Major changes in Massachusetts public policy governing early intervention programs for very young disabled children were described. The process of policy change and formation was analyzed by focusing on the principal catalysts for change. Factors were examined in terms of issue definition, proposal formulation, support mobilization, and decision…

The process of pricing decision making in public and private higher education, who participates, and what factors are considered are described, based on illustrated case studies of the tuition- and fee-setting processes at Yale University for 1982-84 and in the State of Washington in 1981-83. (MSE)

Following a brief section on definitions of politics, political systems, and educational policy, the article reviews major systems for thinking specifically about adult learning: continuing, recurrent and nonformal education, and lifelong learning as related but distinct concepts, and the question of central control by national government.…

Although "A Nation at Risk" identifies many legitimate problems, the report misconstrues their causes and proposes inappropriate solutions. By blaming schools for America's economic, military, and moral shortcomings, it deflects criticism from education's social, economic, and political context, which we must analyze if we seek a more…

Discusses the political battles over federal support of education in the Congress since Reagan's election to the Presidency, including the reaction to the impact of the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Contrasts the activities and attitudes of Reagan and Kentucky's late Democratic Congressman Carl Perkins. (PGD)

Retrenchment is explored using theories of fiscal crisis and state economic variation to interpret state and federal funding patterns for public research universities. The State University of New York at Buffalo and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University illustrate the impact of government spending patterns. (Author/MLW)

Compares attempts and outcomes in Fiji junior secondary schools and in Kiribati community high schools to provide alternative schooling of either vocational or local/practical orientation. Focuses on nature of educational decision-making process and influence of public pressures on planners and politicians. Identifies new and influential factors…

Theory Z is a form of management which stresses consensual, participative decision making through quality circles. Replacement of the hierarchical school district organization by self-direction and trust within the educational community can lead to commitment, loyalty, and motivation. Cooperation in equal partnership ends the adversarial…

How to teach elementary art students to make foreign toys is described. The concepts and skills introduced can be related to the study of geography, history, and politics. Toys can be viewed as cultural crafts or artifacts. Knowledge of the concerns of foreign children will make them seem more real. (RM)

Conservation's concern for utility and beauty are not readily and consistently associated with either side of the liberal/conservative dichotomy or with any specific place on the conventional political spectrum. The politics of those trying to save the forests of Central America illustrate these points. (RM)

Market ideology and its empirical applications, it is suggested, cannot be used to justify public higher education with a strong liberal arts component. Advocates of public higher education must articulate an effective alternative ideology that could be developed out of the progressive and democratic traditions in its political history.…

Examines some of the mechanisms whereby the state utilizes the schools to disseminate the ideology of state capitalism. Focuses particularly on the way influential foundations, often in conjunction with government agencies, have sponsored surveys on the direction American schooling should take. (Author/RDN)

The public image of a school board can be enhanced if it handles business in a manner that inspires confidence. Seven suggestions are presented on topics such as location of meetings, procedures, agenda, handling audience comments, establishing priorities, handling complaints, and superintendent support. (TE)

Discusses the pairings of Boston public schools with local colleges, collaborations which were court-mandated to facilitate school desegregation. Outlines historical and judicial background and analyzes assumptions about change and reaction within a forced collaborative setting. Offers recommendations to staff development interventionists working…

The research on effective schools provides an opportunity for federally supported school improvement. A new challenge to policymakers will be presented by the satellite delivery of a totally engineered learning environment to subscribing homes. (MLF)