This article provides an analytical framework that not only explains the contradictions in the relationship between decentralization and development, but also facilitates constructive debate about decentralization's role in development. It also reviews the extent, form, and impact of recent decentralization policies and programs in less developed…

Discusses a 9-point program for research on student persistence. The program is designed to encourage effective policy development at the institutional level. (Author)

Describes application of a package of simulations, called MERGE, which simulates four different theoretical explanations of social welfare policy process in a scenario at the local level avoiding ethical and practical limitations of applied theoretical experiments. MERGE is based upon a general simulation system, called EXPER SIM, available from…

The issue of whether the First Amendments right to freedom of speech applies to commercial vendors on campuses as it does to nonprofit solicitation is addressed and guidelines provided. Banning commercial solicitation from residence halls, but allowing it on a limited basis in campus centers is recommended. (Author/ABB)

An emphasis on efficiency among public school superintendents did not emerge full-blown at the end of the nineteenth century, as Callahan argues, but was a basic tenet of earlier public school development and reform. This interest in providing economical and socially efficient institutions is crucial to understanding American education. (IS)

Churches have gained enormous economic advantages by their tax-exempt status. While one very wealthy church in California has lost its tax-exempt status, other churches continue to reap the benefits of this privilege. Churches should show enough courage to forswear their favored status and thus loosen the church-state relationship. (IS)

Reviews the contribution geographers have made to the gerontological literature. The literature review is classified into the spatial organization theme and the interrelationship between people and their environment theme. A separate review is also made of the geographical literature dealing directly with policy issues. (JAC)

Policymakers need to formulate policies that are responsive to the reforms called for in recent reports but must decide for their own school districts what changes would be sensible and what procedures will best bring them about. (MLF)

Cites the need for promoting science/technology management and policy formation in Thailand, viewing contributions of science/technology to the socioeconomic development of the country as high priorities. Criteria for selecting priority areas and key problems are noted; they include relevance to development, availability of human resources, and…

Discusses the increasing interest in education for the "gifted and talented" and analyzes the implications of Joseph Renzulli's definition of "gifted" for educational policymakers and federal funding sources. (CJM)

The process and outcome of a planning system are affected by the different perspectives held by senior participants in an institutional planning system. A review of the literature of planning in higher education was conducted to identify characteristics an institution should have prior to starting a planning process. (MLW)

The State Education Agency's (SEA) role in gifted education is examined, and the need for mandatory legislation concerning gifted education and special teacher certification noted. The SEA's efforts in staff development and in promoting cooperation among postsecondary and secondary students are considered. (CL)

The family unit has become the focus for policy planning, program evaluation, and research. The data series published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics permits policymakers and planners to address social and economic issues affecting families on a more timely basis. (JOW)

Reports on the results of an administration of the IGI (Institutional Goals Inventory) to Brevard Community College students, faculty, administrators, and local residents. Recommends that institutional goals be translated into clear, quantifiable objectives so that incremental progress toward them can be measured. (DC)

Examines in broad outlines the political origins, public records, attitudes, stated positions, and committments of the two candidates as they bear on issues related to science and technology. (MLH)