A careful description of the intermediate or regional district developed in New York State under which member districts select the services in which they wish to participate, all districts share the administrative costs, the State shares some of the cost, and the chief executive is both a BOCES board member and a State official. (Author)

Describes programs that have arisen since the Pennsylvania state board authorized local school districts and intermediate units to organize inservice programs that can provide the coursework necessary for permanent certification and for Master's Equivalency Certificates. (Author/IRT)

Emphasizes the development of an effective planning capability in the state. Describes the policy challenges posed by enrollment decline, then analyzes the content and process of Minnesota's response, focusing on legislative enactments aimed at improving school district planning. (IRT)