Planning is a social activity in which educators negotiate personal and organizational interests in constructing programs. Four concepts encompass a planning model: power, interests, negotiation, and responsibility. (SK)

Summarizing the case studies and critique in this issue, the authors conclude that planners must (1) learn to negotiate power and interests responsibly because their actions validate whose interests matter; (2) anticipate sources of support and opposition; (3) determine power relationships; and (4) know to whom they are responsible. (SK)

Suggests that the planning framework developed by Cervero and Wilson (CE 529 367) is useful in theorizing about educational program planning, but the analytical instruments used need to be refined. (SK)

A case study of a health promotion coalition to reduce deaths from AIDS and substance abuse illustrates how empowerment planning can take place, as well as how political and ethical issues influence planning decisions. (SK)

The perception that independent study distance education is inferior is one issue planners must face in higher education. Negotiation of the interests of the institution, faculty, and administrators can be facilitated by collection of data showing opportunities and interests. (SK)

A case study of a college nursing program reveals the politics of planning in higher education and the need to be aware of power relations, negotiated interests, and ethical issues in order to effect meaningful change for students. (SK)

Program planners must be aware of the purposes of professional continuing education and the organization's expectations of it. For example, continuing medical education may be expected to expand clinical practice by generating patient referrals from participating physicians. (SK)

The Candora women's collective uses a participatory model in developing community-based programming for women. Such grassroots organizations are faced with ethical dilemmas in negotiating the interests of funding agencies, organizations, and the women served. (SK)

A case study of a planning effort in a low-income community describes how power was equalized between community activists and government planners. It shows that traditionally silenced voices need support to challenge authority, planners need ethical vision, and planning can be a learning process. (SK)