We now have ample evidence that public policies diffuse across the American states; that is, policy adoption is due at least in part to the emulation of policies enacted in nearby states. But, policy adoption is the result of a complex process, a process that often takes years and sometimes decades to complete. According to the "stage"…

This handbook attempts to improve policy development and decision making relative to financing postsecondary education. Sections cover: (1) descriptions and comparisons of selected reports relative to recommendations for postsecondary financing; (2) position statements and/or comments on postsecondary financing from certain cooperative sponsoring…

Discussed is the need to examine a number of measures of the "level" of state support of postsecondary education (e.g., in terms of a state's population, its students, and the level of state revenues). Described are factors that need to be considered as planners attempt to better understand the specific context surrounding state support decisions.…

The benefits of and issues associated with output-related funding (ORF) were assessed by examining the use of ORF in vocational education and training (VET) in the European Union and the United States. Data were gathered in the following ways: several online bibliographic searches; consultation with 54 experts, including VET researchers, national…

In its Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development is developing an instrument to compare across countries the quality of outcomes produced by schools. This document explores some issues related to academic achievement. Chapter 1, "Resources for Lifelong Learning: What Might…

This report charts the recent development of the non-university sector of higher education in some OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. It shows that during the 1980s this sector most often succeeded in enhancing its standing and recognition among students, employers, and the academic world alike. Its progress in…

The purpose of this monograph is to stimulate reflective inquiry by educators into their work as policy makers, program designers, and evaluators of inservice education programs. Its context is a series of case studies of evaluations performed in Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Four essays are presented. The first…

Development of the concept of quality within higher education, at both government and institutional levels, is traced, focusing on differences in state and institutional approaches and concerns in the pursuit of quality. Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) illustrates one approach. Relative impact of different approaches on the public interest…

This report discusses the differences between universities and business institutions and why they are different in handling their affairs. The premise of the report is that public universities must become more transparent if they are to receive adequate support from interested parties. Five main areas are discussed in a comparative assessment…

Developments in Australia's system of higher education and institutional and policy control in the last 20 years are compared with Great Britain's. It is concluded that the current Australian arrangement of authority between state and commonwealth has helped regulate higher education, but some improvements should be made before adaptation in…

A study was conducted in an attempt to provide comprehensive data about the characteristics of students enrolled in resident proprietary schools in Illinois. Students were administered a survey instrument modeled after the Student Profile Section of the American College Testing Program's assessment form and their Career Planning Profile Booklet.…

This document is intended to serve as an easy-to-use reference to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. The document begins with an historical overview of vocational education policy and legislation for the years 1917-1998. Presented next is an analysis of the differences between the 1990 and 1998 Perkins acts. The…

Data on post-16 transitions from the 1985 Scottish Young Peoples Survey and from the England and Wales Youth Cohort Study reveal several differences reflecting institutional differences between the two systems. Data also reveal sociological similarities. Those who develop policy initiatives at a British level must respect both similarities and…

This report presents the results of a study conducted with 449 Tennessee educators that investigated the use of educational technology in the state's classrooms. The Tennessee Education Association, as part of its Tennessee Teachers' Technology Initiative, funded in part by a grant from BellSouth, collaborated with the Appalachia Educational…

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) aids the European Commission in encouraging promotion and development of vocational education and training (VET) at the community level. The work program for 1999 document has three sections. In section 1, "Developing knowledge and expertise," 12 projects relate to…