This document reports on the background, purpose and proceedings of a policy forum entitled, "High Quality Inclusion Opportunities for Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities," held on December 13-15, 2004. Project Forum at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) convened this policy forum as part of its…

Despite the possibility that efforts to prevent an arms race in space between the United States and the Soviet Union might fail, a serious attempt should be made to develop an arms control agreement because of the great risks of war in space and the expense of developing new weapons. (IS)

Economic dependence on federal support has increased while the debate over the nature and scope of government influence on higher education continues. Examples of this influence in hiring and admissions, academic policy-making, research regulation, and support of private institutions are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Describes and analyzes a decade-long effort at administrative development by which the Colombian Ministry of Education struggled to bring order to a jumble of state educational systems that were functioning in a disorganized condition of semi-anarchy. Examines the historical organizational and administrative problems associated with the public…

Charges of racism directed at the Administration's decision to discontinue withholding tax exemptions from "discriminatory" private schools ignored the real issue, namely that the Internal Revenue Service, lacking statutory authority on the matter, derived its authority from past court precedents. Should civil rights policymaking…

Although the population of foreign students has grown dramatically, much of the higher education community has shown little interest in the needs of this population or the impact of such growth on colleges and universities. Institutional responsibilities to visiting students and students' obligations in return are discussed. (MLW)

The implementation of reforms of institutional governance in France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom is reviewed. The analysis is focused on reform goals associated with autonomy and participation. These goals have only partly been achieved, due to unrealistic assumptions and to the continuation of interest group politics during policy…

Teachers' perceptions of power to influence curriculum policy were surveyed over 120 teachers in three suburban school districts of varying socioeconomic levels. Results suggested insecurity among teachers as they perceived themselves subject to sanctions by school superintendents and school boards. (Author/GSK)

Offers a comparative framework for school organizations which illustrates tacit differences in teacher role expectations inherent in unique types of organizations. Expresses the central idea that the effective classroom teacher's role is operationally defined by the organizational system in which the teacher functions. (CSS)

Data collected by the Education Division staff regarding school administrator training needs indicated that expanded or improved training is needed and that ideas on how to provide this training without extensive new resources must be shared. Several plans and policy options are described and discussed. (MF)

Discusses the diversity of continuing education, typically postsecondary, in the United States and the varying federal, state, and local educational policies that shape it. Due to funding complexities and institutional policies, continuing education operates within a market economy and is considered a special service for which most ought to pay.…

Title I Evaluation models using uniform procedures and data collection for state and national comparisons are interpreted as federal endorsement of basic, common competencies in reading and mathematics. Basic competencies, content homogeneity, conversion methodology, and validity of the evaluation are discussed. (MH)

President Bill Clinton used the declining default rate on college student loans as a basis for proposing tax breaks for college costs. Reduced defaults have saved taxpayer money and helped reduce the federal deficit. Over 150 colleges and universities, including 25 private institutions, risk losing eligibility for federal grant and loan programs…

Prefaces this journal issue on policy-making in early childhood services. Reviews ideas about policy-making processes and policy agendas and what processes shape them, with particular reference to the relationship between research and policies on early childhood services, setting a context for the subsequent articles in the journal. (Author/AA)

The December 1997 conference of the National Association of Scholars reflected the association's opposition to both affirmative action policy in higher education and multiculturalism. Much of the discussion on racial preference focused on the academic performance of African Americans in relation to other racial and ethnic groups. Multiculturalism…