Communities across the country are grappling with different approaches to improving their schools. Introducing or expanding charter schools is one of the approaches that states and school districts have considered or implemented. Charter schools serve more than 5 percent of public school students nationwide and make up close to 7 percent of all…

This brochure was written to help those considering a workplace smoking policy. It begins with a set of facts about workplace smoking and discusses legislation in various states concerning smoking at work. The health consequences of involuntary smoking are also explored. Other sections examine the need for workplace smoking policies, how employees…

This manual was developed to provide school systems with information useful in identifying and responding to crises in their schools and communities. It provides a framework for school systems to use in establishing procedures and guidelines to react appropriately to crisis situations. It consists of general information to guide school systems in…

This paper draws on the experience of various states in its discussion of questions, issues, and decisions that policymakers face as they plan their states' family support initiatives. The discussion is organized into three parts that correspond roughly with the stages of policy formation, program development, and program implementation and…

This paper describes procedures for establishing a special library in organizations where no such library previously existed. The role of the library in meeting organizational information needs and the reasons for setting up a special library are discussed. The paper then focuses on activities to be completed during a library planning process.…

In today's political, economic, and ecologically-sensitive climate a university's or college's indiscriminate acceptance of gifts can have catastrophic consequences. Some donations of cash or even real property can bring with them legal and political, as well as ethical and philosophical complications that can cost the institution considerable…

The materials in this manual are designed to help workshop leaders prepare for and present a workshop for school board members on the variety of variables that must be considered in the course of developing board policy. In the course of the workshop, board members are encouraged to develop stronger self-confidence as policy makers and increased…

The materials in this manual are designed to help workshop leaders prepare for and present a workshop for school board members on the roles of the school board and the superintendent in a systematic cycle of policy management. The workshop identifies the specific mechanical steps that might be considered as a school board moves to identify, write,…