Describes recent events suggesting that Frank Press, a 52-year-old geophysicist who currently heads the department of earth and planetary sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, may be named Science Advisor to the President. (MLH)

The text is presented of a statement made by the Honorable Harry C. Parrott, Minister of Colleges and Universities, to the Ontario legislature, concerning the background to the formation of, and the potential functions of an advisory body, the Industrial Training Council. (SA)

A survey of 67 Pennsylvania extension professionals and on-site reviews found minority representation on extension boards and committees ranged from 17-50%. Recruitment and retention problems included time constraints, lack of familiarity, transportation problems, and discomfort. (SK)

Describes how the University of Tennessee's "textbook" search for a new president resulted in the debacle of John W. Shumaker, forced to resign amid allegations of financial and ethical improprieties. (EV)

Associate superintendents for business services from four California school districts (Los Altos, Vallejo City, San Juan, and Oakland) offer their insights on how to work effectively with budget advisory committees. (Contains 14 references.) (PKP)

A random sample of 50 percent of extension home economists in seven midwestern states was surveyed, with an 85 percent response. Results showed that the most used methods of needs assessment were advisory committees, requests, questions from clients, and program spinoffs. (JOW)

Much of a group's development is part of the natural, interpersonal dynamics that exist when people are working together. Stages in the developmental cycle of groups are identified: polite, why we're here, bid for power, constructive, and esprit de corps. (MLW)

The work of a committee of college institutional researchers to create a professional code of ethics is chronicled, and the code's structure is described briefly. Issues encountered in and assumptions underlying the effort are discussed, including the rationale for such a code, definition of technical standards, terminology, and scope. (MSE)

A recent study of school improvement planning teams in central New York State attempted to capture practicing team members' perspectives and identify and elaborate factors helping or hindering team development or effectiveness. Skill development, adequate time, and strong administrative support are critical to successful team development. (20…

Concerned about discrepancies in amount and kind of homework assigned, a Tennessee school district developed some guidelines governing number of homework nights, assignment length, and grading practices. Because it is virtually impossible to require every teacher to carry out identical homework practices, school policies should remain general and…

A survey of 22 agency directors and 219 volunteer board members showed that 40% of members received 1-5 hours of training in the last 6 months, 47% none. Training needs included board roles and responsibilities, strategic planning, understanding the agency, and fundraising. Preferred methods were facilitated workshop/retreat or board-led training…

Describes a Prescriptive Discipline Plan developed by teachers at a Florida middle school. The plan featured three offense categories: minor infractions handled by teachers, intermediate offenses (cheating, disrespect, and insubordination) handled by administrators, and serious offenses (fighting, assault, sexual misconduct) invoking automatic…

Nurse-led research ethics committees are generally more tolerant of diversity in research proposals than are medical committees steeped in empirical traditions. However, national trends in nursing in Britain may influence a preference for multidisciplinary over nurse-led committees. (SK)

Survey responses from 79 of 92 citizens serving on boards, committees, and commissions for Carson City, Nevada, showed that 80% were interested in receiving training. Topics of interest included identifying and analyzing issues, understanding community resources, parliamentary procedure, group process, and listening skills. (SK)

Discusses how a presidential advisory board can function as a farm system for prospective college trustees. Describes how an advisory board created at Roanoke College in Virginia had the added benefit of providing a pool of younger candidates with specialized expertise from which to recruit trustees. (EV)