Application of organizational models to the study of schools distinguishes rational, bureaucratic ideal types from natural, loosely coupled systems. Study of these models applied to selected schools in Australia and New Zealand illustrates that no one model fully describes schools. Factors that result in schools resembling certain models are…

A theory of curriculum is proposed that identifies a range of socio-psychological determinants that can account for societal conflicts about the acceptability of various forms of curriculum. Discussed are topics such as pupil control ideology, hidden curriculum, parental emotional behavior, political extremism, and the politics of curriculum. (MT)

In a recent conversation with Bulletin Editor Tom Koerner, Robert Binswager talked about the importance of principals, discussing everything from their leadership role and the reform studies to teacher preparation programs and effective instruction for today's youth. (Author/MD)

Examines three approaches to compensatory educational reform (clientele participation, bureaucratic influence, and fiscal expectation) and applies them to redistributive school policy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Baltimore, Maryland. Each model stresses a particular policymaking dimension and has varying utility, depending on the community. Local…

Explains basic components of a report which proposes a curriculum philosophy to unify the education of Scotland's 10-14 age group and to counteract discontinuities between primary and secondary schooling. Presents critiques of the report by six writers whose views range from scepticism to positive endorsement. (JHZ)

Incidents in the 1986 election year have called into question the appropriate role of senior administrators and trustees of public universities who want to participate in state political campaigns and the balance of personal rights to involvement with the need to preserve their institutions' independence. (MSE)

Investigates whether five southern school districts increased or decreased outlays for public education as schools became desegregated. Indicates a pattern of continuity and stability in public finance during the 1970s. Suggests changes in school finance are independent of trends in school desegregation. (TRS)

Addresses Hispanic goals for education and the current political situation in which these goals must be pursued. Discusses how the agenda of Hispanic researchers and advocacy organizations is rapidly expanding beyond a traditional focus on language and bilingual education. (Author/LHW)

The trend toward corporate political support of higher education appears to be spreading. After years of corporate and business financial support to higher education, now groups in Kentucky, Washington, Utah, West Virginia and other states are making political contributions to higher education as well. (MLW)

The perspective of a legislative staff member regarding the utility of research concerning policy making is presented as well as recommendations about other useful areas of research. (CB)

When the school board of Alexandria, Virginia, considered establishing a school-based health clinic as part of a plan to combat teenage pregnancy, the concept mushroomed into a controversy. Evaluates what occurred and how it can be prevented in other schools districts. (MD)

Observers in various European, South American, and Asian countries outline current general trends, issues, and prospects in higher education in those countries. (MSE)

The unfavorable position of the education faculty in academe is attributable to a clash between the dominant culture of the university (to reproduce elite leadership) and the partially alien culture of the education faculty (to reproduce society as a whole). The author presents suggestions to improve this situation. (MT)

A model program in New England enhances state government relations by informing legislators about higher education's impact on state economies. The regional undertaking overcame apathy, competing interests, and time pressures to build a close working relationship with legislators. (Author/MSE)

The so-called binary system of postsecondary education in Australia, a subject of recent criticism, is found to be less a matter of concern than the related funding issues and concern for equitable support of all sectors. (MSE)