Three plans for reforming the financing of students wishing to attend college, therefore improving college affordability, are outlined: (1) improving the college loan system; (2) mitigating high tuition with high student aid; and (3) making comprehensive changes at all levels of the college finance system (the Plan of the National Commission on…

In Smith vs. Regents of the University of California, the California Supreme Court established new constitutional limitations on use of mandatory student fees. This article examines the Court's restriction of use of funds for ideological or controversial extracurricular programs and concludes that the distinction between educational and political…

This Louisiana System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR) illustrates conceptual, methodological, and social/political issues emerging when the decision-making model used to make teacher certification decisions does not fit the assumptions of the measurement system used to collect the data. (SLD)

Shrinking state funding and pressure for accountability are forcing institutions of higher education to overhaul their missions, take stock of their spending, and inevitably, reorganize themselves as they prepare for an increasingly competitive college market. Data on average state tuition increase, and appropriations to higher education are…

A historical case study of the construction and reconstruction of race between the late 19th century and the 1940s is used to document the ways in which the social, cultural, political, and historical contexts in which knowers are embedded influence the knowledge they construct and reconstruct. (Author/SLD)

Argues that affirmative action for women and minorities works well, continues to be necessary, and benefits the country. Race- and gender-conscious remedies have proved essential and remain so. Recent assaults on affirmative action mean that national leaders must do a better job of educating the public. (SLD)

Discusses teacher education reform and development during the Chinese Reform Era since 1978, and explains why it is so difficult to implement reforms in China. The author focuses on preservice teacher education provided at teachers' colleges or normal universities and the shift of China's resources and attention away from teacher preparation. (GR)

The basic world views of liberals and conservatives (or politically correct and politically incorrect individuals) on college campuses are compared. Both groups are urged to identify goals and strategies for equity for which consensus is possible. Alternative models for campus order and openness are encouraged, as are more global, international,…

Skill is a social construct that assumes different meanings in particular historical circumstances. This paper explains how the dominant concept of skill has shifted in twentieth-century Australia from being job- and content-specific to a more generic view (embracing cognitive, technical, and operational, social, and affective skills) that…

Discusses the portability of computer-related media in international distance education. Factors that influence portability of educational media are considered, current and potential applications in both developed and developing countries are described, and strategies to plan for portability are suggested that include political, social, and…

Explores the roles of information brokers and information consultants. Topics discussed include reasons for the emergence of information brokers, including technological, sociological, economic, and political factors; legal and ethical considerations; implications for libraries; access to information; future prospects; and the information industry…

The Scottish Council for the Training of Teachers (SCTT) was established in 1959 to serve as a coordinating body during a major reorganization of the system of teacher education. Describes and assesses the way in which the SCTT functioned, especially as an advisory body, with respect to the construction of new colleges of education in the 1960s.…

Whether law schools should remain institutionally neutral concerning fundamental political and moral issues facing society is examined. The discussion looks at the purposes of the university in the modern world, the core of knowledge needing preservation, areas of inquiry no longer valid, new priorities for inquiry, and faculty role. (MSE)

Issues involved in selecting an administrative strategy for achieving salary equity for men and women in institutions of higher education are discussed. Possible strategies are reviewed and compared based on equity of salary adjustments, political constraints, cost to the institution, and effectiveness in removing inequities. (Author/MSE)

Structural problems and political issues that must be overcome for the Texas A&M University Japanese branch campus to be successful are explored. It is concluded that the university must have clear priorities and attainable goals and garner the support and expertise of regional and national authorities in Japan. (MSE)