A speaker invited to give a university lecture is not merely exercising his or her rights of free speech but comes under the protections of academic freedom, the freedom to teach and to learn and not just to speak. The problem of student heckling of invited speakers is discussed. (MLW)

In order to better understand the influence of the organizational setting on evaluation, this conceptual framework was developed and tried out in a meta evaluation of innovatory educational programs in Holland. Four components are explained--contigency factors, organization structure, policy-making, and evaluation research--and a checklist is…

Secondary students who regularly discussed controversial issues using a value analysis approach showed gains on the measures of political confidence, political interest, and social integration, but not on political trust. The value analysis discussions did not affect students' reading comprehension. (Author/RM)

The increasing use of test results as a mechanism of educational reform is diminishing local control of schools and changing the curriculum to train students to pass tests rather than to educate students. (MLF)

Outlines standards in seven areas--staff training, facilities, athletic equipment, emergency preparedness, a central training room, athletic health care and training, and recordkeeping--for assessing school athletic programs so that potential injuries and lawsuits can be avoided. (KS)

Describes recent political developments that have focused national attention on education. Outlines ways in which educators can capitalize on the current interest in education and involve themselves in politics and policy making. (KH)

The University of Texas' political response to a recent state legislative threat to reduce higher education appropriations by 26 percent and the roles of individuals in the effort are chronicled. (MSE)

Teachers have become more and more involved in policymaking activities due to increased political involvement through membership in teacher associations. Teacher education programs must respond by offering educational foundations that will prepare teachers in educational policy. (DF)

Briefly discusses the methodology and theoretical assumptions before drawing on the findings of a three-year study of regional directors of education in Australia concerning the relationship between action and structure. The study found that "structure" was used metaphorically in a number of ways. (MLF)

Analyzes trends in the social function of children's institutions of Israel (where 20% of youth are educated in residential settings) from the pre-statehood period to the present. Argues that the study of the way a society uses its institutions for children is a good measure of long-range national goals. (KH)

Discusses implications of the current educational reform movement, which concentrate on improving the school's ability to increase economic productivity. The omission of discussion about helping individual students gain a modicum of control over their lives is related to the role schools play in a society where individualism has been subordinated…

A course on the Constitution should help students see that the Constitution is not a document that provides solutions to problems, but a document that helps individuals come to a fuller understanding of contemporary problems by exposing them to the intellectual foundations and historical dimensions of the issues. (RM)

Compares the Social Darwinism of the 1890s with neo-conservatism of the 1980s. Discusses the ideologies of fair play versus fair shares, the theory of supply-side economics, and the implications of neo-conservatism for higher education. Argues that neo-conservatism is altering radically our conceptions of democracy, equality, and freedom. (KH)

The broad policy perspectives predominant in Washington, and the underlying values and political forces they reflect, can have a powerful impact on academe's affairs. Higher education's desire to increase access and retain those enrolled will be at odds with higher standards for grades and with less federal funding. (MLW)

Suggests that superintendents, rather than school boards, are in the best position to initiate school-business partnerships. Suggestions are offered for fundraising, regional collaboration, and staff development. (TE)