Eight public universities in Mississippi and the State Board of Trustees are committed to the development of a statewide management information system. The background of the project and the progress made during the first two years are described. (Author/MLW)

To develop systematic procedures for determining and closing gaps between current and desired conditions, the North York (Ontario) Board of Education developed a long-range plan in 1979 to provide guidelines for school consolidation in response to declining enrollment, to be included in broader context of planning for the total system. (NEC)

A framework and a derivative course of action to higher education institutions as they move through transition from an industrial to technological society are presented with reference to Alvin Toffler's "The Third Wave." The concept of equilibrium/disequilibrium is the theoretical basis of the framework. Three models demonstrate the…

Strategic decision-making as a part of the higher education planning process is becoming more dependent upon data elements external to the institution. The context in which postsecondary education takes place, the maturation of the planning function, and the challenge to management systems for postsecondary education are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Considers the social and political changes social workers may be faced with in the remainder of the century, and how the profession will react, in four scenarios. A national commission considering "future histories" describes possibilities ranging from heroism and expanded influence to loss of professional identity for social workers. (Author/JAC)

To determine what small colleges are doing and what they ought to be doing about institutional advancement, 170 small college institutional advancement offices throughout the country were surveyed. Some guidelines for effectiveness include: documented college purpose, a commitment to advancement, adequate budget, monitor productivity,…

Several financial aid management software programs are now being marketed and many institutions are seriously contemplating purchase of one of them. Careful analysis of any proposal is essential. The experiences of the University of Oklahoma are described. Personnel preparation should receive considerable attention during the planning and…

The lack of long-range planning or longitudinal research in higher education is discussed and the importance of federal support for this research is emphasized. The following questions are addressed: How can research on higher education be achieved? How can higher education obtain federal funding for this research? (SF)

The pressures of continued budgetary constraints will be felt at every level of the academic community and responses to these pressures will determine the complexion of private higher education. Responsive management is discussed in terms of information systems and communication. The structure and process of institution-wide planning are charted.…

Although government has increased its use of expenditure- forecasting mechanisms and has encouraged local authorities to adopt management processes that demand the development of such mechanisms, central government intervention has made consideration of the future resource environment of a local authority increasingly difficult. (Author/IRT)

This annual report provides strategies for improving the quality of early childhood programs. Describes changes in early childhood education, changes affecting National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC's) capacity, and adapting NAEYC's existing strategies and launching new ones. Contains a 1996-97 financial summary of…

This article describes an integrated services transition model for individuals with disabilities that promotes self-determination with three phases: (1) assessment; (2) planning; and (3) strategy implementation. Self-determination opportunities in transitioning from school to adult life are identified. The article emphasizes the importance of an…

Studies the impact of external citizen review initiated 14 to 45 days after a child entered the court system. Comparisons were made between two study groups to determine the impact of early citizen review on services planned and provided, court delays, completeness of written case plans, number of placements, time in placement, and achievement of…

This article raises critical issues that need to addressed while considering the future needs of people with Down syndrome and dementia, along with suggestions as to how they may be met. It discusses dementia diagnosis, staff training, the family's role, advantages of health screening, and difficulties in collating accurate information. (Contains…

Three individuals long involved in Appalachian regional affairs are interviewed concerning Appalachia's future. Recent economic development based on cultivating "crossroads" growth centers has contributed to growing gaps between growth areas and rural areas and between the middle and working class, and threatens regional values of…