The instrumental utilization of evaluation findings to assist in the development of program policy is discussed, drawing examples from an innovative human service program/policy that involves multiple funding ministries and participating agencies. Evaluation practices that enhance utilization, including pre- and postevaluation activities, are…

Examines new institutional forms that support teachers' professional growth. Examines how existing arrangements can be redesigned to support reformers' visions and teachers' professional growth. Considers aspects of the larger education policy context that foster or impede teachers' incentives and ability to acquire new knowledge, skills, and…

The global economy movement has four snares: the human resource taking precedence over the human being; a mindset of "the more skills, the better"; competitiveness that subjects people and labor to the imperatives of technology; and the dislocation caused by the emphasis on knowledge as the fundamental resource. (JOW)

Offers a history of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Racial Harassment Policy since its inception six years ago. The paper first details the milieu from which this measure emerged and then describes the university's effort to preserve it in the face of unfavorable judicial rulings. Seeks to provide insight into how one institution…

Investigates the possibility that judicial policymaking is responsive to the situational exigencies created in part through public discourse. Investigates the elite and public perspectives regarding the eugenics controversy in the 1920s to explore the emergent relationship between the public and technical spheres of argument. (SR)

A survey of 266 residents of McLean County, Illinois, found that 91 percent believe technology makes life easier; 70 percent believe people are too technologically dependent; those with a history of political participation felt confident engaging in political activities regarding nuclear power, automation, and genetic engineering; and the public…

Reviews recent events and reports on the development of a telecommunications infrastructure for education. Argues that educators must learn about the potential uses of technology and participate in the debate about policy. (SK)

Responds to criticisms about their article in the same "Educational Management and Administration" issue. The naturalistic, coherentist approach offers the best prospect for illuminating the cognitive dynamics of will, choice, and decision. The bad news for critical theorists is the survival of capitalism and the collapse of its…

Schools need clear, consistent, and equitable disciplinary practices. A Louisiana parochial school developed an effective discipline policy by assembling faculty and staff into natural work teams, appointing team leaders, having each group list and classify troublesome disciplinary problems, studying the school mission statement, developing…

Discusses standards as tools to promote compatibility and improve practice, the role of research versus expert opinion in creating standards, and the changing scope of indexing standards. The current draft of the NISO (National Information Standards Organization) American Standard Guidelines for Indexes in Information Retrieval (Z39.4) is…

Comparison of union retirees in North America and Europe shows similar challenges facing unions: increased diversity and the changing nature of union membership, appropriate role of unions vis-a-vis other organizations representing older persons, and unions' role in changing employment practices regarding older workers. (SK)

The concerns about the use of a modified scree test in analyzing data from Delphi surveys may not be important if the scree test data are weighted. Factors important to the study can be incorporated into the test, and the ordinate on the graph can be labeled accordingly. (SLD)

Encourages family scientists to participate in legislative activities in their own states. Suggests skills, strategies, and tactics to ensure any foray into legislative arena is of high quality and maximum value. Includes practical tips on how to avoid common mistakes. (Author/ABL)

This article looks at obstacles to implementing the principle of "normalization" for young children with mental retardation. It presents 10 guidelines for future development of policy and practice based on reports and studies conducted in different parts of the world. (Author/DB)

Discusses the importance of clarifying the evidence condition in education. Inattention by educational philosophers, theorists, and policymakers to the meaning has created a restricted view and unwarranted optimism regarding formulation, implementation, and evaluation of educational policies and practices. The article situates evidence within…