Cost-benefit analysis is used to illustrate current thinking about academic program review and analysis. It indicates that, at the margin, some important benefits of doctoral education have been understated and marginal costs exaggerated. It is suggested that program review choices are best left to the institutions. (MSE)

Eight public universities in Mississippi and the State Board of Trustees are committed to the development of a statewide management information system. The background of the project and the progress made during the first two years are described. (Author/MLW)

A discussion of the role of state government in public and private higher education addresses three questions: Who is planning for whom? Can autonomy and cooperation coexist? And whom should the state and higher education serve? It is proposed that the state role will continue to grow. (MSE)

In the 1980s a new emphasis in facilities planning seems to be emerging: fiscal conservatism and retrenchment in higher education. The new context of facilities planning, the parameters of the problem, and innovative efforts by a Texas state agency are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A new admissions or high school relations program has originated in Wisconsin. In 1979, a schedule of 15 Wisconsin Post-Secondary Planning Programs was completed on a statewide basis to conserve resources and provide broader information to high school seniors. (Author)

The system of competency tests used by the University of Georgia System is examined. Arguments for and against the tests developed by the state board of regents are presented, and the issue of racial discrimination is also addressed. (JMF)

Reviews the development of community colleges in Missouri into a more integrated system since the first college was established in 1915. Emphasizes four events: enabling legislation in 1961, a shift in state oversight to postsecondary education in 1974, a 1990 change away from funding based on credit hours, and a decision to hire full time…

The Kentucky governor's plan to remove the state's 14 community colleges from the control of the University of Kentucky and create a new system to administer technical and community colleges has created rancor in the university's community. Many business leaders and presidents of the seven other state universities have endorsed the governor's…

Describes the process of developing a long-range plan for the statewide implementation of Tech Prep associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs in Texas. Suggests that the most critical issues of implementation are effective resource allocation, program access, quality assurance, and building program infrastructure. (15 references.) (MAB)

Discusses what is typically meant by systemic reform, describes a study of five science reform efforts, then examines the cautions about systemic reform that arise from the study of the reform efforts. The paper ends by discussing alternative ideas about state level efforts to reform science teaching and learning. (SM)

A Wisconsin advocacy model for gifted education programs is presented, emphasizing ongoing collaboration and dissemination to most effectively utilize meager resources. Essential elements of the dissemination design are identified, including use of regional sites, requiring participation of an administrator on the team, group problem solving, and…

Examines recent initiatives of state governments and boards in developing economic development policy with community colleges as active partners. Places the policy discussion within a human capital framework, considering the state role in building human capital, and the building of human and physical capital through technical training. (DMM)

Discusses trends and issues that are involved in state planning for educational telecommunications. Topics discussed include distance education; fiscal concerns; cost effectiveness; policymaking; models for coordinated telecommunications planning; the involvement of businesses in educational telecommunications planning; and state organizations and…

Describes efforts in Mississippi to reposition its 15 public community colleges to enhance their ability to provide work force training, adult literacy education, and information and communication technology programs. Discusses the colleges' assets, the use of the media to strengthen effective programs' images, and resulting increases in funding.…