Discusses the debate around advocacy. Notes that, in an information environment, persuasion serves a public interest when it assists social utility. Argues that the lack of a single common framework for deciding what is ethical and what is not ultimately influences the outcome of public policymaking and the reputation of public relations. (SR)

Argues for the survival of the federalist language formula in the European (Economic) Community through a modified, more restricted form so as to be more functional and open to the demands of worldwide communication. It is suggested that, despite its weaknesses, it more adequately reflects the mosaic-like cultural heritage of Europe. (eight…

Presents five goals of a policy and research agenda for dropout prevention: (1) to develop commonly accepted definition of dropout; (2) to improve methods of pupil accounting; (3) to separate causes and identifiers of at-risk behavior; (4) to analyze relevance of questions asked about at-risk youth; and (5) to engage in institutional…

Notes that current national discussion about future of public education in the United States is characterized by disputes between policymakers and technical measurement experts. Contends that, although disappointing in the past, the dialog between policymakers and assessment specialists should be strengthened if goals of public educational…

A survey of 42 think tanks was completed to determine their extent of involvement in family policy research and advocacy. Four think tanks were found to be actively involved in both research and advocacy to families: the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute, the Urban Institute, and the Heritage Foundation. (Author/LLL)

Discussion of the use of telecommunications systems in academic institutions focuses on the need for a policy to prevent inappropriate use by members of the academic community. Reviews relevant federal legislation, examines previous studies, and presents a sample telecommunications-use policy. (LRW)

Explores the evolution of language policy and planning (LPP) as an area of research from the end of World War II to the present. Based on analysis of the LPP literature, three types of factors are identified as having been instrumental in shaping the field: macro sociopolitical, epistemological, and strategic. (Author/VWL)

Deliberative democratic evaluation and other evaluation approaches that require the linkage of evaluation to social and institutional structures require the application of democratic principles in evaluation and policy decisions that reflect these ideas. Outlines challenges in ensuring that members of diverse groups are represented in evaluations.…

Traces the evolution of the concept of gender in feminist scholarship from biological sex to multidimensional gender. Discusses the reemergence of essentialist perspectives and the shift in policy from focus on "women in development" to "gender and development." (Contains 110 references.) (SK)

Drug policy that defines drug use as a social problem is at an impasse between prevention and minimization of harm. Drug education models tend to stereotype drug use and exaggerate its effects. The conflicting perspectives presented allow youth culture to counter official drug prevention messages. (SK)

Describes the criticisms coming from scientists on the assessment report on acid rain released by the National Acid Preparation Assessment Program (NAPAP) with the purpose of providing relevant information to policy makers about acid rain. Investigates n=129 scientists' point of view on the linkage of science to policy. (YDS)

Key informant surveys of 138 leaders in 14 rural counties revealed the top 10 health goals across these counties. These goals are a starting point for public dialogues to develop a local health agenda. Key informant interviews can expand the knowledge base from which extension educators develop health education and policy programming. (SK)

In the Asia-Pacific region, innovations in nonformal adult education rarely become mainstream policy and practice. Effective adult education policy advocacy requires assertion of a lifelong view and a common position of advancing learning for the most marginal groups. (SK)

At the same time that international conferences assert the vital role of education for youth and adults, policies and reforms in various nations have transformed the right to education for all into a priority for children and youth, at the expense of adult education. (SK)

Suggests ways to focus policymakers' attention on adult education: mobilize learners, identify unserved groups and new forms, translate beliefs into language that engages policymakers, and adopt a position of short-term compromise but long-term intransigence. (SK)