to fully staff terrorism preparedness programs.

  5. An investigation of perceptions of programme quality support of adult basic education programmes.

    PubMed

    Udouj, Gary; Grover, Kenda; Belcher, Greg; Kacirek, Kit

    2017-04-01

    This study was designed to identify the degree to which the directors of adult basic education programs perceive they have program quality support, as evidenced by a well-defined mission and role in the community, a management system, human resources management, and a suitable learning environment. NSCALL's Evidence-based program self-assessment (2006) was modified and administered electronically to administrators of adult education programs in a mid-southern state. Findings indicated that most directors perceive they are implementing the indicators of program quality support in all of the areas surveyed. A research-based annual self-study that considers the quality indicators is recommended, leaving a need for an update to the NCSALL assessment for use as a program assessment instrument. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. High-Stakes & Assessment Innovation: A Negative Correlation? Research Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ananda, Sri; Rabinowitz, Stanley

    This paper makes the case that, as implemented so far, there has been an inverse correlation between innovation and accountability in statewide assessment systems. The higher the stakes attached to the assessment results, the more conservative the assessment methodology ultimately used. Case studies of two state assessment programs were carried…

  7. U.S. Immunization program adult immunization activities and resources.

    PubMed

    Woods, LaDora O; Bridges, Carolyn B; Graitcer, Samuel B; Lamont, Brock

    2016-04-02

    Adults are recommended to receive vaccines based on their age, medical conditions, prior vaccinations, occupation and lifestyle. However, adult immunization coverage is low in the United States and lags substantially below Healthy People 2020 goals. To assess activities and resources designated for adult immunization programs by state and local health department immunization programs in the United States, we analyzed 2012 and 2013 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Program Annual Reports and Progress Assessments (PAPA) survey of CDC-funded immunization programs. Fifty-six of 64 funded US immunization programs' responses were included in the analysis. Eighty-two percent of (n = 46) programs reported having a designated adult immunization coordinator in 2012 and 73% (n = 41) in 2013. Of the 46 coordinators reported in 2012, 30% (n = 14) spent more than 50% of their time on adult immunization activities, and only 24% (n = 10) of the 41 adult coordinators in 2013 spent more than 50% of their time on adult immunization activities. In 2012, 23% (n = 13) of the 56 programs had a separate immunization coalition for adults and 68% (n = 38) included adult issues in their overall immunization program coalition. In 2013, 25% (n = 14) had a separate adult immunization coalition while 57% (n = 32) incorporated adult immunizations into their overall immunization program coalition. The results indicate substantial variation across the US in public health infrastructure to support adult immunizations. Continued assessment of adult immunization resources and activities will be important in improving adult immunization coverage levels though program support. With many programs having limited resources dedicated to improving adult immunization rates in the in US, efforts by the health departments to collaborate with providers and other partners in their jurisdictions to increase awareness, increase the use of proven strategies to improve vaccination of adults, and implement the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice may lead to improved adult immunization coverage and fewer illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths from vaccine preventable diseases.

  8. U.S. Immunization program adult immunization activities and resources

    PubMed Central

    Woods, LaDora O.; Bridges, Carolyn B.; Graitcer, Samuel B.; Lamont, Brock

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Adults are recommended to receive vaccines based on their age, medical conditions, prior vaccinations, occupation and lifestyle. However, adult immunization coverage is low in the United States and lags substantially below Healthy People 2020 goals. To assess activities and resources designated for adult immunization programs by state and local health department immunization programs in the United States, we analyzed 2012 and 2013 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Program Annual Reports and Progress Assessments (PAPA) survey of CDC-funded immunization programs. Fifty-six of 64 funded US immunization programs' responses were included in the analysis. Eighty-two percent of (n = 46) programs reported having a designated adult immunization coordinator in 2012 and 73% (n = 41) in 2013. Of the 46 coordinators reported in 2012, 30% (n = 14) spent more than 50% of their time on adult immunization activities, and only 24% (n = 10) of the 41 adult coordinators in 2013 spent more than 50% of their time on adult immunization activities. In 2012, 23% (n = 13) of the 56 programs had a separate immunization coalition for adults and 68% (n = 38) included adult issues in their overall immunization program coalition. In 2013, 25% (n = 14) had a separate adult immunization coalition while 57% (n = 32) incorporated adult immunizations into their overall immunization program coalition. The results indicate substantial variation across the US in public health infrastructure to support adult immunizations. Continued assessment of adult immunization resources and activities will be important in improving adult immunization coverage levels though program support. With many programs having limited resources dedicated to improving adult immunization rates in the in US, efforts by the health departments to collaborate with providers and other partners in their jurisdictions to increase awareness, increase the use of proven strategies to improve vaccination of adults, and implement the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice may lead to improved adult immunization coverage and fewer illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths from vaccine preventable diseases. PMID:26577532

  9. 77 FR 34953 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-12

    ... needs assessment similar to the assessment required for all States under the legislation and (2... 5-year cooperative agreements to conduct community needs assessments, plan for and implement (in... Childhood Home Visiting Program Guidance for Submitting a Needs Assessment and Plan for Responding to...

  10. Ensuring Teacher Education Program Success through Formative Assessments: An Overview of the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lane, Jennie F.; Mollica, Jamie; Windjue, Sara

    2013-01-01

    The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) is a statewide education program located in the Midwest of the United States. The goal of the program is to leverage teacher education to improve and increase energy literacy in Wisconsin's K-12 schools as a means of contributing to statewide energy savings. Created in 1995, the program continues…

  11. Analyzing course objectives: assessing critical thinking in the pharmacy curriculum.

    PubMed

    Vuchetich, Phillip J; Hamilton, William R; Ahmad, S Omar; Makoid, Michael C

    2006-01-01

    Assessment of critical thinking objectives in a pharmacy program curriculum is an important part of program assessment. This study measures the proportion of cognitive learning objectives at various levels of Bloom's taxonomy throughout the required curriculum using the stated objectives in course syllabi (the explicit curriculum). In one entry level doctor of pharmacy program, 54.90% of cognitive objectives identified critical thinking outcomes using the rubric of Bloom's level 3 or higher as an indicator of critical thinking. In this program, there was a similar percent of critical thinking objectives in each of the first three years, but the final year of the curriculum had a higher percent of critical thinking objectives than each of the first three years (p = 0.0018, Kruskal-Wallis test). The increase in critical thinking in the final year suggests that the explicit expectations in the syllabi are weighted toward a higher percent of critical thinking objectives during clinical rotations. The methods described in the study may serve as tools for a curriculum committee or program assessment team to compare critical thinking in the curriculum at different points in time, and may assist in curricular mapping efforts. These methods may complement studies measuring the implicit curriculum (that which the faculty actually teach, which may not be stated in the explicit curriculum.).

  12. Recent Changes in New Jersey Welfare and Work, Child Care, and Child Welfare Systems. State Update No. 7. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koralek, Robin; Pindus, Nancy; Capizzano, Jeffrey; Bess, Roseana

    New Jersey has a history of successfully providing a strong safety net to support low-income families on welfare and the working poor. Despite its emphasis on work and responsibility, it has maintained a high level of support for many public assistance programs. The governor changed the emphasis of New Jersey's welfare program from education and…

  13. 10 CFR 37.29 - Relief from fingerprinting, identification, and criminal history records checks and other...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... under 27 CFR part 555; (4) Health and Human Services security risk assessments for possession and use of...; (6) State Radiation Control Program Directors and State Homeland Security Advisors or their designated State employee representatives; (7) Agreement State employees conducting security inspections on...

  14. Assessment of Quality Vocational Education in State Prisons. Successful Programs and the Components that Permit Them to Succeed. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rice, Eric; And Others

    The purpose of this research study was to discern, analyze, describe, and disseminate information about exemplary programs and the critical variables or strategies within program design that lead to reducing recidivism, increasing post-release employment, and increasing in-program success in vocational education programs located in adult-level…

  15. Proceedings of the HEA Title II-B Institute on Continuing Education Program Planning for Library Staffs in the Southwest, March 17-28, 1975.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foos, Donald D., Comp.

    The proceedings of the Institute on Continuing Education Program Planning for Library Staffs in the Southwest contain historical and state-of-the-art information, needs assessments, program planning information, program descriptions and the Continuing Education for Library Staff program. The continuing education needs of medical, school, special,…

  16. An Assessment of the State of the Art of Curriculum Materials and a Status Assessment of Training Programs for Robotics/Automated Systems Technicians. Task Analysis and Descriptions of Required Job Competencies of Robotics/Automated Systems Technicians.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hull, Daniel M.; Lovett, James E.

    This report presents the results of research conducted to determine the current state of the art of robotics/automated systems technician (RAST) training offered in the United States. Section I discusses the RAST curriculum project, of which this state-of-the-art review is a part, and offers a RAST job description. Section II describes the…

  17. Another Store Down the Street

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Purdom, Tom

    1978-01-01

    Having no faculty or classrooms and offering no courses by mail or television, the external degree program at Thomas Edison State College in Pennsylvania is described as an accredited program whereby college credits are gained primarily through the use of CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests and individual assessment. (BM)

  18. The European Marine Strategy: Noise Monitoring in European Marine Waters from 2014.

    PubMed

    Dekeling, René; Tasker, Mark; Ainslie, Michael; Andersson, Mathias; André, Michel; Borsani, Fabrizio; Brensing, Karsten; Castellote, Manuel; Dalen, John; Folegot, Thomas; van der Graaf, Sandra; Leaper, Russell; Liebschner, Alexander; Pajala, Jukka; Robinson, Stephen; Sigray, Peter; Sutton, Gerry; Thomsen, Frank; Werner, Stefanie; Wittekind, Dietrich; Young, John V

    2016-01-01

    The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires European member states to develop strategies for their marine waters leading to programs of measures that achieve or maintain good environmental status (GES) in all European seas by 2020. An essential step toward reaching GES is the establishment of monitoring programs, enabling the state of marine waters to be assessed on a regular basis. A register for impulsive noise-generating activities would enable assessment of their cumulative impacts on wide temporal and spatial scales; monitoring of ambient noise would provide essential insight into current levels and any trend in European waters.

  19. Equal Educational Opportunity: Hearings Before the Select Committee on Equal Educational Opportunity of the United States Senate, Ninety-Second Congress, First Session on Equal Educational Opportunity. Part 19A-1--Equal Educational Opportunity in Michigan: U.S. Senate Select Committee on Equal Educational Opportunity Staff Charts on Michigan's Educational Assessment Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Select Committee on Equal Educational Opportunity.

    The Staff of the Select Committee on Equal Educational Opportunity spent several months, during 1971, examining the Michigan Department of Education records of the Michigan Educational Assessment program--as well as visiting in various school districts of the State. The charts presented in this volume of the Committee's hearings are the result of…

  20. The health effects of US unemployment insurance policy: does income from unemployment benefits prevent cardiovascular disease?

    PubMed

    Walter, Stefan; Glymour, Maria; Avendano, Mauricio

    2014-01-01

    Previous studies suggest that unemployment predicts increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but whether unemployment insurance programs mitigate this risk has not been assessed. Exploiting US state variations in unemployment insurance benefit programs, we tested the hypothesis that more generous benefits reduce CVD risk. Cohort data came from 16,108 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) aged 50-65 at baseline interviewed from 1992 to 2010. Data on first and recurrent CVD diagnosis assessed through biennial interviews were linked to the generosity of unemployment benefit programmes in each state and year. Using state fixed-effect models, we assessed whether state changes in the generosity of unemployment benefits predicted CVD risk. States with higher unemployment benefits had lower incidence of CVD, so that a 1% increase in benefits was associated with 18% lower odds of CVD (OR:0.82, 95%-CI:0.71-0.94). This association remained after introducing US census regional division fixed effects, but disappeared after introducing state fixed effects (OR:1.02, 95%-CI:0.79-1.31).This was consistent with the fact that unemployment was not associated with CVD risk in state-fixed effect models. Although states with more generous unemployment benefits had lower CVD incidence, this appeared to be due to confounding by state-level characteristics. Possible explanations are the lack of short-term effects of unemployment on CVD risk. Future studies should assess whether benefits at earlier stages of the life-course influence long-term risk of CVD.

  1. LANDSAT's role in HUD 701 programs. [New Jersey and South Dakota

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1979-01-01

    A survey of states concerning the use of LANDSAT in support of the comprehensive planning assistance program (Title IV, section 701) of the Housing and Community Development Act (1974) which is aimed mostly at small communities and rural counties, shows: (1) state governments used or were aware of the application of LANDSAT for inventorying land use and land cover at the state and local level; (2) use of satellite data was associated with the development of automated geographic information systems and the computer capability of handling and analyzing mapped information and other data tied to geographic coordinates and boundaries; and (3) LANDSAT capabilities in states tend to be institutionalized within state government information services where they can be readily assessed by state agencies. A summary of the state program for New Jersey and South Dakota is presented along with the state development guide plans, the rationale for using the satellite, and potential applications.

  2. The U.S. Geological Survey Federal-State cooperative water-resources program

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Gilbert, Bruce K.; Buchanan, Thomas J.

    1981-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey Federal-State Cooperative Water Resources Program is a partnership between the Geological Survey and State and local agencies for the collection of the hydrologic information needed for the continuing determination and evaluation of the quantity, quality, and use of the Nation 's water resources. The Cooperative Program has served the Nation for more than 80 years, and in 1981 more than 800 State and local agencies have cooperative programs with the Geological Survey with total funding over $80 million. The process of project selection in the Cooperative Water Resources Program is a mutual effort in which Geological Survey represents national interests, including the needs of other Federal agencies, and the cooperator represents State and local interests. The result is a balanced program that involves careful evaluation of needs, priorities, and resources. The cost sharing ratio of 50-50 is examined and determined to be the best ratio to effectively assess the Nation 's water resources. The Cooperative Program is and has been relevant to the problems of the day. Much of the current technology in ground-water management, ground-water quality, and flood-plain management--to name a few--was developed as part of the Cooperative Program. (USGS)

  3. A quantitative approach to assessing the efficacy of occupant protection programs: A case study from Montana.

    PubMed

    Manlove, Kezia; Stanley, Laura; Peck, Alyssa

    2015-10-01

    Quantitative evaluation of vehicle occupant protection programs is critical for ensuring efficient government resource allocation, but few methods exist for conducting evaluation across multiple programs simultaneously. Here we present an analysis of occupant protection efficacy in the state of Montana. This approach relies on seat belt compliance rates as measured by the National Occupant Protection Usage Survey (NOPUS). A hierarchical logistic regression model is used to estimate the impacts of four Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)-funded occupant protection programs used in the state of Montana, following adjustment for a suite of potential confounders. Activity from two programs, Buckle Up coalitions and media campaigns, are associated with increased seat belt use in Montana, whereas the impact of another program, Selective Traffic Enforcement, is potentially masked by other program activity. A final program, Driver's Education, is not associated with any shift in seat belt use. This method allows for a preliminary quantitative estimation of program impacts without requiring states to obtain any new seat belt use data. This approach provides states a preliminary look at program impacts, and a means for carefully planning future program allocation and investigation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Maintenance quality assurance peer exchange 2.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-04-01

    This report documents a comprehensive study of twenty three maintenance quality assurance : (MQA) programs throughout the United States and Canada. The policies and standards of : each program were synthesized to create a general assessment on the co...

  5. Using Alumni Research To Assess a Veterinary Curriculum and Alumni Employment and Reward Patterns.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bristol, David G.

    2002-01-01

    Surveyed alumni of North Carolina State University's veterinary program to ascertain outcomes of their education. Findings included career path, earnings, satisfaction with the program, and gender differences. (EV)

  6. State Public Health Enabling Authorities: Results of a Fundamental Activities Assessment Examining Core and Essential Services

    PubMed Central

    Hoss, Aila; Menon, Akshara; Corso, Liza

    2016-01-01

    Context Public health enabling authorities establish the legal foundation for financing, organizing, and delivering public health services. State laws vary in terms of the content, depth, and breadth of these fundamental public health activities. Given this variance, the Institute of Medicine has identified state public health laws as an area that requires further examination. To respond to this call for further examination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Law Program conducted a fundamental activities legal assessment on state public health laws. Objective The goal of the legal assessment was to examine state laws referencing frameworks representing public health department fundamental activities (ie, core and essential services) in an effort to identify, catalog, and describe enabling authorities of state governmental public health systems. Design In 2013, Public Health Law Program staff compiled a list of state statutes and regulations referencing different commonly-recognized public health frameworks of fundamental activities. The legal assessment included state fundamental activities laws available on WestlawNext as of July 2013. The results related to the 10 essential public health services and the 3 core public health functions were confirmed and updated in June 2016. Results Eighteen states reference commonly-recognized frameworks of fundamental activities in their laws. Thirteen states have listed the 10 essential public health services in their laws. Eight of these states have also referenced the 3 core public health functions in their laws. Five states reference only the core public health functions. Conclusions Several states reference fundamental activities in their state laws, particularly through use of the essential services framework. Further work is needed to capture the public health laws and practices of states that may be performing fundamental activities but without reference to a common framework. PMID:27682724

  7. State Public Health Enabling Authorities: Results of a Fundamental Activities Assessment Examining Core and Essential Services.

    PubMed

    Hoss, Aila; Menon, Akshara; Corso, Liza

    2016-01-01

    Public health enabling authorities establish the legal foundation for financing, organizing, and delivering public health services. State laws vary in terms of the content, depth, and breadth of these fundamental public health activities. Given this variance, the Institute of Medicine has identified state public health laws as an area that requires further examination. To respond to this call for further examination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Law Program conducted a fundamental activities legal assessment on state public health laws. The goal of the legal assessment was to examine state laws referencing frameworks representing public health department fundamental activities (ie, core and essential services) in an effort to identify, catalog, and describe enabling authorities of state governmental public health systems. In 2013, Public Health Law Program staff compiled a list of state statutes and regulations referencing different commonly-recognized public health frameworks of fundamental activities. The legal assessment included state fundamental activities laws available on WestlawNext as of July 2013. The results related to the 10 essential public health services and the 3 core public health functions were confirmed and updated in June 2016. Eighteen states reference commonly-recognized frameworks of fundamental activities in their laws. Thirteen states have listed the 10 essential public health services in their laws. Eight of these states have also referenced the 3 core public health functions in their laws. Five states reference only the core public health functions. Several states reference fundamental activities in their state laws, particularly through use of the essential services framework. Further work is needed to capture the public health laws and practices of states that may be performing fundamental activities but without reference to a common framework.

  8. EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION OREGON DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

    EPA Science Inventory

    The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a study in the western United States (EPA Regions 8, 9, and 10) that will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-...

  9. Linking the New York State NYSTP Assessments to NWEA MAP Tests

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Northwest Evaluation Association, 2016

    2016-01-01

    Northwest Evaluation Association™ (NWEA™) is committed to providing partners with useful tools to help make inferences from the Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) interim assessment scores. Recently, NWEA completed a concordance study to connect the scales of the New York State Testing Program (NYSTP) reading and math with those of the MAP…

  10. Assessing Sexually Transmitted Disease Partner Services in State and Local Health Departments.

    PubMed

    Cuffe, Kendra M; Leichliter, Jami S; Gift, Thomas L

    2018-06-01

    State and local health department sexually transmitted disease (STD) programs provide several partner services to reduce disease transmission. Budget cuts and temporary staff reassignments for public health emergencies may affect the provision of partner services. Determining the impact of staffing reductions on STD rates and public health response should be further assessed.

  11. Career Preparedness Survey Outcomes of Food Science Graduates--A Follow-Up Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bohlscheid, Jeffri; Clark, Stephanie

    2012-01-01

    Fifty-eight recent graduates (1998-2008) from the joint Washington State University (WSU) and University of Idaho (UI) BiState School of Food Science program and 27 of their employers participated in a survey assessing learning outcomes based on the 2001 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) core competencies for undergraduate food science…

  12. Using Extrinsic Motivation to Influence Student Attitude and Behavior toward State Assessments at an Urban High School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Emmett, Joshua

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative research study was to discover the influence of a student achievement program implemented at one large urban high school that employed extrinsic motivation to promote student achievement on state assessments. Using organismic integration theory as the theoretical framework, 19 randomly selected students participated…

  13. The Starting Line: Developing a Structure for Teacher Ratings of Students' Skills at Kindergarten Entry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goldstein, Jessica; McCoach, D. Betsy

    2011-01-01

    Developmentally appropriate, psychometrically sound instruments are needed to assess young children and evaluate learning programs. In the United States, little guidance exists on the development and use of large-scale assessments that cover the broad range of skills that encompass young children's development. In 2005 and 2006, the State of…

  14. 24 CFR 985.1 - Purpose and applicability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...) Purpose. The Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) is designed to assess whether the Section 8... under the stated HUD verification method, and enrollment levels and contributions to escrow accounts for...

  15. Energy Recovery Hydropower: Prospects for Off-Setting Electricity Costs for Agricultural, Municipal, and Industrial Water Providers and Users; July 2017 - September 2017

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Levine, Aaron L.; Curtis, Taylor L.; Johnson, Kurt

    Energy recovery hydropower is one of the most cost-effective types of new hydropower development because it is constructed utilizing existing infrastructure, and it is typically able to complete Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review in 60 days. Recent changes in federal and state policy have supported energy recovery hydropower. In addition, some states have developed programs and policies to support energy recovery hydropower, including resource assessments, regulatory streamlining initiatives, and grant and loan programs to reduce project development costs. This report examines current federal and state policy drivers for energy recovery hydropower, reviews market trends, and looks ahead at futuremore » federal resource assessments and hydropower reform legislation.« less

  16. Self-Assessment of Knowledge and Training Needs for Personnel Serving Preschool-Aged Handicapped Children: A Rural-Urban Comparison.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wachtel, William J.; And Others

    Two questionnaires were developed to assess the knowledge levels and perceived inservice training needs of those working in handicapped preschool programs in New Mexico and in El Paso Independent School District (EPSID). The New Mexico instrument was sent to all personnel in the state identified as having a connection with preschool programs for…

  17. Challenges in the Implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment Program Review in a California Community College District

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bresciani, Marilee J.

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the manner in which a community college district planned to implement a systematic outcomes-based assessment program review process in order to have results inform institutional, district, and state policy discussions. Data derived from this grounded theory study indicated that there was not a shared…

  18. U.S. Global Change Research Program National Climate Assessment Global Change Information System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tilmes, Curt

    2012-01-01

    The program: a) Coordinates Federal research to better understand and prepare the nation for global change. b) Priori4zes and supports cutting edge scientific work in global change. c) Assesses the state of scientific knowledge and the Nation s readiness to respond to global change. d) Communicates research findings to inform, educate, and engage the global community.

  19. Extrinsic Motivation for Large-Scale Assessments: A Case Study of a Student Achievement Program at One Urban High School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Emmett, Joshua; McGee, Dean

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this case study was to discover the critical attributes of a student achievement program, known as "Think Gold," implemented at one urban comprehensive high school as part of the improvement process. Student achievement on state assessments improved during the period under study. The study draws upon perspectives on…

  20. Examples of State and Tribal Wetland Programs

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    States and tribes play important roles in protecting and restoring wetlands and other water resources by adopting practices within our Core Elements Framework (CEF) to complete various projects. restoration and protection, monitoring and assessment

  1. Implications of Climate Change for State Bioassessment ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This draft report uses biological data collected by four states in wadeable rivers and streams to examine the components of state and tribal bioassessment and biomonitoring programs that may be vulnerable to climate change. The study investigates the potential to identify biological response signals to climate change within existing bioassessment data sets; analyzes how biological responses can be categorized and interpreted; and assesses how they may influence decision-making processes. The analyses suggest that several biological indicators may be used to detect climate change effects and such indicators can be used by state bioassessment programs to document changes at high-quality reference sites. The study investigates the potential to identify biological response signals to climate change within existing bioassessment data sets; analyzes how biological responses can be categorized and interpreted; and assesses how they may influence decision-making processes.

  2. Final Report on the Multicultural/Diversity Assessment Project.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ambrosio, Anthony L.

    The Emporia State University Multicultural/Diversity Project developed a set of assessment instruments and a model evaluation plan to assess multicultural/diversity (MCD) outcomes in teacher education and general education programs. Assessment instruments and techniques were constructed to evaluate the impact of coursework on student attitudes,…

  3. The Cost of Protecting Vulnerable Children II: What Has Changed Since 1996? Occasional Paper Number 46. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bess, Roseanna; Leos-Urbel, Jacob; Geen, Rob

    Given recent changes to child welfare financing brought about by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, there is a need to track spending for child welfare services. This report documents states' total child welfare spending from federal, state, and local sources in state fiscal year (SFY) 1998; changes in…

  4. National Environmental/Energy Workforce Assessment, Phase II, Post-Secondary Education Profile: Solid Waste.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Field Research Center Inc., Iowa City, IA.

    Educational programs in solid waste management offered by 16 schools in 9 states were surveyed. These programs represent a sample, only, of the various programs available nationwide. Enrollment and graduate statistics are presented. Overall, 116 full-time and 124 part-time faculty were involved in the programs surveyed. Curricula and sources of…

  5. An Evaluative Case Study of Nine Virtual High School Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bannister, Clara M.

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to conduct a program evaluation of nine virtual high school programs in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Idaho, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina and Massachusetts. In order to assess the quality and effectiveness of the virtual high school programs in the study in terms of overall quality and…

  6. Mission, Performance Indicators, and Assessment in U.S. Honors: A View from the Netherlands

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bartelds, Vladimir; Drayer, Lyndsay; Wolfensberger, Marca V. C.

    2012-01-01

    A mission statement that identifies the goals and aims of an honors program is a key step in program development. The National Collegiate Honors Council's Basic Characteristics of a Fully Developed Honors Program states unequivocally that a successful honors program "has a clear mandate from the institution's administration in the form of a…

  7. Laboratory System Improvement Program: First in the Nation— New Hampshire Reassessment

    PubMed Central

    Bean, Christine L.; Cosser, Amanda; Vazquez, Alma

    2013-01-01

    The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) conducted an initial Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) assessment in March 2007 and a reassessment in May 2011. New Hampshire was a pilot state for the initial L-SIP assessment in 2007 and was the first laboratory system in the United States to conduct an L-SIP reassessment. The New Hampshire reassessment was also used as a pilot for revising the assessment tool. The NH PHL performed a high-level comparison benchmarking the work done between the two assessments. This comparison revealed areas of improvement and other areas that needed continued focus to align with model standards of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article outlines achievements, improvements, and outcomes made since 2007, as well as participants, activities, plans, resources, and other factors that contributed to the change in scores between assessments. PMID:23997303

  8. Laboratory System Improvement Program: first in the nation--New Hampshire reassessment.

    PubMed

    Power, Jill J; Bean, Christine L; Cosser, Amanda; Vazquez, Alma

    2013-01-01

    The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) conducted an initial Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) assessment in March 2007 and a reassessment in May 2011. New Hampshire was a pilot state for the initial L-SIP assessment in 2007 and was the first laboratory system in the United States to conduct an L-SIP reassessment. The New Hampshire reassessment was also used as a pilot for revising the assessment tool. The NH PHL performed a high-level comparison benchmarking the work done between the two assessments. This comparison revealed areas of improvement and other areas that needed continued focus to align with model standards of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article outlines achievements, improvements, and outcomes made since 2007, as well as participants, activities, plans, resources, and other factors that contributed to the change in scores between assessments.

  9. A national survey of state mental health authority programs and policies for clients who are parents: a decade later.

    PubMed

    Biebel, Kathleen; Nicholson, Joanne; Geller, Jeffrey; Fisher, William

    2006-01-01

    This study presents a survey of State Mental Health Authorities' (SMHA) programs and policies addressing the needs of adult clients in their role as parent. Six program and policy areas (parent status identification, parent-focused residential programs, parent functioning assessment, outpatient services for parents, policies for hospitalized parents, and policies for hospitalized pregnant women) are examined. Results of the most recent 1999 survey are compared with results from a similar 1990 survey. This comparison reveals that the majority of SMHAs continue to overlook adult clients in their parenting role, and few SMHA programs and policies address issues of parenting.

  10. 20 CFR 658.604 - Assessment and evaluation of program performance data.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ..., whether overall or relative to a particular program activity, indicate poor program performance does not... that a State agency's performance is poor that the data may raise a presumption (prima facie case) that... performance data. 658.604 Section 658.604 Employees' Benefits EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION...

  11. Assessment of Examinations in Computer Science Doctoral Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Straub, Jeremy

    2014-01-01

    This article surveys the examination requirements for attaining degree candidate (candidacy) status in computer science doctoral programs at all of the computer science doctoral granting institutions in the United States. It presents a framework for program examination requirement categorization, and categorizes these programs by the type or types…

  12. The Army's High Priority Physical Fitness Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Drews, Fred R.

    1984-01-01

    This article explores the importance of physical fitness in the United States Army. The development of expanded fitness assessment and programs is related to health and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Improved physical training programs, improved nutrition, and fundamental research are necessary for maintaining a highly fit and healthy…

  13. 77 FR 36001 - Draft Report Assessing Rural Water Activities and Related Programs

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-15

    ... describes Federal Programs supporting development and management of water supplies in rural communities in the 17 western states and describes Reclamation's plans to coordinate the Rural Water Supply Program... required by the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006. This section provides background on the reasons for the...

  14. Family Therapy Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rait, Douglas Samuel

    2012-01-01

    Objective: This study describes the current state of family therapy training in a sample of child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs. Method: Child and adolescent psychiatry fellows (N = 66) from seven training programs completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, family therapy training experiences, common models of treatment and…

  15. A Survey Assessment of Florida's Fit To Achieve Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sander, Allan N.; And Others

    This study examined the impact of a Florida State Department of Education project entitled Fit to Achieve--a cardiovascular fitness education program for elementary school children. Of the teachers implementing the program, 24 elementary physical educators and 134 elementary classroom teachers responded to a survey that asked for information on…

  16. Technical assistance from state health departments for communities engaged in policy, systems, and environmental change: the ACHIEVE Program.

    PubMed

    Hefelfinger, Jenny; Patty, Alice; Ussery, Ann; Young, Walter

    2013-10-24

    This study assessed the value of technical assistance provided by state health department expert advisors and by the staff of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) to community groups that participated in the Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and Environmental Change (ACHIEVE) Program, a CDC-funded health promotion program. We analyzed quantitative and qualitative data reported by community project coordinators to assess the nature and value of technical assistance provided by expert advisors and NACDD staff and the usefulness of ACHIEVE resources in the development and implementation of community action plans. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze and categorize phrases in text data provided by community coordinators. Open coding placed conceptual labels on text phrases. Frequency distributions of the quantitative data are described and discussed. The most valuable technical assistance and program support resources were those determined to be in the interpersonal domain (ie, interactions with state expert advisors, NACDD staff, and peer-to-peer support). The most valuable technical assistance events were action institutes, coaches' meetings, webinars, and technical assistance conference calls. This analysis suggests that ACHIEVE communities valued the management and training assistance provided by expert advisors and NACDD staff. State health department expert advisors provided technical guidance and support, including such skills or knowledge-based services as best-practice strategies, review and discussion of community assessment data, sustainability planning, and identification of possible funding opportunities. NACDD staff led development and implementation of technical assistance events.

  17. Glossary of terms related to health, exposure, and risk assessment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    1989-03-01

    Many state and local agencies are developing or implementing programs to control emissions of toxic air pollutants. To successfully carry out these programs, agency personnel must be familiar with a wide range of issues and terms related to health, exposure, and risk assessment for toxic air pollutants. Understanding these issues and terms is not always an easy task. This glossary was prepared by the U.S. EPA's Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC) as a resource tool for State and local air pollution control agencies and U.S. EPA Regional Offices. The purpose of the glossary is to define terms thatmore » are commonly used in health, exposure, and risk assessments for toxic air pollutants.« less

  18. Recommendations for Making Decisions about the Participation of Students with Disabilities in Statewide Assessment Programs: A Report on a Working Conference To Develop Guidelines for Statewide Assessments and Students with Disabilities. Synthesis Report 15.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ysseldyke, James E.; And Others

    This report is a summary of a May 1994 meeting on the participation of students with disabilities in statewide assessment programs. The report reviews the background of the meeting, states the issues addressed, and summarizes the major points of agreement reached. A set of recommendations is offered for making participation and accommodation…

  19. A model for undergraduate physics major outcomes objectives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taylor, G. R.; Erwin, T. Dary

    1989-06-01

    Concern with assessment of student outcomes of undergraduate physics major programs is rapidly rising. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and many other regional and state organizations are requiring explicit outcomes assessment in the accrediting process. The first step in this assessment process for major programs is the establishment of student outcomes objectives. A model and set of physics outcomes (educational) objectives that were developed by the faculty in the Physics Department at James Madison University are presented.

  20. Syringe Disposal among Injection Drug Users in Harlem and the Bronx during the New York State Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cleland, Charles M.; Deren, Sherry; Fuller, Crystal M.; Blaney, Shannon; McMahon, James M.; Tortu, Stephanie; Des Jarlais, Don C.; Vlahov, David

    2007-01-01

    Effective January 1, 2001, New York State enacted the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP), allowing syringes to be sold in pharmacies without a prescription or dispensed through doctors, hospitals, and clinics to adults. A concern in the assessment of ESAP is its effects on syringe disposal practices. Syringe use data regarding…

  1. Evidence of the Adoption and Implementation of a Statewide Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative in the New York State WIC Program: The "NY Fit WIC" Process Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sekhobo, Jackson P.; Egglefield, Katherine; Edmunds, Lynn S.; Shackman, Gene

    2012-01-01

    Process evaluations are critical in determining whether outcome evaluations are warranted. This study assessed the extent to which a childhood obesity prevention initiative, "NY Fit WIC", was adopted and implemented by the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Process data came from…

  2. Expanded Learning (Afterschool) Leaders' Perceptions Regarding Most Important Elements for Program Quality and Use of Self-Assessment Tools for Continuous Improvement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boesch, Julie Anne

    2014-01-01

    California allocates $550 million to expanded learning through After School Education and Safety (ASES) state grants, and $140 million of federal money in 21st Century Community Learning Center grants each year; more than all other states combined. Much variability exists in program quality, and research has identified mixed results as to the…

  3. Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program State Implementation Progress, School Year 2010-2011. Report to Congress--Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Department of Agriculture, 2011

    2011-01-01

    This report responds to the requirement of Public Law 110-246 to assess the effectiveness of State and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals. Under direct certification, children are determined eligible for free school meals without the need for household applications by using data from other means-tested programs. The…

  4. Implementing a statewide rideshare and vanpool program in Arizona

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-06-01

    This research investigated the potential for a statewide ridesharing and vanpool program for Arizona By performing a literature review, surveying other state DOTs and conducting a needs assessment, the research investigated the need for, logistics of...

  5. Ten Things Everyone Should Know about Welfare Reform. New Federalism: Issues and Options for States, Series A, No. A-52. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weil, Alan

    This brief presents 10 key findings about welfare reform, using research from the Urban Institute's Assessing the New Federalism project. Welfare reform has taken hold, and, in the immediate aftermath of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), states have made major changes to their welfare systems that…

  6. EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION SOUTHERN ROCKIES PILOT STUDY AREA DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

    EPA Science Inventory

    The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale assessme...

  7. EMAP WESTERN UNITED STATES LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION NORTHWEST OREGON PILOT STUDY AREA DATA AND PRODUCT BROWSER

    EPA Science Inventory

    The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) is conducting a pilot study in the western United States. This study will advance the science of ecological monitoring and demonstrate techniques for regional-scale assessme...

  8. Industry-University SBIR NDT Projects — A Critical Assessment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reinhart, Eugene R.

    2007-03-01

    The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, funded by various United States government agencies (DOD, DOE, NSF, etc.), provides funds for Research and Development (R&D) of nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques and equipment, thereby supplying valuable money for NDT development by small businesses and stimulating cooperative university programs. A review and critical assessment of the SBIR program as related to NDT is presented and should provide insight into reasons for or against pursuing this source of R&D funding.

  9. New Mexico Articulated Assessment System. Student Achievement Profile: 1988-1989.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New Mexico State Dept. of Education, Santa Fe.

    New Mexico has established a system of student achievement assessment that consists of four coordinated testing programs. District and state results are given for these assessments. The Reading Assessment, consisting of a norm-referenced test and a criterion-referenced test, is used in grades 1 and 2 to assess student mastery of essential…

  10. SHPPS 2006: School Health Policies and Programs Study--Foods and Beverages Sold Outside of the School Meals Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007

    2007-01-01

    The School health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health policies and programs at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. This brief reports study results in the area of foods and beverages sold outside of the school meals program. (Contains 3 tables, 1 figure, and 2…

  11. 42 CFR 441.466 - Assessment of need.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Assessment of need. 441.466 Section 441.466 Public... Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program § 441.466 Assessment of need. States must conduct an assessment of the participant's needs, strengths, and preferences in accordance with the following: (a...

  12. 76 FR 12976 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-09

    ... the statewide needs assessment and initial State plans for developing the program in order to meet the criteria identified in the legislation. Submission of the needs assessments in the form and manner required... submitted needs assessments that identified communities at risk. The needs assessments submitted were...

  13. 42 CFR 441.466 - Assessment of need.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Assessment of need. 441.466 Section 441.466 Public... Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program § 441.466 Assessment of need. States must conduct an assessment of the participant's needs, strengths, and preferences in accordance with the following: (a...

  14. 42 CFR 441.466 - Assessment of need.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Assessment of need. 441.466 Section 441.466 Public... Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program § 441.466 Assessment of need. States must conduct an assessment of the participant's needs, strengths, and preferences in accordance with the following: (a...

  15. 42 CFR 441.466 - Assessment of need.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Assessment of need. 441.466 Section 441.466 Public... Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program § 441.466 Assessment of need. States must conduct an assessment of the participant's needs, strengths, and preferences in accordance with the following: (a...

  16. 42 CFR 441.466 - Assessment of need.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Assessment of need. 441.466 Section 441.466 Public... Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program § 441.466 Assessment of need. States must conduct an assessment of the participant's needs, strengths, and preferences in accordance with the following: (a...

  17. Evaluation of Current Assessment Methods in Engineering Entrepreneurship Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Purzer, Senay; Fila, Nicholas; Nataraja, Kavin

    2016-01-01

    Quality assessment is an essential component of education that allows educators to support student learning and improve educational programs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of assessment in engineering entrepreneurship education. We identified 52 assessment instruments covered in 29 journal articles and conference…

  18. Assessment of state measures of risk-appropriate care for very low birth weight infants and recommendations for enhancing regionalized state systems.

    PubMed

    Nowakowski, Lindsey; Barfield, Wanda D; Kroelinger, Charlan D; Lauver, Cassie B; Lawler, Michele H; White, Vanessa A; Ramos, Lauren Raskin

    2012-01-01

    The goal of this study was to examine state measurements and improvements in risk-appropriate care for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The authors reviewed state perinatal regionalization models and levels of care to compare varying definitions between states and assess mechanisms of measurement and areas for improvement. Seven states that presented at a 2009 Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs Perinatal Regionalization Meeting were included in the assessment. Information was gathered from meeting presentations, presenters, state representatives, and state websites. Comparison of state levels of care and forms of regulation were outlined. Review of state models revealed variability in the models themselves, as well as the various mechanisms for measuring and improving risk-appropriate care. Regulation of regionalization programs, data surveillance, review of adverse events, and consideration of geography and demographics were identified as mechanisms facilitating better measurement of risk-appropriate care. Antenatal or neonatal transfer arrangements, telemedicine networks, acquisition of funding, provision of financial incentives, and patient education comprised state actions for improving risk-appropriate care. The void of explicit and updated national standards led to the current variations in definitions and models among states. State regionalization models and measures of risk-appropriate care varied greatly. These variations arose from inconsistent definitions and models of perinatal regionalization. Guidelines should be collaboratively developed by healthcare providers and public health officials for consistent and suitable measures of perinatal risk-appropriate care.

  19. 50 CFR 86.100 - What is the National Framework?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... (BIG) PROGRAM Service Completion of the National Framework § 86.100 What is the National Framework? The... your State. Through a State survey, you must conduct a boating access needs assessment or data...

  20. 50 CFR 86.100 - What is the National Framework?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... (BIG) PROGRAM Service Completion of the National Framework § 86.100 What is the National Framework? The... your State. Through a State survey, you must conduct a boating access needs assessment or data...

  1. The State Role in Education: Independent Actor or Junior Partner?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McDonnell, Lorraine M.; McLaughlin, Milbrey W.

    To assess the state's role as an instrument of national education policy, researchers examined four states' responses to federal programs under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. They focused, first, on how states' political and organizational contexts interacted with…

  2. Tabular data, text, and graphical images in support of the 1995 National assessment of United States oil and gas resources

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Charpentier, Ronald R.; Klett, T.R.; Obuch, R.C.; Brewton, J.D.

    1996-01-01

    This CD-ROM contains files in support of the 1995 USGS National assessment of United States oil and gas resources (DDS-30), which was published separately and summarizes the results of a 3-year study of the oil and gas resources of the onshore and state waters of the United States. The study describes about 560 oil and gas plays in the United States; confirmed and hypothetical, conventional and unconventional. A parallel study of the Federal offshore is being conducted by the U.S. Minerals Management Service. This CD-ROM contains files in multiple formats, so that almost any computer user can import them into word processors and spreadsheets. The tabular data include some tables not released in DDS-30. No proprietary data are released on this CD-ROM, but some tables of summary statistics from the proprietary files are provided. The complete text of DDS-30 is also available, as well as many figures. Also included are some of the programs used in the assessment, in source code and with supporting documentation. A companion CD-ROM (DDS-35) includes the map data and the same text data, but none of the tabular data or assessment programs.

  3. Evaluation of NASA space grant consortia programs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eisenberg, Martin A.

    1990-01-01

    The meaningful evaluation of the NASA Space Grant Consortium and Fellowship Programs must overcome unusual difficulties: (1) the program, in its infancy, is undergoing dynamic change; (2) the several state consortia and universities have widely divergent parochial goals that defy a uniform evaluative process; and (3) the pilot-sized consortium programs require that the evaluative process be economical in human costs less the process of evaluation comprise the effectiveness of the programs they are meant to assess. This paper represents an attempt to assess the context in which evaluation is to be conducted, the goals and limitations inherent to the evaluation, and to recommend appropriate guidelines for evaluation.

  4. Evaluation as a critical factor of success in local public health accreditation programs.

    PubMed

    Tremain, Beverly; Davis, Mary; Joly, Brenda; Edgar, Mark; Kushion, Mary L; Schmidt, Rita

    2007-01-01

    This article presents the variety of approaches used to conduct evaluations of performance improvement or accreditation systems, while illustrating the complexity of conducting evaluations to inform local public health practice. We, in addition, hope to inform the Exploring Accreditation Program about relevant experiences involving accreditation and performance assessment processes, specifically evaluation, as it debates and discusses a national voluntary model. A background of each state is given. To further explore these issues, interviews were conducted with each state's evaluator to gain more in-depth information on the many different evaluation strategies and approaches used. On the basis of the interviews, the authors provide several overall themes, which suggest that evaluation is a critical tool and success factor for performance assessment or accreditation programs.

  5. National assessment of capacity in public health, environmental, and agricultural laboratories--United States, 2011.

    PubMed

    2013-03-08

    In 2011, the University of Michigan's Center of Excellence in Public Health Workforce Studies and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) assessed the workforce and program capacity in U.S. public health, environmental, and agricultural laboratories. During April-August 2011, APHL sent a web-based questionnaire to 105 public health, environmental, and agricultural laboratory directors comprising all 50 state public health laboratories, 41 local public health laboratories, eight environmental laboratories, and six agricultural laboratories. This report summarizes the results of the assessment, which inquired about laboratory capacity, including total number of laboratorians by occupational classification and self-assessed ability to carry out functions in 19 different laboratory program areas. The majority of laboratorians (74%) possessed a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or a high school education or equivalency; 59% of all laboratorians were classified as laboratory scientists. The greatest percentage of laboratories reported no, minimal, or partial program capacity in toxicology (45%), agricultural microbiology (54%), agricultural chemistry (50%), and education and training for their employees (51%). Nearly 50% of laboratories anticipated that more than 15% of their workforce would retire, resign, or be released within 5 years, lower than the anticipated retirement eligibility rate of 27% projected for state public health workers. However, APHL and partners in local, state, and federal public health should collaborate to address gaps in laboratory capacity and rebuild the workforce pipeline to ensure an adequate future supply of public health laboratorians.

  6. Monitoring recreational impacts in wilderness of Kamchatka (on example of Kronotsky State Natural Biosphere Preserve)

    Treesearch

    Anya V. Zavadskaya

    2011-01-01

    This paper describes an assessment and monitoring program that was designed and initiated for monitoring recreational impacts in a wilderness in Kamchatka. The framework of the recreational assessment was tested through its application to a case study conducted during the summers of 2008 and 2009 in the Kronotsky State Natural Biosphere Preserve (Kamchatka peninsula,...

  7. Comparative Evaluation of Financing Programs: Insights From California’s Experience

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Deason, Jeff

    Berkeley Lab examines criteria for a comparative assessment of multiple financing programs for energy efficiency, developed through a statewide public process in California. The state legislature directed the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) to develop these criteria. CAEATFA's report to the legislature, an invaluable reference for other jurisdictions considering these topics, discusses the proposed criteria and the rationales behind them in detail. Berkeley Lab's brief focuses on several salient issues that emerged during the criteria development and discussion process. Many of these issues are likely to arise in other states that plan to evaluate the impactsmore » of energy efficiency financing programs, whether for a single program or multiple programs. Issues discussed in the brief include: -The stakeholder process to develop the proposed assessment criteria -Attribution of outcomes - such as energy savings - to financing programs vs. other drivers -Choosing the outcome metric of primary interest: program take-up levels vs. savings -The use of net benefits vs. benefit-cost ratios for cost-effectiveness evaluation -Non-energy factors -Consumer protection factors -Market transformation impacts -Accommodating varying program goals in a multi-program evaluation -Accounting for costs and risks borne by various parties, including taxpayers and utility customers, in cost-effectiveness analysis -How to account for potential synergies among programs in a multi-program evaluation« less

  8. Evaluating public health resources: what happens when funding disappears?

    PubMed

    Freedman, Ariela M; Kuester, Sarah A; Jernigan, Jan

    2013-11-14

    Although various factors affect the sustainability of public health programs, funding levels can influence many aspects of program continuity. Program evaluation in public health typically does not assess the progress of initiatives after discontinuation of funding. The objective of this study was to describe the effect of funding loss following expiration of a 5-year federal grant awarded to state health departments for development of statewide obesity prevention partnerships. The study used qualitative methods involving semistructured key informant interviews with state health departments. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for effect of funding loss on staffing, programs, partnerships, and implementation of state plans. Many of the programs that continued to run after the grant expired operated at reduced capacity, either reaching fewer people or conducting fewer program activities for the same population. Although many states were able to leverage funding from other sources, this shift in funding source often resulted in priorities changing to meet new funding requirements. Evaluation capacity suffered in all states. Nearly all states reported losing infrastructure and capacity to communicate widely with partners. All states reported a severe or complete loss of their ability to provide training and technical assistance to partners. Despite these reduced capacities, states reported several key resources that facilitated continued work on the state plan. Decisions regarding continuation of funding are often dependent on budget constraints, evidence of success, and perceived ability to succeed in the future. Evaluating public health funding decisions may help guide development of best practice strategies for supporting long-term program success.

  9. Vermont Independent School Youth Needs Assessment Project. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vermont State Department of Education, 2004

    2004-01-01

    This report contains information based on 47 interviews with administrators and educators from technical centers, approved and recognized independent schools, recognized schools, state operated facilities, state approved programs, and state approved tutorials in Vermont. The information in this report is based on self-reporting by individual…

  10. Design and Implementation of an Assessment Model for Students Entering Vocational Education Programs in the State of Colorado. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hartley, Nancy K.; And Others

    A project was conducted to develop materials that could be utilized by teachers for informal assessment of the needs of students in vocational programs. Sixteen modules were developed to help teachers identify some of the areas in which students have special learning needs, clarify various levels of abilities, and distinguish the different…

  11. Assessment of Critical Thinking as a Predictor of Success in Completion of an Associate Degree Respiratory Care Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campbell, Fiona B.

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between assessment of critical thinking as admission criteria as a predictor of success in the completion of an associate degree respiratory care program. The research site was a community college located in the southern United States. The sample included 176 students who completed Health…

  12. Groundwater quality in the Santa Barbara Coastal Plain, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Davis, Tracy A.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2016-10-03

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California established the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Santa Barbara Coastal Plain is one of the study units.

  13. Groundwater quality in the Klamath Mountains, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bennett, George L.; Fram, Miranda S.

    2014-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Klamath Mountains constitute one of the study units being evaluated.

  14. Information Literacy--Where Do We Go from Here?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koch, Melissa

    2001-01-01

    Defines information literacy and discusses ways that teachers can integrate it into the curriculum. Topics include education policy; funding for technology; standards, particularly state standards; separate standards for library media programs; assessment; and using the Big6 program. (LRW)

  15. The "I" in QRIS Survey: Collecting Data on Quality Improvement Activities for Early Childhood Education Programs. REL 2017-221

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Faria, Ann-Marie; Hawkinson, Laura; Metzger, Ivan; Bouacha, Nora; Cantave, Michelle

    2017-01-01

    A quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is a voluntary state assessment system that uses multidimensional data on early childhood education programs to rate program quality, support quality improvement efforts, and provide information to families about the quality of available early childhood education programs. QRISs have two components:…

  16. Determining the Effectiveness of the Saxon Math Program and the Ready Common Core Program for Students with Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marttila, Katie L.

    2017-01-01

    For the realm of this study, the researcher reviewed two separate mathematics programs that have been implemented within the school district to address both the needs of the students with learning disabilities and the requirements of the local and state assessments. The mathematics programs are designed with two different methods to meet the…

  17. The influence of financial incentive programs in promoting sustainable forestry on the nation's family forests

    Treesearch

    Michael A. Kilgore; John L. Greene; Michael G. Jacobson; Thomas J. Straka; Steven E. Daniels

    2007-01-01

    Financial incentive programs were evaluated to assess their contribution to promoting sustainable forestry practices on the nation’s family forests. The evaluation consisted of an extensive review of the literature on financial incentive programs, a mail survey of the lead administrator of financial incentive programs in each state forestry agency, and focus groups...

  18. The influence of financial incentive programs in promoting sustainable forestry on the nation's family forests

    Treesearch

    Michael A. Kilgore; John L. Greene; Michael G. Jacobson; Thomas J. Straka; Steven E. Daniels

    2006-01-01

    Financial incentive programs were evaluated to assess their contribution to promoting sustainable forestry practices on the nation’s family forests. The evaluation consisted of an extensive review of the literature on financial incentive programs, a mail survey of the lead administrator of financial incentive programs in each state forestry agency, and focus groups...

  19. National Water-Quality Assessment Program - Red River of the North

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stoner, J.D.

    1991-01-01

    In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began to implement a full-scale National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The long-term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources, and to provide a sound scientific understanding of the primary natural and human factors affecting the quality of these resources. The program will produce a wealth of water-quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the national, State, and local levels.

  20. Retrofilling of Railroad Transformers

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1978-09-01

    The objective of this program was to assess the effectiveness of retrofilling an askarel transformer supplied by the United States Department of Transportation with a 50 centistokes silicone fluid. The work tasks included an assessment of the electri...

  1. MANAGING EMAP DATA

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) collects a great deal of data from landscapes, streams, and estuaries around the country. These data are used primarily by EMAP for assessing the environmental condition of states, watersheds, and political and biogeogr...

  2. Assessing engineering students' demonstration of workplace competencies in experiential learning environments through internships and cooperative work experiences

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laingen, Mark A.

    This study investigates the relationships between supervisor assessments and internship students' self-assessments for 15 workplace competencies, demonstrated in an internship or cooperative work environment. The 15 workplace competencies were developed by Iowa State University in collaboration with over 200 constituents comprised of Iowa State University COE alumni, engineering employers, COE faculty, partnering international faculty, and COE students, to provide clear, independent, and assessable measures for the eleven learning outcomes identified in the ABET Criterion 3 (a-k) outcomes. The study investigated workplace competency assessment data collected over ten years, commencing with the fall 2001 internship assessment term and concluding with the fall 2011 assessment term. The study used three separate methodologies to analyze workplace competency assessments in the COE. Part 1 analyzed data across the fifteen workplace competencies, and across ten programs in the College of Engineering, that have been involved with the workplace competency assessment of internship and cooperative students from the beginning of data collection in 2001. Supervisor assessment ratings were compared to internship student self-assessment ratings across the ten-year span from 2001-11using the non-parametric equivalent of the paired t-test; the Wilcoxon singed rank test for paired data. Part 2 of the study investigated the relationship between supervisor and student self-assessment data across assessment terms related to the 2001-05 and 2006-11 ABET accreditation cycles. The third part investigated how data tracking workplace competency strengths and weaknesses and ABET outcomes achievement percentages have changed between the assessment terms across accreditation cycles. Part 3 included an on-line survey sent to program curriculum committee members involved with workplace competency assessment data that investigated how the engineering programs are utilizing this data in support of continuous improvement of the program curricula. Results of the analysis demonstrate how paired supervisor assessment and student self-assessment ratings for assessment of the internship students' demonstration of workplace competencies can be useful in evaluating student demonstration of competency in COE learning outcomes through the experiential learning environment, and support continuous improvement practices for program curriculum development.

  3. Developing a framework for assessing responsible conduct of research education programs.

    PubMed

    Olson, Lynne E

    2010-03-01

    Education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) in the United States has evolved over the past decade from targeting trainees to including educational efforts aimed at faculty and staff. In addition RCR education has become more focused as federal agencies have moved to recommend specific content and to mandate education in certain areas. RCR education has therefore become a research-compliance issue necessitating the development of policies and the commitment of resources to develop or expand systems for educating faculty and staff and for assuring compliance. These changes implied the need to develop a program evaluation model that could be applied to institutional RCR education programs, which were expected to differ from traditional academic credit-bearing courses targeting trainees. Information gleaned from the examination of corporate compliance models was analyzed in order to create a program evaluation module that could be used to document and assess educational programs focused on teaching RCR. A programmed series of questions for each of the nine RCR content areas identified by the United States Office of Research Integrity was created based on a performance-monitoring evaluation model. The questions focus on educational goals, resources provided to support the educational efforts, educational content, content delivery, educational outcomes, compliance requirements and feedback. Answers collected in response to the questions could be used to both document and continually improve the quality of RCR educational programs through on-going formative assessment and feedback.

  4. National Water-Quality Assessment Program: The Sacramento River Basin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Domagalski, Joseph L.; Brown, Larry R.

    1994-01-01

    In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began to implement a full-scale National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The long-term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status of and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources and to identify the major natural and human factors that affect the quality of those resources. In addressing these goals, the program will provide a wealth of water- quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the national, State, and local levels. A major asset of the NAWQA program is that it will allow for the integration of water-quality information collected at several scales. A major component of the program is the study-unit investigation-the foundation of national- level assessment. The 60 study units of the NAWQA program are hydrologic systems that include parts of most major river basins and aquifer systems of the conterminous United States. These study units cover areas of 1,000 to more than 60,000 square miles and represent 60 to 70 percent of the Nation's water use and population served by public water supplies. Investigations of the first 20 study units began in 1991. In 1994, the Sacramento River Basin was among the second set of 20 NAWQA study units selected for investigation.

  5. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The 1996 amendments to Section 1453 of the Safe Drinking Water Act require the states to establish and implement a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). Source water is the water taken from rivers, reservoirs, or wells for use as public drinking water. Source water assessment i...

  6. Assessment of surgical competence in North American graduate periodontics programs: a survey of current practices.

    PubMed

    Ghiabi, Edmond; Taylor, K Lynn

    2010-08-01

    This cross-sectional study was designed to document the methods utilized by North American graduate periodontics programs in assessing their residents' surgical skills. A survey of clinical skills assessment was mailed to directors of all fifty-eight graduate periodontics programs in Canada and the United States. Thirty-four programs (59 percent) responded. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. The results demonstrate that the most common practice for providing feedback and documenting residents' surgical skills in the programs surveyed was daily one-on-one verbal feedback given by an instructor. The next two most commonly reported methods were a standard checklist developed at program level and a combination of a checklist and verbal comments. The majority of the programs reported that the instructors met collectively once per term to evaluate the residents' progress. The results suggest that graduate periodontics programs provide their residents frequent opportunities for daily practice with verbal feedback from instructors. However, assessment strategies identified in other health professions as beneficial in fostering the integration of clinical skills practices are not employed.

  7. The Health Effects of US Unemployment Insurance Policy: Does Income from Unemployment Benefits Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?

    PubMed Central

    Walter, Stefan; Glymour, Maria; Avendano, Mauricio

    2014-01-01

    Objective Previous studies suggest that unemployment predicts increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but whether unemployment insurance programs mitigate this risk has not been assessed. Exploiting US state variations in unemployment insurance benefit programs, we tested the hypothesis that more generous benefits reduce CVD risk. Methods Cohort data came from 16,108 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) aged 50–65 at baseline interviewed from 1992 to 2010. Data on first and recurrent CVD diagnosis assessed through biennial interviews were linked to the generosity of unemployment benefit programmes in each state and year. Using state fixed-effect models, we assessed whether state changes in the generosity of unemployment benefits predicted CVD risk. Results States with higher unemployment benefits had lower incidence of CVD, so that a 1% increase in benefits was associated with 18% lower odds of CVD (OR:0.82, 95%-CI:0.71–0.94). This association remained after introducing US census regional division fixed effects, but disappeared after introducing state fixed effects (OR:1.02, 95%-CI:0.79–1.31).This was consistent with the fact that unemployment was not associated with CVD risk in state-fixed effect models. Conclusion Although states with more generous unemployment benefits had lower CVD incidence, this appeared to be due to confounding by state-level characteristics. Possible explanations are the lack of short-term effects of unemployment on CVD risk. Future studies should assess whether benefits at earlier stages of the life-course influence long-term risk of CVD. PMID:25025281

  8. Overview of the forest health monitoring program

    Treesearch

    2000-01-01

    This paper presents an overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHM), a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, State Foresters, universities, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management. The purpose of FHM is to annually assess the condition of the nation's forested ecosystems in a standardized way. There are four components of the program - Detection...

  9. Overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program

    Treesearch

    2000-01-01

    This paper presents an overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHM), a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, State Foresters, universities, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management. The purpose of FHM is to annually assess the condition of the Nation's forested ecosystems in a standardized way. There are four components of the program-Detection...

  10. State Services for Children: An Exploration of Who Benefits, Who Governs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kirst, Michael W.; And Others

    This hypothesis-generating study of New York, Michigan and California social services for children attempts to assess the adequacy of Title XX social service programs, the WIC (women, infants and children) feeding program, and the EPSDT (early periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment) program. Data were obtained through literature searches,…

  11. 2011 Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tennessee State Board of Education, 2011

    2011-01-01

    The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 requiring that the State Board of Education produce an assessment on the effectiveness of teacher training programs. The law requires that the report includes data on the performance of each program's graduates in the following areas: placement and retention rates, Praxis II results, and…

  12. Integration, Reflection, Interpretation: Realizing the Goals of a General Education Capstone Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fernandez, Nancy Page

    2006-01-01

    For the past 23 years, students at California State Polytechnic University at Pomona have benefited from its Interdisciplinary General Education Program (IGE)--a sequential, interdisciplinary general education program that culminates in a capstone course. IGE's history and structure support a strong culture of assessment. The program, founded in…

  13. Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS): A Biology "Boot Camp"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wischusen, Sheri Maples; Wischusen, E. William

    2007-01-01

    The Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS) Program was designed to assess the impact of a 5-d intensive prefreshman program on success and retention of biological science majors at Louisiana State University. The 2005 pilot program combined content lectures and examinations for BIOL 1201, Introductory Biology for Science Majors, as well…

  14. Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Health Promotion Program in a College Setting.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fisher, Shirley P.; Fisher, Michele M.

    1995-01-01

    An evaluation of a health promotion program for employees at a New Jersey state college assessed the physical fitness and exercise program with educational components. Comparisons of experimental and control subjects indicated significant differences on high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, and body weight in…

  15. Survey of Clinical Pharmacology Programs in U.S. and Canadian Medical Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    And Others; Fisher, James W.

    1980-01-01

    A survey is reported that was undertaken by the Association for Medical School Pharmacology to assess the status of developing clinical pharmacology programs in medical schools in the United States and Canada and to determine why some schools have been unable to mount such programs. Survey questions are included. (Author/JMD)

  16. Assessing Impacts of "Math in Focus," a "Singapore Math" Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jaciw, Andrew P.; Hegseth, Whitney Michelle; Lin, Li; Toby, Megan; Newman, Denis; Ma, Boya; Zacamy, Jenna

    2016-01-01

    This study investigates, through a cluster randomized trial, the impact of "Math in Focus," a core mathematics program modeled after instructional approaches used in Singapore, on third- through fifth-grade students' achievement in mathematics. The program is currently being used in more than 400 school districts in the United States.…

  17. SHPPS 2006: School Health Policies and Programs Study--Food Safety

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007

    2007-01-01

    The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health policies and programs at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. This brief reports study results in the area of food safety, covering the following topics: (1) Health Education; (2) Health Services; and (3)…

  18. Program Completion and Re-Arrest in a Batterer Intervention System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bennett, Larry W.; Stoops, Charles; Call, Christine; Flett, Heather

    2007-01-01

    Objective: The authors examine the effects of batterer intervention program (BIP) completion on domestic violence re-arrest in an urban system of 30 BIPs with a common set of state standards, common program completion criteria, and centralized criminal justice supervision. Method: 899 men arrested for domestic violence were assessed and completed…

  19. ECOREGIONAL GAP ANALYSIS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES: THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL GAP ANALYSIS PROJECT FINAL REPORT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Gap Analysis Program is a national program with the mission of developing key datasets needed to assess biological diversity across the nation. The primary objectives of the Gap Analysis Program are: (1) Land Cover Mapping – to map the distributions of natural communities; (2...

  20. Examining the Effects of a State-Funded 4K Program on Reading Gains and Kindergarten Reading Readiness in a Wisconsin School District

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mueller, Kristin A.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the effects of attending a state-funded 4K program located in a large southern Wisconsin suburban school district. Reading gains were measured as results of the Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum assessment given in the fall and spring of 4K, and then sequentially, kindergarten-reading…

  1. Assessing the role of federal community assistance programs to develop biomass utilization capacity in the Western United States

    Treesearch

    Dennis R. Becker; Mark Nechodom; Adam Barnett; Tad Mason; Eini C. Lowell; John Shelly; Dean Graham

    2008-01-01

    As forest biomass utilization becomes cost effective to harvest, more areas at risk of catastrophic wildfire can be thinned of dense brush and small-diameter trees. In an effort to increase biomass utilization, the USDA Forest Service granted more than $36 million in National Fire Plan-Economic Action Program funds in the Western United States during fiscal years 2001...

  2. National Water-Quality Assessment Program; the Allegheny-Monongahela River Basin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    McAuley, Steven D.

    1995-01-01

    In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The three major objectives of the NAWQA program are to provide a consistent description of current water-quality conditions for a large part of the Nation's water resources, define long-term trends in water quality, and identify, describe, and explain the major factors that affect water-quality conditions and trends. The program produces water-quality information that is useful to policy makers and managers at the National, State, and local levels.The program will be implemented through 60 separate investigations of river basins and aquifer systems called study units. These study-unit investigations will be conducted at the State and local level and will form the foundation on which national- and regional-level assessments are based. The 60 study units are hydrologic systems that include parts of most major river basins and aquifer systems. The study-unit areas range from 1,000 to more than 60,000 square miles and include about 60 to 70 percent of the Nation's water use and population served by public water supplies. Twenty studyunit investigations were started in 1991, 20 started in 1994, and 20 more are planned to start in 1997. The Allegheny-Monongahela River Basin was selected to begin assessment activities as a NAWQA study unit in 1994. The study team will work from the office of the USGS in Pittsburgh, Pa.

  3. Medicaid provider reimbursement policy for adult immunizations☆

    PubMed Central

    Stewart, Alexandra M.; Lindley, Megan C.; Cox, Marisa A.

    2015-01-01

    Background State Medicaid programs establish provider reimbursement policy for adult immunizations based on: costs, private insurance payments, and percentage of Medicare payments for equivalent services. Each program determines provider eligibility, payment amount, and permissible settings for administration. Total reimbursement consists of different combinations of Current Procedural Terminology codes: vaccine, vaccine administration, and visit. Objective Determine how Medicaid programs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia approach provider reimbursement for adult immunizations. Design Observational analysis using document review and a survey. Setting and participants Medicaid administrators in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Measurements Whether fee-for-service programs reimburse providers for: vaccines; their administration; and/or office visits when provided to adult enrollees. We assessed whether adult vaccination services are reimbursed when administered by a wide range of providers in a wide range of settings. Results Medicaid programs use one of 4 payment methods for adults: (1) a vaccine and an administration code; (2) a vaccine and visit code; (3) a vaccine code; and (4) a vaccine, visit, and administration code. Limitations Study results do not reflect any changes related to implementation of national health reform. Nine of fifty one programs did not respond to the survey or declined to participate, limiting the information available to researchers. Conclusions Medicaid reimbursement policy for adult vaccines impacts provider participation and enrollee access and uptake. While programs have generally increased reimbursement levels since 2003, each program could assess whether current policies reflect the most effective approach to encourage providers to increase vaccination services. PMID:26403369

  4. Medicaid provider reimbursement policy for adult immunizations.

    PubMed

    Stewart, Alexandra M; Lindley, Megan C; Cox, Marisa A

    2015-10-26

    State Medicaid programs establish provider reimbursement policy for adult immunizations based on: costs, private insurance payments, and percentage of Medicare payments for equivalent services. Each program determines provider eligibility, payment amount, and permissible settings for administration. Total reimbursement consists of different combinations of Current Procedural Terminology codes: vaccine, vaccine administration, and visit. Determine how Medicaid programs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia approach provider reimbursement for adult immunizations. Observational analysis using document review and a survey. Medicaid administrators in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Whether fee-for-service programs reimburse providers for: vaccines; their administration; and/or office visits when provided to adult enrollees. We assessed whether adult vaccination services are reimbursed when administered by a wide range of providers in a wide range of settings. Medicaid programs use one of 4 payment methods for adults: (1) a vaccine and an administration code; (2) a vaccine and visit code; (3) a vaccine code; and (4) a vaccine, visit, and administration code. Study results do not reflect any changes related to implementation of national health reform. Nine of fifty one programs did not respond to the survey or declined to participate, limiting the information available to researchers. Medicaid reimbursement policy for adult vaccines impacts provider participation and enrollee access and uptake. While programs have generally increased reimbursement levels since 2003, each program could assess whether current policies reflect the most effective approach to encourage providers to increase vaccination services. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Results of a State-Wide Evaluation of “Paperwork Burden” in Addiction Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Carise, Deni; Love, Meghan; Zur, Julia; McLellan, A. Thomas; Kemp, Jack

    2009-01-01

    This article chronicles three steps taken by research, clinical and state staff towards assessing, evaluating and streamlining clinical and administrative paperwork at all public outpatient addiction treatment programs in 1 state. The first step was an accounting of all paperwork requirements at each program. Step two included the development of time estimates for the paperwork requirements, synthesis of information across sites, providing written evaluation of the need, utility and redundancy of all forms (paperwork) collected, and suggestions for eliminating unused or unnecessary data collection and streamlining the remaining data collection. Thirdly, the state agency hosted a meeting with the state staff, researchers and staff from all programs and agencies with state-funded contracts and took action. Paperwork reductions over the course of a 6-month outpatient treatment episode were estimated at 4 – 6 hours, with most of the time burden being eliminated from the intake process. PMID:19150201

  6. Evaluating Cross-Cutting Approaches to Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: Developing a Comprehensive Evaluation

    PubMed Central

    Jernigan, Jan; Barnes, Seraphine Pitt; Shea, Pat; Davis, Rachel; Rutledge, Stephanie

    2017-01-01

    We provide an overview of the comprehensive evaluation of State Public Health Actions to Prevent and Control Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity and Associated Risk Factors and Promote School Health (State Public Health Actions). State Public Health Actions is a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support the statewide implementation of cross-cutting approaches to promote health and prevent and control chronic diseases. The evaluation addresses the relevance, quality, and impact of the program by using 4 components: a national evaluation, performance measures, state evaluations, and evaluation technical assistance to states. Challenges of the evaluation included assessing the extent to which the program contributed to changes in the outcomes of interest and the variability in the states’ capacity to conduct evaluations and track performance measures. Given the investment in implementing collaborative approaches at both the state and national level, achieving meaningful findings from the evaluation is critical. PMID:29215974

  7. District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program: Additional Policies and Procedures Would Improve Internal Controls and Program Operations. Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO-08-9

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ashby, Cornelia M.; Franzel, Jeanette M.

    2007-01-01

    The D.C. School Choice Incentive Act created the first private kindergarten-through-grade-12 school-choice program supported by federal funds. The program was named the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP). The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to assess the (1) accountability mechanisms governing the use of…

  8. Availability of state-based obesity surveillance data on high school students with disabilities in the United States.

    PubMed

    Yamaki, Kiyoshi; Lowry, Brienne Davis; Buscaj, Emilie; Zisko, Leigh; Rimmer, James H

    2015-05-01

    The aim of this study was to assess the availability of public health surveillance data on obesity among American children with disabilities in state-based surveillance programs. We reviewed annual cross-sectional datasets in state-level surveillance programs for high school students, implemented 2001-2011, for the inclusion of weight and height and disability screening questions. When datasets included a disability screen, its content and consistency of use across years were examined. We identified 54 surveillance programs with 261 annual datasets containing obesity data. Twelve surveillance programs in 11 states included a disability screening question that could be used to extract obesity data for high school students with disabilities, leaving the other 39 states with no state-level obesity data for students with disabilities. A total of 43 annual datasets, 16.5 % of the available datasets, could be used to estimate the obesity status of students with disabilities. The frequency of use of disability questions varied across states, and the content of the questions often changed across years and within a state. We concluded that state surveillance programs rarely contained questions that could be used to identify high school students with disabilities. This limits the availability of data that can be used to monitor obesity and related health statuses among this population in the majority of states.

  9. Vision for Future North American Emission Inventory Programs

    EPA Science Inventory

    The NARSTO Ozone and Particulate Matter Assessments emphasized that emission inventories are critical to the success of air quality management programs and that emissions inventories in Canada, Mexico, and the United States need improvement to meet expectations for quality, timel...

  10. Research notes : evaluation of the oregon medically at-risk driver program.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-05-01

    Dr. James Strathman, a Portland State University researcher, recently completed an assessment of the safety risk of persons whose licenses were suspended under the Oregon Medically At-Risk Driver program. The results of the analysis suggested modific...

  11. 7 CFR 3415.15 - Evaluation factors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant... criteria are specified in the annual program solicitation: (a) Scientific merit of the proposal. (1... uncertainty for United States agriculture. (1) Scientific contribution of research in leading to important...

  12. 7 CFR 3415.15 - Evaluation factors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant... criteria are specified in the annual program solicitation: (a) Scientific merit of the proposal. (1... uncertainty for United States agriculture. (1) Scientific contribution of research in leading to important...

  13. 7 CFR 3415.15 - Evaluation factors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant... criteria are specified in the annual program solicitation: (a) Scientific merit of the proposal. (1... uncertainty for United States agriculture. (1) Scientific contribution of research in leading to important...

  14. The new car assessment program suggested approaches for future program enhancements

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2007-01-01

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an integral part of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic-related health care and other economic costs...

  15. Florida maintenance rating program (MRP) assessment and enhancement : final report, May 28, 2008.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-05-28

    The Maintenance Rating Program (MRP), developed in 1985 by FDOT, is a statewide maintenance system aimed : at evaluating the State highway maintenance conditions, and determining FDOT asset maintenance needs. In the : quest for continuous improvement...

  16. 22 CFR 35.31 - Determining the amount of penalties and assessments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... assessments. 35.31 Section 35.31 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES § 35.31 Determining the amount of penalties and assessments. (a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should...

  17. 22 CFR 35.31 - Determining the amount of penalties and assessments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... assessments. 35.31 Section 35.31 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES § 35.31 Determining the amount of penalties and assessments. (a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should...

  18. 22 CFR 35.31 - Determining the amount of penalties and assessments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... assessments. 35.31 Section 35.31 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES § 35.31 Determining the amount of penalties and assessments. (a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should...

  19. 22 CFR 35.31 - Determining the amount of penalties and assessments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... assessments. 35.31 Section 35.31 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES § 35.31 Determining the amount of penalties and assessments. (a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should...

  20. 22 CFR 35.31 - Determining the amount of penalties and assessments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... assessments. 35.31 Section 35.31 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CLAIMS AND STOLEN PROPERTY PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES § 35.31 Determining the amount of penalties and assessments. (a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, should...

  1. Hawaii energy strategy project 3: Renewable energy resource assessment and development program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    1995-11-01

    RLA Consulting (RLA) has been retained by the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) to conduct a Renewable Energy Resource Assessment and Development Program. This three-phase program is part of the Hawaii Energy Strategy (HES), which is a multi-faceted program intended to produce an integrated energy strategy for the State of Hawaii. The purpose of Phase 1 of the project, Development of a Renewable Energy Resource Assessment Plan, is to better define the most promising potential renewable energy projects and to establish the most suitable locations for project development in the state. In order tomore » accomplish this goal, RLA has identified constraints and requirements for renewable energy projects from six different renewable energy resources: wind, solar, biomass, hydro, wave, and ocean thermal. These criteria were applied to areas with sufficient resource for commercial development and the results of Phase 1 are lists of projects with the most promising development potential for each of the technologies under consideration. Consideration of geothermal energy was added to this investigation under a separate contract with DBEDT. In addition to the project lists, a monitoring plan was developed with recommended locations and a data collection methodology for obtaining additional wind and solar data. This report summarizes the results of Phase 1. 11 figs., 22 tabs.« less

  2. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    ASFAW BEYENE

    Since its establishment in 1990, San Diego State University’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) has served close to 400 small and medium-sized manufacturing plants in Southern California. SDSU/IAC’s efforts to transfer state-of-the-art technologies to industry have increased revenues, cultivated creativity, improved efficiencies, and benefited the environment. A substantial benefit from the program has been the ongoing training of engineering faculty and students. During this funding cycle, SDSU/IAC has trained 31 students, 7 of the graduate. A total of 92 assessments and 108 assessment days were completed, resulting in 638 assessment recommendations.

  3. Handbook of Formative Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Andrade, Heidi, Ed.; Cizek, Gregory J., Ed.

    2010-01-01

    Formative assessment has recently become a focus of renewed research as state and federal policy-makers realize that summative assessments have reached a point of diminishing returns as a tool for increasing student achievement. Consequently, supporters of large-scale testing programs are now beginning to consider the potential of formative…

  4. Education Reforms and Innovations to Improve Student Assessment Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McAfee, Wade J.

    2014-01-01

    International assessments such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) have exhibited United States students specifically in the fourth and eighth grades, are not performing well when compared to their international peers. Educational stakeholders including…

  5. ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S ESTUARIES: A NEW APPROACH INVOLVING INTEGRATED MEASURES OF CONDITION

    EPA Science Inventory

    The South Carolina Estuarine and Coastal Assessment Program (SCECAP) was initiated in 1999 to assess the condition of the state's coastal habitats using multiple measures of water quality, sediment quality, and biological condition. Sampling has subsequently been expanded to incl...

  6. NARSTO EMISSION INVENTORY ASSESSMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The NARSTO Ozone and Particulate Matter Assessments emphasized that emission inventories are critical to the success of air quality management programs and that emissions inventories in Canada, Mexico, and the United States need improvement to meet expectations for quality, timel...

  7. A framework for assessing cumulative effects in watersheds: an introduction to Canadian case studies.

    PubMed

    Dubé, Monique G; Duinker, Peter; Greig, Lorne; Carver, Martin; Servos, Mark; McMaster, Mark; Noble, Bram; Schreier, Hans; Jackson, Lee; Munkittrick, Kelly R

    2013-07-01

    From 2008 to 2013, a series of studies supported by the Canadian Water Network were conducted in Canadian watersheds in an effort to improve methods to assess cumulative effects. These studies fit under a common framework for watershed cumulative effects assessment (CEA). This article presents an introduction to the Special Series on Watershed CEA in IEAM including the framework and its impetus, a brief introduction to each of the articles in the series, challenges, and a path forward. The framework includes a regional water monitoring program that produces 3 core outputs: an accumulated state assessment, stressor-response relationships, and development of predictive cumulative effects scenario models. The framework considers core values, indicators, thresholds, and use of consistent terminology. It emphasizes that CEA requires 2 components, accumulated state quantification and predictive scenario forecasting. It recognizes both of these components must be supported by a regional, multiscale monitoring program. Copyright © 2013 SETAC.

  8. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Krause, R.A.; Patel, D.I.; Gathy, B.D.

    This report on how public transit is financed today was written from the point of view of the states' current fiscal condition. While the economic forecast varies from state to state, not one projects a future of growing surpluses. The report documents and analyzes mass-transit funding sources, both past and present, and looks at their future potential. The 12-state overview may help others uncover methods and programs workable in their situations. The survey findings regarding the question - How do states finance their mass-transit programs - show that states use revenues from various sources such as license fees, bond issues,more » highway user taxes, tolls and so on. States are exploring new funding mechanisms such as special assessment districts, public/private ventures, lottery funds, and so on.« less

  9. National Water-Quality Assessment Program--Southern High Plains, Texas and New Mexico

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Woodward, Dennis G.; Diniz, Cecilia G.

    1994-01-01

    BACKGROUND In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The long-term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status of, and trends in, the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources and to identify the major natural and human factors that affect the quality of these resources. In addressing these goals, the program will produce a wealth of water-quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the National, State, and local levels. The NAWQA program emphasis is on regional water-quality problems. The program will not diminish the need for smaller studies and monitoring designed and currently being conducted by Federal, State, and local agencies to meet their individual needs. The NAWQA program, however, will provide a large-scale framework for conducting many of these activities and an understanding about National and regional water-quality conditions that cannot be acquired from individual, small-scale programs and studies. Studies of 60 hydrologic systems that include parts of most major river basins and aquifer systems (study-unit investigations) are the building blocks of the National assessment. The 60 study units range in size from 1,000 mi 2 (square miles) to more than 60,000 mi 2 and represent 60 to 70 percent of the Nation's water use and population served by public water supplies. Twenty study-unit investigations were started in 1991, 20 additional are starting in 1994, and 20 more are planned to start in 1997. The Southern High Plains study unit was selected as one of 20 study units to begin assessment activities in 1994. This study will be run from the New Mexico District office of the USGS in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  10. Teacher Education Follow-Up Study 2001: A Summary of First and Second Year Teachers, and their Employers with Respect to the State of Missouri Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zelazek, John R.; Williams, Wayne W.; McAdams, Charles; Palmer, Kyle

    This report represents the thirteenth Follow-Up Study by the Teacher Education Assessment Committee (TEAC) at Central Missouri State University. TEAC is a centralized system of data collection and assessment that solicits input from Central's professional education faculty, preservice teachers, program graduates, employers of teachers prepared at…

  11. A Framework for the Dual Language Assessment of Young Dual Language Learners in the United States. Research Report. ETS RR-17-37

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guzman-Orth, Danielle; Lopez, Alexis A.; Tolentino, Florencia

    2017-01-01

    Dual language learners (DLLs) and the various educational programs that serve them are increasing in number across the country. This framework lays out a conceptual approach for dual language assessment tasks designed to measure the language and literacy skills of young DLLs entering kindergarten in the United States. Although our examples focus…

  12. Test Content Specifications for the Survey of Basic Skills; Mathematics, Grades Six and Twelve.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento.

    Under the California Assembly Bill 665 of 1972, the state assessment program must test all students in grades 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 in reading skills, and those in grades 6 and 12 to assess their skills in effectiveness of written expression, spelling, and mathematics. The state may develop its own tests, and a matrix sampling approach may be used…

  13. TERSSE: Definition of the Total Earth Resources System for the Shuttle Era. Volume 2: An Assessment of the Current State-of-the-Art

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    Results of a state-of-the-art assessment of technology areas which affect the Earth Resources Program are presented along with a functional description of the basic earth resources system. Major areas discussed include: spacecraft flight hardware, remote sensors, data processing techniques and hardware, user models, user interfaces, and operations technology.

  14. Does the Model Matter? Exploring the Relationship between Different Student Achievement-Based Teacher Assessments. CEDR Working Paper. WP #2012-6

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goldhaber, Dan; Walch, Joe; Gabele, Brian

    2012-01-01

    Policymakers appear increasingly inclined to utilize measures of student achievement, often state assessment results, to inform high-stakes teacher personnel decisions. This has been spurred on by the federal government's Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) and Race to the Top (RttT) grant programs, each of which urge states and localities to tie teacher…

  15. Groundwater quality in the Sierra Nevada, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fram, Miranda S.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2014-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project (PBP) of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Sierra Nevada Regional study unit constitutes one of the study units being evaluated.

  16. Groundwater quality in the South Coast Interior Basins, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Parsons, Mary C.; Belitz, Kenneth

    2014-01-01

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s untreated groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The South Coast Interior Basins constitute one of the study units being evaluated.

  17. Groundwater quality in the western San Joaquin Valley, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Fram, Miranda S.

    2017-06-09

    Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s groundwater quality and increases public access to groundwater-quality information. The Western San Joaquin Valley is one of the study units being evaluated. 

  18. Teaching Informatics to Prelicensure, RN-to-BSN, and Graduate Level Students.

    PubMed

    Vottero, Beth

    Teaching nursing informatics to students in associate, baccalaureate, RN-BSN, and graduate nursing programs poses challenges for curriculum design, as well as developing appropriate instruction and assessment methods. The current state of nursing informatics education provides opportunities for unique instructional design and assessment techniques. Key course content is provided with suggestions for teaching informatics that focus on leveling for prelicensure, RN-BSN, and graduate nursing programs.

  19. Cooperative Education at LaGuardia Community College: An Assessment and Description of the Initiation of an Innovative Curriculum. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Soper Associates, Berne, NY.

    La Guardia College (New York) is the only community college in the United States requiring its entire student body to participate in a work-experience program regardless of curriculum choice. This study, conducted by a team of selected consultants, is an assessment of the program based on onsite visits, interviews, and an array of reports and…

  20. Regional Issue Identification and Assessment (RIIA). Volume III. Institutional barriers to developing power generation facilities in the Pacific Northwest

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Morris, F. A.; Sawyer, C. H.; Maxwell, J. H.

    1979-10-01

    The Regional Assessments Division in the US Department of Energy (DOE) has undertaken a program to assess the probable consequences of various national energy policies in regions of the United States and to evaluate the constraints on national energy policy imposed by conditions in these regions. The program is referred to as the Regional Issues Identification and Assessment (RIIA) Program. Currently the RIIA Program is evaluating the Trendlong Mid-Mid scenario, a pattern of energy development for 1985 and 1990 derived from the Project Independence Evaluation System (PIES) model. This scenario assumes a medium annual growth rate in both the nationalmore » demand for and national supply of energy. It has been disaggregated to specify the generating capacity to be supplied by each energy source in each state. Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has the responsibility for evaluating the scenario for the Federal Region 10, consisting of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. PNL is identifying impacts and constraints associated with realizing the scenario in a variety of categories, including air and water quality impacts, health and safety effects, and socioeconomic impacts. This report summarizes the analysis of one such category: institutional constraints - defined to include legal, organizational, and political barriers to the achievement of the scenario in the Northwest.« less

  1. Technical Assistance From State Health Departments for Communities Engaged in Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change: The ACHIEVE Program

    PubMed Central

    Hefelfinger, Jenny; Patty, Alice; Ussery, Ann

    2013-01-01

    Introduction This study assessed the value of technical assistance provided by state health department expert advisors and by the staff of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) to community groups that participated in the Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and Environmental Change (ACHIEVE) Program, a CDC-funded health promotion program. Methods We analyzed quantitative and qualitative data reported by community project coordinators to assess the nature and value of technical assistance provided by expert advisors and NACDD staff and the usefulness of ACHIEVE resources in the development and implementation of community action plans. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze and categorize phrases in text data provided by community coordinators. Open coding placed conceptual labels on text phrases. Frequency distributions of the quantitative data are described and discussed. Results The most valuable technical assistance and program support resources were those determined to be in the interpersonal domain (ie, interactions with state expert advisors, NACDD staff, and peer-to-peer support). The most valuable technical assistance events were action institutes, coaches’ meetings, webinars, and technical assistance conference calls. Conclusion This analysis suggests that ACHIEVE communities valued the management and training assistance provided by expert advisors and NACDD staff. State health department expert advisors provided technical guidance and support, including such skills or knowledge-based services as best-practice strategies, review and discussion of community assessment data, sustainability planning, and identification of possible funding opportunities. NACDD staff led development and implementation of technical assistance events. PMID:24157078

  2. After The Demonstration: What States Sustained After the End of Federal Grants to Improve Children’s Health Care Quality

    PubMed Central

    Brach, Cindy; Anglin, Grace; Devers, Kelly J.; Burton, Rachel

    2018-01-01

    Introduction Under the CHIPRA Quality Demonstration Grant Program, CMS awarded $100 million through 10 grants that 18 state Medicaid agencies implemented between 2010 and 2015. The program’s legislatively-mandated purpose was to evaluate promising ideas for improving the quality of children’s health care provided through Medicaid and CHIP. As part of the program’s multifaceted evaluation, this study examined the extent to which states sustained key program activities after the demonstration ended. Methods We identified 115 potentially sustainable elements within states’ CHIPRA demonstrations and analyzed data from grantee reports and key informant interviews to assess sustainment outcomes and key influential factors. We also assessed sustainment of the projects’ intellectual capital. Results 56% of potentially sustainable elements were sustained. Sustainment varied by topic area: Elements related to quality measure reporting and practice facilitation were more likely to be sustained than others, such as parent advisors. Broad contextual factors, the state’s Medicaid environment, implementation partners’ resources, and characteristics of the demonstration itself all shaped sustainment outcomes. Discussion Assessing sustainment of key elements of states’ CHIPRA quality demonstration projects provides insight into the fates of the “promising ideas” that the grant program was designed to examine. As a result of the federal government’s investment in this grant program, many demonstration states are in a strong position to extend and spread specific strategies for improving the quality of care for children in Medicaid and CHIP. Our findings provide insights for policymakers and providers working to improve the quality of health care for low income children. PMID:29119478

  3. Developing Statistical Models to Assess Transplant Outcomes Using National Registries: The Process in the United States.

    PubMed

    Snyder, Jon J; Salkowski, Nicholas; Kim, S Joseph; Zaun, David; Xiong, Hui; Israni, Ajay K; Kasiske, Bertram L

    2016-02-01

    Created by the US National Organ Transplant Act in 1984, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) is obligated to publicly report data on transplant program and organ procurement organization performance in the United States. These reports include risk-adjusted assessments of graft and patient survival, and programs performing worse or better than expected are identified. The SRTR currently maintains 43 risk adjustment models for assessing posttransplant patient and graft survival and, in collaboration with the SRTR Technical Advisory Committee, has developed and implemented a new systematic process for model evaluation and revision. Patient cohorts for the risk adjustment models are identified, and single-organ and multiorgan transplants are defined, then each risk adjustment model is developed following a prespecified set of steps. Model performance is assessed, the model is refit to a more recent cohort before each evaluation cycle, and then it is applied to the evaluation cohort. The field of solid organ transplantation is unique in the breadth of the standardized data that are collected. These data allow for quality assessment across all transplant providers in the United States. A standardized process of risk model development using data from national registries may enhance the field.

  4. Information Regarding the Effect of Applying the Representative Tax System to the General Revenue Sharing, Medicaid, and Vocational Education Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.

    The General Accounting Office assessed the likely impact of replacing personal income with the Representative Tax System (RTS) on the distribution of federal aid among the states in three formula-based programs. These programs were the General Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972, known as the Revenue Sharing program; Title XIX of the Social Security…

  5. Palliative care and palliative radiation therapy education in radiation oncology: A survey of US radiation oncology program directors.

    PubMed

    Wei, Randy L; Colbert, Lauren E; Jones, Joshua; Racsa, Margarita; Kane, Gabrielle; Lutz, Steve; Vapiwala, Neha; Dharmarajan, Kavita V

    The purpose of this study was to assess the state of palliative and supportive care (PSC) and palliative radiation therapy (RT) educational curricula in radiation oncology residency programs in the United States. We surveyed 87 program directors of radiation oncology residency programs in the United States between September 2015 and November 2015. An electronic survey on PSC and palliative RT education during residency was sent to all program directors. The survey consisted of questions on (1) perceived relevance of PSC and palliative RT to radiation oncology training, (2) formal didactic sessions on domains of PSC and palliative RT, (3) effective teaching formats for PSC and palliative RT education, and (4) perceived barriers for integrating PSC and palliative RT into the residency curriculum. A total of 57 responses (63%) was received. Most program directors agreed or strongly agreed that PSC (93%) and palliative radiation therapy (99%) are important competencies for radiation oncology residents and fellows; however, only 67% of residency programs had formal educational activities in principles and practice of PSC. Most programs had 1 or more hours of formal didactics on management of pain (67%), management of neuropathic pain (65%), and management of nausea and vomiting (63%); however, only 35%, 33%, and 30% had dedicated lectures on initial management of fatigue, assessing role of spirituality, and discussing advance care directives, respectively. Last, 85% of programs reported having a formal curriculum on palliative RT. Programs were most likely to have education on palliative radiation to brain, bone, and spine, but less likely on visceral, or skin, metastasis. Residency program directors believe that PSC and palliative RT are important competencies for their trainees and support increasing education in these 2 educational domains. Many residency programs have structured curricula on PSC and palliative radiation education, but room for improvement exists in management of fatigue, assessing role of spirituality, and discussion regarding advance care planning. Copyright © 2016 American Society of Radiation Oncology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. The Midwest Stream Quality Assessment

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    ,

    2012-01-01

    In 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) and USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will be collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) to assess stream quality across the Midwestern United States. The sites selected for this study are a subset of the larger NRSA, implemented by the EPA, States and Tribes to sample flowing waters across the United States (http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/riverssurvey/index.cfm). The goals are to characterize water-quality stressors—contaminants, nutrients, and sediment—and ecological conditions in streams throughout the Midwest and to determine the relative effects of these stressors on aquatic organisms in the streams. Findings will contribute useful information for communities and policymakers by identifying which human and environmental factors are the most critical in controlling stream quality. This collaborative study enhances information provided to the public and policymakers and minimizes costs by leveraging and sharing data gathered under existing programs. In the spring and early summer, NAWQA will sample streams weekly for contaminants, nutrients, and sediment. During the same time period, CERC will test sediment and water samples for toxicity, deploy time-integrating samplers, and measure reproductive effects and biomarkers of contaminant exposure in fish or amphibians. NRSA will sample sites once during the summer to assess ecological and habitat conditions in the streams by collecting data on algal, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities and collecting detailed physical-habitat measurements. Study-team members from all three programs will work in collaboration with USGS Water Science Centers and State agencies on study design, execution of sampling and analysis, and reporting.

  7. International Piping Integrity Research Group (IPIRG) Program. Final report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wilkowski, G.; Schmidt, R.; Scott, P.

    1997-06-01

    This is the final report of the International Piping Integrity Research Group (IPIRG) Program. The IPIRG Program was an international group program managed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and funded by a consortium of organizations from nine nations: Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The program objective was to develop data needed to verify engineering methods for assessing the integrity of circumferentially-cracked nuclear power plant piping. The primary focus was an experimental task that investigated the behavior of circumferentially flawed piping systems subjected to high-rate loadings typical of seismic events. Tomore » accomplish these objectives a pipe system fabricated as an expansion loop with over 30 meters of 16-inch diameter pipe and five long radius elbows was constructed. Five dynamic, cyclic, flawed piping experiments were conducted using this facility. This report: (1) provides background information on leak-before-break and flaw evaluation procedures for piping, (2) summarizes technical results of the program, (3) gives a relatively detailed assessment of the results from the pipe fracture experiments and complementary analyses, and (4) summarizes advances in the state-of-the-art of pipe fracture technology resulting from the IPIRG program.« less

  8. Status of Microsurgical Simulation Training in Plastic Surgery: A Survey of United States Program Directors.

    PubMed

    Al-Bustani, Saif; Halvorson, Eric G

    2016-06-01

    Various simulation models for microsurgery have been developed to overcome the limitations of Halstedian training on real patients. We wanted to assess the status of microsurgery simulation in plastic surgery residency programs in the United States. Data were analyzed from responses to a survey sent to all plastic surgery program directors in the United States, asking for type of simulation, quality of facilities, utilization by trainees, evaluation of trainee sessions, and perception of the relevance of simulation. The survey response rate was 50%. Of all programs, 69% provide microsurgical simulation and 75% of these have a laboratory with microscope and 52% provide live animal models. Half share facilities with other departments. The quality of facilities is rated as good or great in 89%. Trainee utilization is once every 3 to 6 months in 82% of programs. Only in 11% is utilization monthly. Formal evaluation of simulation sessions is provided by 41% of programs. All program directors agree simulation is relevant to competence in microsurgery, 60% agree simulation should be mandatory, and 43% require trainees to complete a formal microsurgery course prior to live surgery. There seems to be consensus that microsurgical simulation improves competence, and the majority of program directors agree it should be mandatory. Developing and implementing standardized simulation modules and assessment tools for trainees across the nation as part of a comprehensive competency-based training program for microsurgery is an important patient safety initiative that should be considered. Organizing with other departments to share facilities may improve their quality and hence utilization.

  9. Devolution's policy impact on non-emergency medical transportation in State Children's Health Insurance Programs.

    PubMed

    Borders, Stephen; Blakely, Craig; Ponder, Linda; Raphael, David

    2011-01-01

    Proponents of devolution often maintain that the transfer of power and authority of programs enables local officials to craft policy solutions that better align with the needs of their constituents. This article provides one of the first empirical evaluations of this assumption as it relates to non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). NEMT programs meet a critical need in the areas in which they serve, directly targeting this single key access barrier to care. Yet states have great latitude in making such services available. The authors utilize data from 32 states to provide a preliminary assessment of devolution's consequences and policy impact on transportation-related access to care. Their findings provide mixed evidence on devolution's impact on policy outcomes. Proponents of devolution can find solace in the fact that several states have gone beyond federally mandated minimum requirements to offer innovative programs to remove transportation barriers to care. Detractors of devolution will find continued pause on several key issues, as a number of states do not offer NEMT to their SCHIP populations while cutting services and leaving over $7 billion in federal matching funding unspent.

  10. Water-quality trends in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin using sediment cores from reservoirs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Van Metre, Peter C.; Mahler, B.J.; Callender, Edward C.

    1997-01-01

    In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began full implementation of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program (Leahy and others, 1990). Also in 1991, the State of Texas established the Clean Rivers Program (CRP) administered by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). The coring study reported here was a collaborative effort between the NAWQA Program and the CRP Rio Grande Border Environmental Assessment Team, with additional funding support from the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1.

  11. Indian Program Evaluation and Needs Assessment. Hearings Before the United States Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs, 95th Congress, 2nd Session on S. 2712--Relating to the Evaluation and Assessment of Indian Programs and Needs, and for Other Purposes (April 17 and 21, 1978).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs.

    Included in this document are the text of S. 2712, statements by witnesses, and letters and comments from both government and American Indian representatives. The purpose of this legislation is to require all federal agencies which administer special programs and services for Indians to provide an annual report to Congress to facilitate program…

  12. Needs assessment and treatment compliance at state opioid substitution treatment programes in Georgia.

    PubMed

    Piralishvili, G; Gamkrelidze, I; Nikolaishvili, N; Chavchanidze, M

    2013-01-01

    conduct needs assessments and treatment compliance evaluations in MMT and Suboxone Substitution State Programs in Georgia (Republic of). 506 patients (2 females) were surveyed (92% on Methadone, 8% on Suboxone) from 6 Tbilisi and 4 regional State Programs in 2011 November. Mean age - 40±8,56 (22-65) year; 254 (51.4%) were in treatment for 1-3 year. Evaluation was carried out on the base of structured self-questionnaire that covers demographics, drug use history, general drug use trends, psychotherapeutic sessions' acceptance and open label question regarding treatment challenges and satisfaction. 305 (60.3%) attended individual and 57 (11.3%) group psychotherapy sessions with 50.79% attending once/month or rare. The main reason given for therapy non-attendance - no needs for it (29.48%); the main drugs before admission - heroin (80.04%), buprenorphine (53.49%); Main drugs used in Georgia nowadays - desomorphine ("crocodile"), alcohol and marihuana. Commonly used drugs by program patients (136 positive answers) - alcohol-13.62%, marihuana-10.39%, pregabalin - 8.17%, opioids- 6.62% (mostly-"crocodile"), home-made stimulants-6.23%, sedatives -5.45%. 55.4% are extremely satisfied with treatment, 82.4% - with program staff. Patients' main wishes- free of charge programs (46.4%) and provide take-home doses (22.07%). Methadone and Suboxone ST are being well accepted in Georgia and appear to be reducing illegal opioid use. However, the psychotherapeutic sessions' attendance is very low.

  13. My Librarian: Personalized Research Clinics and the Academic Library.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cardwell, Catherine; Furlong, Katherine; O'Keeffe, Julie

    2002-01-01

    Describes personalized research clinics (PRC) programs at three diverse institutions: Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania), Marquette University (Wisconsin), and Bowling Green State University (Ohio). Addresses logistics, publicity methods, program analysis, and assessment issues, and weighs the benefits of the labor-intensive service against other…

  14. Performance Funding in Tennessee: Stimulus for Program Improvement.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Banta, Trudy W.; Moffett, Marian S.

    1987-01-01

    All postsecondary institutions in Tennessee have the opportunity to earn an annual budget supplement for instruction from the state if certain criteria, based on educational outcomes, are obtained. A comprehensive assessment program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is described. (MLW)

  15. A FRAMEWORK FOR AN INTEGRATED MONITORING PLAN FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO ECOSYSTEM

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) Office in cooperation with its principal partners (Gulf State agencies, Federal agencies, private industry, etc.) and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) are developing an integrated c...

  16. COMPARISON OF MULTIPLE POINT AND COMPOSITE SAMPLING FOR THE PURPOSE OF MONITORING BATHING WATER QUALITY

    EPA Science Inventory

    The USEPA Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act) requires states to develop monitoring and notification programs for recreational waters using approved bacterial indicators. Implementation of an appropriate monitoring program can, under some circumsta...

  17. Acquisition Systems Protection Planning the Manhatten Project: A Case Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-06-03

    This study examines the counterintelligence and security programs of the Manhattan Project , the United States acquisition of the atomic bomb, using...assessment methodology and counterintelligence techniques and procedures. Acquisition systems, Program protection, Manhattan Project , Atomic bomb, Technology protection, Counterintelligence, Security.

  18. Perceived Utility of the RE-AIM Framework for Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Initiatives for Older Adults: A Case Study from the U.S. Evidence-Based Disease Prevention Initiative.

    PubMed

    Ory, Marcia G; Altpeter, Mary; Belza, Basia; Helduser, Janet; Zhang, Chen; Smith, Matthew Lee

    2014-01-01

    Dissemination and implementation (D&I) frameworks are increasingly being promoted in public health research. However, less is known about their uptake in the field, especially for diverse sets of programs. Limited questionnaires exist to assess the ways that frameworks can be utilized in program planning and evaluation. We present a case study from the United States that describes the implementation of the RE-AIM framework by state aging services providers and public health partners and a questionnaire that can be used to assess the utility of such frameworks in practice. An online questionnaire was developed to capture community perspectives about the utility of the RE-AIM framework. Distributed to project leads in 27 funded states in an evidence-based disease prevention initiative for older adults, 40 key stakeholders responded representing a 100% state-participation rate among the 27 funded states. Findings suggest that there is perceived utility in using the RE-AIM framework when evaluating grand-scale initiatives for older adults. The RE-AIM framework was seen as useful for planning, implementation, and evaluation with relevance for evaluators, providers, community leaders, and policy makers. Yet, the uptake was not universal, and some respondents reported difficulties in use, especially adopting the framework as a whole. This questionnaire can serve as the basis to assess ways the RE-AIM framework can be utilized by practitioners in state-wide D&I efforts. Maximal benefit can be derived from examining the assessment of RE-AIM-related knowledge and confidence as part of a continual quality assurance process. We recommend such an assessment be performed before the implementation of new funding initiatives and throughout their course to assess RE-AIM uptake and to identify areas for technical assistance.

  19. Evaluating the Relationship between Individualized Education Program Compliance for Middle School Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Academic Achievement Based upon State Reading Summative Assessment Scores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hawkins, Donnita

    2012-01-01

    Over the last 37 years, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) has been the guiding document that outlines the needs of a student who receives special education services. Washington State utilizes an IEP Review form as the means to determine if an IEP has been properly written and formulated. This information partially fulfills the Federal…

  20. Status of state forestry best management practices for the southeastern United States

    Treesearch

    R. Cristan; W.M. Aust; M.C. Bolding; S.M. Barrett; J.F. Munsell

    2016-01-01

    Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) are important measures for protecting the waters of the U.S., but few studies have compared monitoring strategies and implementation success of forestry BMPs across states. In order to assess the status of state forestry BMPs, a survey was sent to the state forestry agency in each U.S. state regarding their forestry BMP program...

Some links on this page may take you to non-federal websites. Their policies may differ from this site.
Top