Intended to provide background information for a special advisory commission created by the state legislature to study the desirability of a state library networking system, this series of 12 papers prepared by the staff librarians of the Virginia State Library summarizes the workings of various network programs, techniques for implementing them,…

Using the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Report (1978) and evaluation of the Head Start Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Project by Juarez Associates as contrasting examples of bilingual research, the authors suggest a new direction for policy research in bilingual education oriented towards examining all factors affecting such policy…

Emphasizing the need for sound logic in the decision making and policy making process, this paper equates the concept of rationality with the universal audience as a means of analyzing argument, evaluating rhetoric, and persuading audiences. The paper argues that the policy systems paradigm most approximates this objective within the context of…

The second volume of a 700-page, two-volume study presents comparable studies on Soviet research and development and science policy, delineating the different structures, ideologies, and systems. A final chapter compares major areas of science policies in the USSR and USA. This publication arose from efforts of two U.S. members of a cooperative…

The author suggests that the ecology movement in Western Europe has reached the limits of reactive politics and cannot achieve more unless it adopts a different strategy. Surveys and referenda show that the public has an overwhelmingly good opinion of the ecology movement but that few will vote on it in elections. Thus, the movement has had little…

A needs assessment study was conducted to identify areas of consensus for respondent groups concerning attitudes toward educational issues. The overall findings of all respondents and each respondent group separately was presented. The groups were elementary, junior high, senior high, and central office administrators. Opinions of these groups are…

This paper discusses the impact of voter tax limitation initiatives in California on public postsecondary recurrent (or continuing) education efforts. The author provides background information on the structure and scope of California's postsecondary system and then describes the development of recurrent education programs within this system. The…

The general purpose of this study was to develop and implement, in close collaboration with parole authorities in various states, improved procedures for parole decisions. A discussion of the general nature of the paroling policy or guideline models sought is presented, with emphasis on providing a means for repeated assessment and revision of…

This report is a study of how consumer interests would be affected by changes in the copyright laws governing photocopy and computer-based information. It examines the natures of copyright protection and consumer interest and, after a discussion of the information market in general, weighs copyright/consumer interest in the areas of photocopying,…

A typology of time-related concepts is put forth as a step toward the building of comprehensive theory in aging. The concepts derive from statistics (age, cohort, period effects), the theoretical writings of Sorokin (life course role sequences, durations and rates), the writings of Riley (on the synchronization of life course socialization and…

The higher education lobby has been severely criticized for its aloofness toward politics. In the past, vigorous lobbying was less necessary, but sustained representation in the political sphere is now vital to the future of higher education. Although the education lobby failed to promote its interests concerning the Education Amendments of 1972,…

The recent interest in setting minimal educational standards arises partially from the success of the educational system at providing 75 percent of the population with high school diplomas. Previously, a major goal for the system was high school graduation for as many people as possible. Now that that goal is approximated, a new goal takes its…

This paper states the position of the Tennessee Association for Young Children (TAYC) on public policies affecting young children. Eight general principles are listed: (1) legislative action should be based on accurate assessment of the current status of young children in Tennessee; (2) support should be given to children from nontraditional as…

At present there is a lack of theory that would direct curriculum research, and the National Institute of Education (NIE) could profitably direct its efforts toward the development of curriculum and instructional theories. NIE's thrust into curriculum, in addition, would be most acceptable if it were to dexterously guide curriculum development,…

The model attendance policy offered for consideration here suggests that school districts should encourage regular school attendance and may demand reasonable excuses for absences. Unexcused absences may warrant disciplinary action. The suggested rules that apply the attendance policy to specific situations cover a number of areas. A broad…