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DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN THE U.S.

A number of drinking water systems across the U. S. do not meet the standards established under the Safe Drinking Water Act for the protection of human health. Increasingly, people are purchasing "end use" treatment devices as a safeguard against this potential threat. This assessment would examine the potential risks to human health posed by various water systems and measures, including end use devices, that can be taken to reduce these risks.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF EASTERN EUROPE

Concerns about pollution and environmental cleanup will be important to the new economic development anticipated in countries of eastern Europe. Industrial pollution in the past has been unprecedented in some of these countries. Congress may be interested in how the U.S. could best invest in this issue either by direct aid or by sharing technology, people and expertise. OTA could investigate the costs and benefits of U.S. participation in environmental matters in this region.

Science, Education. and Transportation

RELIABLE PARTNERS: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN BIG SCIENCE
PROJECTS

The U.S. has gained a reputation for being an unreliable partner in international science projects. What does this really mean and what does it portend for future collaborations with large capital investment requirements or cutting-edge intellectual competition? How does Europe 92, and developing research capacity in the Pacific Rim affect the equation? How can cooperation be usefully understood in modern times?

PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE AND THE FEDERAL SUPPORT OF
RESEARCH

The claim is often made that if the public better understood the importance of basic research, their support would lead to larger Federal investment. Aside from the difficulty in explaining basic research, the role of positive attitudes in a participatory democracy is difficult to gauge. While there is some information on attitudes surrounding controversial aspects of research (animal testing, etc.), more central attitudes are not well understood. How are attitudes toward research formed and what change would follow in the body politic if these attitudes became more positive or more forceful?

SCHOOL TO WORK TRANSITION

Revisions to the Perkins Vocational Education Act identify two studies that OTA may be requested to undertake. The first concerns evaluation of longitudinal economic data on indicators of quality for voc ed programs. The second calls for OTA to "assess a sample of tests designed for students who have completed secondary school to determine their level of technical knowledge relating to broad technical fields."

School-to-work transition is a growing issue for educators, employers and policymakers. How can youth be prepared to be productive citizens, in terms of our democracy as well as our economy? What distinctions can be made between skills best acquired in the

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TECHNOLOGY AND SCHOOL RESTRUCTURING

Increasingly, policymakers are concluding that nothing short of a total school restructuring can effect the changes needed in the educational system. Technology can provide tools for expediting change-restructuring schools to meet educational needs, dissolving borders and creating new communities of learners, and distributing resources more equitably. OTA could examine how technology can 1) increase the problem solving and critical thinking capabilities of all students; 2) help teachers manage learning more efficiently and effectively; 3) connect classrooms with the world; and 4) better meet individual needs. Business and industry, alarmed with public school quality, are now funding elementary and secondary school programs. While the money and concern are welcomed, there is worry about blurring the distinction between education and training. What components of the classroom experience are more susceptible to influence? What components can best be aided by business and industry programs? What roles should school boards, parents, teachers, business groups, states and the Federal government play in such decisions? Chapter 1 programs-the major Federal program that provides funds for children with educational disadvantages-has had an unforeseen effect on schools. The Federal requirements for accountability (and the desire for nationally aggregated data) have led to extensive use of tests; normally multiple-choice standardized tests. Given the wide distribution of Chapter 1 monies, this effort may be driving schools to test more frequently, and/or in a different manner than they would prefer. How can accountability needs best be met for Chapter 1 schools?

INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION

The patchwork nature of U.S. transportation policy, coupled with the competitive nature of transportation funding, has created a national system that is not a system. The recently enacted surface transportation act offers new flexibility for states and more equitable funding for various modes. Lack of experience, lack of adequate data and the historical absence of cooperation means that states and localities need help in shifting to planning and implementation for truly integrated people-oriented systems.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION R&D

Transportation and construction research are traditionally underfunded and undervalued in the United States. Little coordinated work is underway. Continued failure to perform this work will result in domination by non-U.S. technologies, systems not as modern and

1/ Includes individuals, whose services are obtained under contract performing on-site services (in agency workspace) for six months or more during a twelve month period.

· Number of individuals and full-time equivalency in ( ).