Provides a background for discussion of the lack of information policies in underdeveloped nations. The paper primarily refers to the conditions and problems of less developed countries, although it is observed that all countries are to a large extent underdeveloped in their information policies. (25 references) (MAB)

Discusses the history of the President's Committee on Health Education, created by R. M. Nixon in September 1971, and analyzes the committee's origins, methods, and underlying politics that shaped its work and final report. The committee laid the groundwork for present-day health-promotion and disease-prevention public policies. (RLC)

Like most other reform endeavors, the current restructuring movement may fail. Advocates often oversimplify restructuring, overlooking serious underlying issues, such as the politics of organizational change, and ingrained U.S. schooling characteristics, including inclusiveness, deep structure, knowledge industry influences, growth of state power,…

The research on educators' belief systems about early childhood programs shows disagreement regarding "best practice." To implement a successful programmatic policy, teachers' and administrators' belief systems must be verbalized, acknowledged, and discussed. Early childhood care and education is a serious issue demanding enlightened action. (24…

Describes the key features that distinguish standards development organizations (SDOs) and analyzes these features in light of recent work in political economy. It is concluded that many of the features that lead to a slower process may be interpreted as an efficient institutional response to problems posed by industry standardization. (24…

Over the past decade, Great Britain has experienced various education policy changes geared toward giving parents greater school choice. However, the main purpose of movement toward greater choice is not to build a fairer, more generous educational system, but to end egalitarianism and rebuild a differentiated system more closely aiding social…

Many college and university planning processes operate during enrollment expansion in a way that makes them structurally incapable of efficient retrenchment when conditions change. Specific characteristics of such planning processes can be identified, methods rethought, and procedures adjusted. Procedures include, among others, examining…

Discusses issues related to the High Performance Computing and Communication program and National Research and Education Network (NREN) established by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, including program management, specific program development, affecting policy decisions, access to the NREN, the Department of Education role, and…

Discusses the need for Catholic schools to develop a philosophy of ecumenism to accommodate the increasing number of non-Catholic students attending Catholic schools. Highlights the importance of reviewing school philosophy, modifying prayer services, formulating faculty and student tolerance goals, combating anti-Semitism, and offering coursework…

Presents the text of a lecture that looks at the declaratory, procedural, and monitoring features of a Children Act that would encompass lessons from the past to enhance the future of Scottish children. Also discusses four major questions at the heart of child-centered legislation. (TJQ)

Partners in Policymaking is an ongoing, federally funded empowerment and self-advocacy education program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Minnesota which is being replicated in other states. A survey of 130 program graduates indicated satisfaction with the program and the presence of many active citizen…

Examines controversy concerning efficacy of federal family policy of the 1980s and its effects on family programs. Analyzes family planning and abortion policies and welfare issues. Compares programs devoted to elderly and to children. Concludes by considering the role of social scientists in the policy process and the social context of future…

Assessments of campus climates can be difficult and be accomplished by several methods, according to purpose. However, a well-designed survey can yield comprehensive and substantive data about the characteristics of people in the institution, workings of programs and policies, and interaction of these elements to inform institutional decision…

As a result of investigations into overhead charges at Stanford University (California), lawmakers and federal agency officials are seeking ways to prevent universities from overcharging the government for indirect costs and ways to improve federal oversight of government payments. (DB)

Greater public involvement in governmental policy formation should be beneficial, yet such consultation may be merely politics. A case study illustrates how the Saskatchewan provincial government implemented a public "consultation" on educational policy formation, then ignored the public's advice, yet stage managed the whole process to…