Three trends in Central American higher education are examined in historical context: (1) inertia from lack of mobility, bureaucracy, and corporate influence; (2) elitism as a response to budgetary constraints; and (3) attempts to increase responsiveness to educational needs and demands. Issues examined include earlier attempts at change, slow…

Presents a crucial German essay, originally published in 1958, that defined and introduced didaktik to a new generation of educators. In this incarnation, didaktik represents an educational approach that incorporates critical thinking (as defined by Adorno and Habermas) into both content and instruction. Briefly outlines the essentials of didactic…

To enhance a school-university partnership, the University of Wyoming inaugurated a teacher education program that places students in K-12 settings immediately upon entry. The paper profiles five beginning professors and their attempts to make sense of the professoriate in the context of simultaneous educational renewal. (SM)

Describes the process and timeline of a "cultural audit" of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, to determine ethnic and minority group distribution among students, faculty, and staff. Lessons learned include the needs for absolute administrative support, a committee representative of stakeholders, adequate time for…

South Carolina is planning to base all appropriations to higher education on performance indicators rather than enrollments and facility needs. The new law gives financial incentives to improve, and outlines 37 criteria for judging institutional performance. Institutions fear the system will be biased against them or not take into account their…

Criticizes the invalid imposition of business principles upon the mission of higher education. Explores the best and worst aspects of tenure through the experiences of one senior and one junior faculty member. Concludes that the culture of tenure needs to be changed from an entitlement program to a public good. (MJP)

This series of eight articles examines cooperative curriculum planning by secondary education teachers and school librarians. The discussion provides examples of assignments that employ library resources and suggestions for working with teachers to develop new curriculum units, as well as the use of workshops to acquaint teachers with the…

A review of literature on declining Black student achievement attributes the problem to a hostile campus environment, competition with military service, reduced student aid, changes in Black males, poor preparation, choice of work over education, family deterioration, drug use, negative attitudes and behavior, and lack of Black leadership. (MSE)

Analysis of 14 experts' perceptions of medical practice in 2020 resulted in predictions about the patient population, health care system, information management needs and capabilities, patient-physician relationship, and teaching methods in medical education. Implications for admissions objectives and practices and for research on progress of…

Includes 89 references to materials relating to accountability and evaluation of library reference services. Highlights include research; statistics; planning; user studies; decision making; school libraries; public libraries; academic libraries; and standards. (LRW)

Reviews the current Polish educational system and assesses its prospects for meaningful reform. Discusses the changing nature of students, teachers, and the impact of changing social values on education. Outlines aspects of the new model of general education, including the curriculum and instructional materials. (CFR)

The history of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1986 is reviewed, and planning/management issues for medical colleges facing the end of mandatory age-based faculty retirement are examined. Early planning to improve faculty evaluation and development, clarify financial guarantees of tenure, review space utilization, and make retirement…

At Fox Valley Technical College (Wisconsin), application of Total Quality Management (TQM) brought positive outcomes and other effects. Areas in which TQM was used are considered, including admissions, employee safety, customer focus, policy formation, management performance appraisal, student services, creation of a self-managing class, TQM for…

Explores the economic and demographic factors fueling rural homelessness, based on field research in scattered rural communities. Data were collected by interviewing low-income families and local service providers and from community agency and school records. Suggests strategies for preventing and responding to homelessness that would be…

The United States senator describes NetDay events, fast-spreading celebrations of educational partnerships committed to technological advancement in schools. Three attitude shifts help technology improve education: (1) educators and software developers creating instructional tools that help all students; (2) policymakers ensuring universal access…