Recent literature has usefully explored the application of complexity theory to evaluation. However, there is little discussion of the contextual conditions in applying complexity theory. Drawing upon a single complexity-consistent public health programme evaluation and subsequent policy decisions, this paper considers how programme framing and…

How do the constituencies in higher education re-interpret Bologna's function with regard to the European Higher Education Area? This research examines how institutional actors re-construct the policy framework in the light of their own institutional agendas. Drawing on empirical data from a survey of academics, students and administrative and…

This document is intended to serve as a practical guide for implementing a teacher-student data link (TSDL) that supports a range of uses at the local, regional, and state levels. The guide addresses the considerations for linking teacher and student data from multiple perspectives, including governance, policies, data components, business rules,…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate decision making in the Common Core State Standards Initiative as the change process moved from research, development and diffusion activities to adoption of the Common Core State Standards by the states. A decision-oriented evaluation model was used to describe the four stages of planning, structuring,…

The role of statewide coordinating/governing agencies in the program review and approval process has grown steadily. It would seem expedient for those involved in the process of state level program review to share ideas, experiences, and concepts of the review process in order to better understand the process itself and to explore possibilities…

The governance options matrix is provided to offer a way for state and university policymakers to examine the functioning environments of specific university-owned public teaching hospitals. With it, they can consider the benefits and problems involved with different options for governance. The issues related to the environmental factors affecting…

The report of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA) self-study advisory panel is presented in three parts. Following a historical review of the formation of COPA, part 1 looks at the first 5 years (1975-1980), and explains 1982-1986 activities as they related to priorities adopted in 1982. Information is offered on: COPA objectives and…

The political processes involved in an academic program evaluation are discussed. The focus is on how evaluative information is politically linked to programmatic decisions within the context of various organizational and evaluative utilization models. To examine the explanatory power of the various theories and models, information from a program…

This document contains the results of the National Board of YMCA's (Young Men's Christian Association's) deliberations and actions on "Preparing for the Seventies" at its meeting in October 1968. It is for the purpose of providing clarification and assistance to individuals and groups responsible for implementation of the National…

This paper reviews the literature on governance from 1965 to 1970. The author surveys the attitudes of those who participate in the governing process - students, faculty, administration - and illustrates how patterns of governance are undergoing change. Several innovative governance models are given along with a review of related problems, such as…

This paper describes how the Northridge campus of California State University incorporated academic program assessment into its regular practices using opinion leaders, diffusion methods, and collaboration between faculty and administration. Elements of the assessment program included: (1) appointment of an assessment coordinator; (2) high…

This paper discusses the incongruity among education's multiplicity of conflicting actors, theories, and values that affect curriculum decision-making. This discussion is divided into three major concerns: sociopolitical, professional, and student. Sociopolitical concerns include the impact of peace, war, human sexuality, environment, work and…

Fourteen planning papers commissioned by the National Institute of Education in preparation for a study of vocational education are presented. The papers are organized into four sections. Section one deals with selected features of federal grant-in-aid programs and contains these papers: "On Implementing the Vocational Amendments of…

Designed to illustrate administrative structures and processes at Canada College (CC), in Redwood City, California, this report provides flow charts, sample worksheets, and explanatory information related to college governance, program self-assessment, and planning and budgeting. The first section, "College Governance Model," provides an…

Blue ribbon commissions in the United States from 1965-1983 are discussed with attention to what makes a commission effective, the history of blue ribbon commissions, features of a commission, whether these commissions are useful on campus, and criticisms of blue ribbon commissions. Factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a blue ribbon…