Reviews paralysis of U.S. social policy. Notes that, although federal government has implemented new social programs, programs either are provided on condition of willingness to work or are modest in scope. Linking paralysis with literature on government ineffectuality, traces origins of ineffectuality of political/economic policies of past 20…

The Great Society's secret task forces created by Lyndon Johnson, particularly in the case-study area of federal education policy, show the use and misuse of the task force device. Modern use of it began with John F. Kennedy. Although he used the task force device effectively sometimes, he did not use it effectively in his educational programs in…

Urban regeneration programs fail because they are largely short term, trickle-down does not work, different policy areas are not coordinated, community partnership involves tokenism, they are not targeted where most needed, and government funding is given with one hand while being taken away with the other. (SK)

At present there is a lack of theory that would direct curriculum research, and the National Institute of Education (NIE) could profitably direct its efforts toward the development of curriculum and instructional theories. NIE's thrust into curriculum, in addition, would be most acceptable if it were to dexterously guide curriculum development,…

Federal education policy should: (1) define objectives and targets of its activities more precisely; (2) define minimal conditions of organizational performance; (3) distinguish among sources of variability in state-local program implementation; and (4) specify the relationship between strategy and structure. (CJ)

Emphasizes that, because policymaking is becoming more complex, today's vocational education leaders need to be aware of the process and importance of the social, political, economic, and technological forces that affect the future of the programs they administer. (Author/NEC)

This paper describes fraud and health risks to consumers from the unregulated weight control industry, reviews safe weight loss guidelines, notes the role of health educators, and argues for increased regulatory control measures. (SM)

This paper provides additional guidance to states in the form of supplemental questions and answers to facilitate the development of policy for service delivery areas (SDAs) and other subrecipients of funding under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Amendments, which took effect on July 1, 1993. Topics covered are the following: definitions,…

New youth strategies are outlined with an emphasis on matching the policy to the problem. The author says federal policy can hardly do more than provide countercyclical public employment. He recommends a more ambitious partnership between federal, state, local, and private agencies. (CT)

After discussing the operations of both federally and nonfederally funded teacher centers, the authors raise some policy issues about the role of teacher education institutions and faculty in center development, operation, and governance. (SJL)

Discusses the role of the national values of efficiency, choice, and equity in the adoption and implementation of the federal education block grant program and the negative effects on school desegregation. Urges policymakers to consider policy goals, and not just policy instruments, when considering future proposals. (FMW)

This article describes how the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) might serve as a model for improving the dissemination of education research and development results. After reviewing the distinctive aspects of each dissemination system, various features of CES are listed that might be replicated and others that…

The relationship between federal policy and educational research is discussed by the Assistant Secretary for Research and Improvement and Counselor to the Secretary of the Department of Education. Issues covered include federal funding, with particular attention to the department's recent fiscal year budget submissions for the Office of…

Discusses issues related to the High Performance Computing and Communication program and National Research and Education Network (NREN) established by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, including program management, specific program development, affecting policy decisions, access to the NREN, the Department of Education role, and…

Reviews the history of workforce development in the United States and lists issues to frame public policy: governance structure, funding targets, quality measures, accountability, and data collection. Identifies current legislative initiatives: School-to-Work Opportunities Act, Goals 2000, and National Skills Standards Act. (SK)