Examines the planning, policy, and organizational approaches taken by the United States and the Netherlands to use the computer as an administrative tool. Discusses applications in these countries to manage school finances, personnel data, administrative offices, plant operations, support services, and student data and implementation suggestions.…

Six articles on the relationship between policy theory and the practice of policy evaluation are presented. Articles address basic theoretical issues, theories in practice, the epistemological foundations of decision technology, selection of policy analysis instrumentation, utilization of public policy analysis, and justifying policy arguments.…

Three very powerful drivers of curriculum policy are converging to shape what is taught in American schools: the increasing power of testing and standardized accountability models to determine curriculum, the pressure for cultural literacy, and the educational restructuring movement, which could subordinate curriculum to school organization…

Describes ways in which collection development at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries has been affected by the libraries' position within a museum context. The discussion covers the adoption by the libraries of a nomenclature that applies to management of museum objects collections and their capitalization on allied interests in such areas as…

A four-stage framework for considering the development of public policy in regard to the issue of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is offered. The phases are denial, irrationality, acceptance, and the development of a rational response. Federal antidiscrimination policies which include persons with HIV infections as disabled are…

Advertised as a response to a secondary school's crisis in Great Britain, the Education Reform Act (1988) is actually engineering a crisis by attempting to change the nature of British society and politics. Traditional arrangements are yielding to a more centralized educational finance system, a national curriculum, and increased teacher…

The article advocates extension of "permanency planning" in out-of-home placements to include children and youth with developmental disabilities. Though some states currently operate programs according to the principles of permanency planning, significant changes in existing federal policy are recommended to require permanency planning…

The movement toward collective bargaining stalled for half a century, until a changing climate in higher education required the AAUP to make a decision. Quotes concerning collective bargaining are presented. (Author/MLW)

Outlines developments among industrial and developing countries toward formulating national policies for library and information services, and describes the experience of Malaysia in the formulation of a national policy. The discussion covers the role of Unesco in Malaysia, and offers conclusions and recommendations based on that experience. (CLB)

Explains a California school district's successful development of school effectiveness policies to promote student achievement for all children. Milpitas Unified School District discovered that change must be clearly defined, clearly focused, and based on solid research. (MLH)

Provides suggestions for handling negative publicity in child care centers. Topics discussed include: 1) preparation for negative publicity; 2) worse case scenarios; 3) meeting the media; 4) providing facts; 5) frank and honest communication with media; 6) the news interview; and 7) feelings of guilt. (RJC)

The benefits of holistic thinking (as opposed to behaviorist/reductionist views) must be recognized at the curriculum policy and planning levels, not just at the innovative instructional practice level. Efforts in both the commercial and private sectors to create curricular wholeness from the "normal" fragmented, rigid curriculum are…

An overview of responses from a number of higher education associations (ACE, EDUCOM and NASULGC, and Cornell University) to the controversial issues that have arisen from the 1988 Internet "worm" are presented. Preliminary results from a CAUSE survey of higher education institutions are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Imposed legalistic school disciplinary codes are ineffectual and undemocratic. The focus and form of legalization in school discipline systems must shift to rule formation processes. The importance of evaluating impediments to participation is discussed. (BJV)