The authors aim to identify characteristics of democratic schools. The Delphi technique used in this study is based on attaining a consensus among a group of experts over 3 rounds with 22 experts from 9 countries participating in the first round. By the end of the third round, 339 items referring to democratic school characteristics were…

Questionnaire responses obtained from 64 percent of both the 216 members and the 14 directors of education advisory councils revealed membership characteristics, roles, and responsibilities, and obtained members' suggestions for strengthening the advisory council concept. The 16 statutory public advisory councils and committees serving the U.S.…

Previous management research supports the view that comprehensive planning and participative decision-making are important factors in reducing community opposition to educational policies. To investigate the possibility that neither of these strategies necessarily has this effect, a survey was undertaken of 53 school districts that had experienced…

This study examined current initiatives related to adult literacy in Canada. A literature search, interviews with government personnel, telephone surveys, faxed questionnaires, and interviews with key individuals were used to assess four kinds of initiatives (teaching/learning opportunities, support to programs, policy development, and…

The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) is conducted through questionnaires mailed to teachers, principals, and district administrators in a sample of the nation's public and private schools. First conducted in 1987-88, the SASS is now planned for every 5 years, with a teacher followup 1 year after each SASS. The SASS provides data on the country's…

This publication describes the activities, deliberations, and products of a semester-long, graduate-level class dealing with policy development related to self-directed adult learning. The first section of the document provides a brief overview of the scope and content of the course. After a section of definitions of terms relating to…

A study examined the distribution, use, and effects of 30 research and development products to improve vocational education for handicapped learners. These research and development efforts were studied through a mail survey returned from 321 respondents, telephone interviews with 100 respondents, and case studies of seven sites where these…