http://hdl.handle.net/1957/4129 Search the Channel search http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/jspui/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/1957/13139 Title: Changing federal county payments and rural Oregon counties: analysis of policy impacts and responses from loss of secure rural schools funding in selected Oregon counties<br/><br/>Authors: Gaid, Dawn Marie<br/><br/>Abstract: Changes in federal forest management, enactment of environmental policies, recessions and ashift to a global economy dramatically impacted counties between the 1980s and 1990s. In the1990s, counties began experiencing a shift away from traditional natural resource extractionactivities – amidst changing demographics resulting from rural restructuring taking place acrossthe west by baby-boomers and amenity seekers – towards more service, recreation and tourismoriented economies. Progressive population increases have escalated demand for countygovernment services, while progressively declining populations have reduced county tax bases.At the same time, voter-initiated state tax measures fixed property tax rates and restricted annualincreases in property tax assessments, reflecting anti-tax/anti-government sentiments. Thefederal government’s attempt to stabilize payments to county governments perpetuated acontinued reliance on these payments through the authorization of OBRA in 1993 and thesubsequent authorization of SRS in 2000 and reauthorizations in 2007 and 2008, in spite of theirimpending expiration.Taken together, all of these factors have influenced the actions of Oregon county governmentsfaced with the loss of SRS payments. However, federal forest and state property tax policies arethe predominant structural constraints that influence county government decision making. Or –to quote the Association of Oregon Counties – together they have created “structural handcuffs”that have narrowed the choices available to county government (AOC, 2007), making difficultfor counties to raise additional revenues necessary to maintain public service levels of the past.The result has been dramatic cuts to staff and service levels in programs and departments, whichvary by county.<br/><br/>Description: Graduation date: 2010 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/12504 Title: Analysis of the effects of Head Start on the long-term educational achievements of participants: elements of agreement, conflict, and gaps<br/><br/>Authors: Kelleher, Bridget<br/><br/>Abstract: The goal of the graduate essay was to provide the reader with a historical overview of the United States government funded preschool program Head Start and examine policy considerations for long term effectiveness on academic achievements of participants. Focusing on research about Head Start effectiveness, careful consideration was given to policies and procedures including Performance Standards, domains and indicators of compliance, and the federal funding policies. Analyzing significant studies on Head Start long-term effectiveness, the easy reflects on preschool as an intervention tool. First, analysis of six important studies on long-term effectiveness allowed for the suggestion of consensus among researchers. Second, identifying conflict in evaluations of the long-term effectiveness recognized best administrative practices and areas of change. Third, recognition of remaining gaps in administrative and evaluation methods supported the consensus that elementary school quality after participation impacts on Head Start effectiveness. The objective of the essay was to discuss the policy implications of elements of consensus and non-consensus for public policymakers. In conclusion, considerations for the Obama administration were identified including changes in Federal Head Start Policy, funding, and a need for a transitional program between Head Start participation and school entrance.<br/><br/>Description: 2009 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/12369 Title: Low-income weatherization: practical and policy limitations to increasing services in rural Oregon<br/><br/>Authors: Hammond, D'Anne<br/><br/>Abstract: This essay examines the low-income weatherization program in rural Oregon, shedding light on difficulties in increasing weatherization services to low-income rural households. This essay also identifies policy limitations. There are strict rules in place for utilizing Department of Energy weatherization funding and some of these rulesare likely to make it difficult for agencies serving rural areas to accommodate a larger portion of low-income households. These rules, coupled with the spatial distribution and economic circumstances of rural populations, compound both the need for and difficulties in delivery of weatherization services for low-income households in rural areas. This essay addresses these questions: Are rural regions under-served by the program? What are the difficulties in reaching and delivering services to more rural households? Is it the case that policy mandates make it more difficult to increase service delivery in rural areas? What role does the spatial distribution of the population and rural economy play in delivering services to households in rural areas?<br/><br/>Description: Graduation date: 2009 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/12249 Title: The poetics of water governance : differential language use in relation to water in El Salvador<br/><br/>Authors: Ogden, Stephanie<br/><br/>Abstract: The language of water policy both suggests and enforces the relationship that the public should have with water. Differences in language use between policy institutions and the public suggest that the understanding of water promoted through policy may be incongruent with the understanding of water held by the public. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents of two rural communities in El Salvador, local and regional government institutions, as well as local and international NGOs. A discourse analysis of these interviews demonstrates that there is a significant difference between the language utilized by community members and the language used by policy-making institutions with respect to water and water use. This difference in discourse may signify a difference in understanding regarding water and people’s relationship to water, which may ultimately compromise the effectiveness of water policy in rural areas of El Salvador. Furthermore, the introduction and prevalence of policy discourse at the community level may contribute to the elimination of the community discourse and subsequently the loss of the community’s particular understanding of water. This research suggests that, in order to create a policy discourse that more closely resembles community discourse and evokes a similar understanding of water, language must be used that connotes affection, that connotes ownership and obligation, and that is grounded in geographic context.<br/><br/>Description: June, 2009