Japanese science/technology policies emphasize creative research management for strengthening breakthrough innovation. Key lessons include the following: cultivation of creative researchers, clear strategic directions, systematic teamwork and collaboration, focus on strategic industrial relevance, balance between autonomy and control, and the need…

Examines the case for and against government intervention in job training. Identifies pitfalls: difficulty defining training for the purposes of meeting mandates, incentive problems, displacement effects, and lack of recognition that no one level of training is appropriate for all enterprises. Suggests that governments tend to intervene…

Explores the creation and demise of the National Advisory Council on Teacher Supply and Training (NACTST) as indicated in official files and the actions of former policy making officials and ministers. Concludes the demise of NACTST caused central policy makers to disallow consultants or advisory bodies to claim equal standing. (KDR)

Of 833 Canadian government officials surveyed, 12% always/often and 16% never receive relevant university research; 53% of research results have rarely or never influenced decisions. Multivariate regression analyses identified these predictors of research use: users' efforts to find and adapt research, organizational context, and researcher-user…

At least two dozen political action committees in six states (Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Texas, Washington) accept donations and contribute to legislators on behalf of diverse colleges and universities. Defenders say the political committees help keep the institutions' allies in office and protect access to them. Critics feel public…

Discusses online learning and the possible impact on classroom-based courses. Highlights include profits and online courses; problems with classroom learning; hybrid courses; potential for interactivity; adult learners and online courses; policies regarding the implementation of online learning; and a sidebar on the nature of interaction. (LRW)

Presents a brief national history of school reform and discusses some missing ingredients in school reform proposals. Offers perspectives on the role of the school counselor in school reform proposals, and suggests that counselors have important roles in monitoring the impact of school policies and curriculum modifications on student behavior and…

Investigates problems in the Chicago Public Schools by examining political and legislative processes, key players, and key events that created the Illinois legislature's unprecedented decision to turn total control of this school district over to the Chicago mayor's office. Addresses this issue through Kingdon's work on the first two phases of the…

This article describes an existing behavior policy of a mixed comprehensive school in Hertfordshire, England. It stresses the need to involve all staff and pupils in development of a behavior policy, the need for regular reviews of the policy, training of new staff, the impact of insufficient differentiation, and the need for inclusion of pupils…

Documents the impact on America's social policy of developmental psychologist Edward Zigler's knowledge, presence, and advocacy. Describes Zigler's lifetime efforts and his influence on public policy for children's full development including his work for Head Start, the Office of Child Development, and on-the-job training in policymaking. (Author)

Addresses the relationships of qualitative researchers to the policy-making process. Uses the example of the Reading Excellence Act to demonstrate that qualitative researchers have many points of access to the policy-making process. Suggests qualitative researchers must provide relevant information, communicate in a straightforward manner,…

Describes the process of educational policy making in Latvia, discussing why it has been so complicated and examining the role of the Ministry of Education and Sciences. The article introduces the new educational sector policy paper recently distributed by the Soros Foundation--Latvia, "A Passport to Social Cohesion and Economic Prosperity:…

Discusses the effectiveness of corporate training programs and the role of management. Development of a training policy based on training needs is discussed, an evaluation model for corporate training is described, and discrepancies between expectations and actual experiences of trainees and managers are discussed. (10 references) (LRW)

Reviews the role of the federal government in the development of national school desegregation policy over the past 35 years. Concludes that desegregation requires active federal support, but desegregation effects are limited by political backlash and conflicting judicial interpretations. Suggests a future federal role. (FMW)

Extension home economists have a role in public policy education regarding the individual and family concerns of their constituencies. Examples of their involvement include the issues of housing for the elderly, prenatal care, child care needs, and waste disposal. (SK)