Informational, diagnostic, prescriptive functions of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are best served by governance structure composed of federal, state, and local members and a standing technical advisory board. Structure protects NAEP from undue federal influence and special interest groups, builds bridges to educators and…

A college president illustrates with specific recent university situations seven broad precepts for making policy decisions concerning faculty and retrenchment strategies: administrators must remember principles and traditions, faculty governance, the governing board, the media, the state legislature, younger faculty, and long-term consequences.…

New managerial demands are seen for colleges and universities during the 1980s. Some observations: need for greater care in selecting presidents, use of management teams, upgrading of planning, development of information systems, increased consortial arrangements, incentives for better management, management decentralization, search for additional…

Many problems related to enrollment declines and demographic changes, it is argued, will need resolution at the state level by the decisions and recommendations of statewide planning agencies. Common duties of coordinating boards are characterized as planning, budget review, and program review. (MLW)

The current troubles and complications that affect higher education are reflected in the presidential search process. Students, faculty, trustees, and other members of search committees differ on priorities. Three searches are described and suggestions are provided for creating a more effective search. (MLW)

The trend toward academic freedom in Texas that began in the sixties and its current status in the state are examined with specific reference to individual Texas colleges. The impact of the Texas Education Agency and changes in governing boards, faculty, and administration on academic freedom are discussed. (BH)

In a national survey, public university faculty, presidents, trustees, coordinating boards, and legislators (total n=251) identified where they felt authority effectively rested for five typical university-related decisions and where they believed authority should rest. Although most believed in campus-based decisions, there was some disagreement…

Discusses areas of confusion concerning the role of public libraries that endanger the existence of public libraries. It is argued that the future of the public library depends on its responsiveness to the needs of the people that such libraries were created to serve, and suggestions for achieving this state are offered. (CLB)

Higher education and public policy leaders need to reconsider how and whether the multicampus form of organization can continue to be useful. Issues include whether multicampus systems respond effectively to social, economic, demographic, and technological change; real costs; vulnerability to political influence; how leadership functions; and the…

It is not enough for university governing boards and chief executives to decide the system must change; leadership must convince constituents that everyone has something to gain. When the University of Maryland's campuses could not reach consensus in paring programs, the system board stepped in to foster collaboration and cooperation. (Author/MSE)

The author of recommended reforms for public college and university governing boards that had been outlined in an Association of Governing Boards policy paper, responds to criticism of the reform strategies and expands on his suggestions in four areas: the call for larger boards; merit selection of trustees; greater trustee philanthropy; and…

Analyzes a 1993 censorship case involving public protest against the Fairfax County (Virginia) Library System's display of a gay newspaper. The case gave rise to the Family Friendly Libraries movement. The responsible librarian should select to maintain a balanced collection, know the community, educate the library board and develop consensus on…

This paper is the culmination of a three-year study that sought to frame an initial answer to the question, "What are the circumstances and conditions under which National Board Certified teachers (NBCTs) can have a positive impact on low-performing schools?" The study, funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, was part of the National Board's more…

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly to achieve coordination and foster unity with regard to higher education. The Commission coordinates two systems of higher education: the University of Tennessee institutions governed by the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, and the state…

The almost universal doctrine of charitable immunity was traditionally justified at one time because of the altruistic nature of charities. The reasons for abolition of charitable immunity in most states have generally been two-fold: (1) charities are no longer low-budget, marginal operations; (2) the risk of crippling verdicts can be minimized…