Evaluation is a part of political process, but public policy decisions are not always based on evaluations. The following steps should be used to enhance this process: (1) develop policy questions; (2) translate them into evaluation questions; (3) conduct the evaluation; (4) answer the policy questions; and (5) use the results to generate new…

Committee N on Representation of Economic and Professional Interests and Committee T on College and University Government (both of the American Association of University Professors--AAUP) issued a statement on collective bargaining and the part it plays in shared governance in colleges and universities. (MLW)

A recent policy statement on educational business activities is presented that was sent to members of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The model guidelines demonstrate to small business leaders, state legislatures, and Congress that colleges recognize their responsibilities to provide for the needs of…

Colleges must have a system to safely control the ordering, delivery, transport, storage, and use of hazardous material. Information on hazardous material management is excerpted from "Managing Hazardous Waste at Educational Institutions. (MLW)

Presents a model that calculates the conditions under which a library may adopt a highly service-oriented online catalog access policy at minimum additional cost. The use of arrival rates, service rates, and queueing calculations to arrive at a cost-effective policy is explained. (Author/CLB)

Presents a study of 36 selection policy statements from community college libraries in the United States including a content analysis of the policies. Recommends 20 components for inclusion in a community college library materials selection policy. (CBC)

The president of the Education Commission of the States urged state policy-makers to proceed cautiously in developing plans to allow parents to pre-pay college tuitions years in advance at discounted prices. Reciprocal agreements between the states and exploration of other options are suggested. (MLW)

The knowledge base of state politics involved in formation of educational policies has become richer and more complex, with individual research findings beginning to hang together. Continued study of political cultures and policy makers' orientations is needed to create a knowledge base that can support theory development. (CB)

Key policy actors in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) indicate a strong national consensus about seven basic policy mechanisms. While school finance dominated policy making, personnel, testing, and program definition policies had importance, followed by school governance, curriculum materials,…

The confirmed existence of political culture in the attitudes of education policymakers in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginai, and Wisconsin) indicates that how education leaders decide about policy may depend less on what resources the states have than how leaders expect the political system to operate. (CB)

The complex and varied nature of state education policymaking is illustrated through six case studies detailing political influences at work in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin). (CB)

Four leading educators respond to 10 questions about the redesign of standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education that will alter that organization and thus affect teacher preparation and practice. (IW)

The main features of the 1986 Johnson and Hinton Report concerning the status and future of continuing education in Australia are examined as they relate to the broad spectrum of adult and continuing education, from informal community programs to the universities. Implications for higher education institutions are discussed. (MSE)

Reviews the social and educational problems caused by drug abuse. Poses policy questions that must be asked when developing school drug use policies and cites examples of the successful implementation of drug policies in two schools. Identifies critical aspects of the drug prevention curriculum. Urges cooperation between schools and local…

Salient issues in higher education policymaking and recent changes in appropriations levels are highlighted for each state and for the federal government. Also identified are the upcoming congressional agenda, hearings, regulations, new reports, and studies under consideration. (MSE)