Statewide faculty advisory committees as a mechanism for developing faculty involvement in policy formation, implementation, and evaluation are examined. The roles these committes can and have played are identified and the determinants of committee influence in the higher education policy area are outlined. (Author/MLW)

A 36-person task force examined futures literature, listed 41 trends that could have an impact on education, and selected 15 implications of these trends as having the most significance for Virginia Beach, Virginia, schools. (MLF)

The Norwalk-LaMirada (California) Unified Schools developed a master plan for microcomputer use that involved concentrating programs and equipment in centers; establishing a district committee, committee guidelines, and learning objectives; setting goals before discussing first software and then hardware; and developing standards and a checklist…

Ad-hoc committees may be symbolic, informational, or action committees. A literature survey indicates such committees' structural components include a suprasystem and three subsystems involving linkages, production, and implementation. Other variables include size, personal factors, and timing. All the factors carry implications about ad-hoc…

Asserts that the quality circle management technique is an exciting and challenging way to improve staff satisfaction and the quality of service. Defines the quality circle concept, outlines steps school administrators should take to establish quality circles, and warns of possible pitfalls. (Author/PGD)

Describes a step-by-step outline for an efficient curriculum program encompassing: curriculum responsibilities; plans for a revision schedule; and revision committees and their schedules. (AH)

A survey of local vocational education advisory councils in Nebraska determined that vocational teachers and other school staff should be more involved with councils in preparing the local plan for vocational education. Advisory councils need information and orientation to become more involved in the decision-making process. (SK)

In Whithall (Michigan) schools, a teacher representative is included on the superintendent's administrative cabinet. Teacher participation has improved internal communication, aided in a campaign for a tax millage increase, and helped solve problems with teacher transfers. (MLF)

Discusses how advisory committees can be used to improve communication between teachers and college professors concerning teacher education needs in the social studies. Guidelines for establishing a program advisory committee are included. (AM)

Describes how a university-based continuing education program for mental health professionals helped to change the organization of community mental health services in Los Angeles, California. (Author/GC)

The experiences of Cuyahoga Community College when its board of trustees dwindled to six members are described. Their tripartite committee system was abandoned in favor of a committee-of-the whole format and stronger orientation measures were developed to accommodate the impending influx of new trustees in the years ahead. (MLW)

A rejoinder to Smithson's article, "Curriculum Policy-Making at the School Level: Two Approaches" (v15 n2 p215-28 1981). The author stresses that competent philosophical reasoning contributes to better decisions in curriculum policymaking. Such competence is necessary regardless of whether the decisions are made by administrators or…

Discusses why teachers must help to review and/or select textbooks on a regular basis and how they can participate in this process. A slightly revised edition of the criteria used by the State of Michigan Social Studies Review Steering Committee illustrates critical factors that must be considered in evaluating textbooks. (SR)

A retired superintendent of schools discusses the image of industrial arts education; the field's responsibility to students, staff, and society; the need to plan for the future of education; the role of advisory committees; sex equity; and budget restraints. (CT)

Explains how to ensure that advisory committees only advise while the school board actually runs the schools. (Author/JM)