Describes the European Information Market Observatory and its purpose of gathering and providing knowledge about the European electronic information services market. Topics include the supply and use of electronic information services, size of the market, structure and policy of market operators, and recent developments in new electronic…

Discusses reasons for supporting indirect indicators to track higher education's progress in teaching critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Outlines the primary characteristics of indirect indicators. Provides specific examples of different indirect indicators, analyzing data collection methods. Assesses the viability of…

Described are the efforts of a coalition of several environmental organizations to influence federal legislation regarding water pollution in the Great Lakes region. Statements from regional legislators are included. (CW)

Argues for a cultural policy that emphasizes pluralism, dialogue, and cultural transformation. Suggests that the arts provide a critical vehicle for promoting cultural equity. Uses the example of Hartford (Connecticut) to demonstrate the difficulties that face minority arts institutions and minority artists. (EVL)

The increasing competitiveness in international industry has raised new demands for effective research management, resulting in an array of science policy techniques and extensive experimentation. However, the new techniques must be tested, developed, and refined and applied with considerable caution before science policy can be based on them…

The financial impact of foreign student enrollments is examined from a cost-benefit viewpoint. The discussion considers both direct and indirect costs for institutions, suggests ways of adjusting the cost-benefit approach for analyses at the national level, and addresses financial issues critical to the formation of institutional and national…

Analyzes briefly some of the compliance standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), using the evolution of disability discrimination law under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a guide. Concludes that the ADA's compliance standards are more vaguely worded than the earlier legislation, possibly opening the door to a wave of…

A review of sociological and economic literatures on gift making emphasizes aspects of giving club policy that can be manipulated to enhance donor response. A college might foster conditions for gift making as a social custom. However, economic theory suggests a donor surplus enables institutions to appeal for more giving than expected.…

Presents results of a survey of screening and risk assessment policies in child protective services (CPS) in 100 counties in 8 states. Findings reveal mixed practices and a general lack of evaluation of developed systems. (NH)

Replies to commentaries on the relationship of comparative education theory and practice, addressing the beneficiaries of educational planning and policymaking, the planner's role, evaluation criteria for educational planning, choice of discipline, simplification of theory, analytical versus quantitative research, theoretical foundations of…

The responses of higher education organizations, institutions, and individuals to the guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration are presented. The Council on Government Relations and five major research universities are represented. (MSE)

Analyzes the full-service schools movement and policy development process, focusing on examples of the new state policies as scattered, vulnerable, and promising new developments. Analyzes the Kentucky and New Jersey movements in terms of the strength of state role. The movement needs time to mature before being stringently evaluated. (Contains 28…

Consent engineering is a consultative approach used by public policy-makers to secure the legitimacy of proposed policy changes by involving representative interest groups in decision making. Using the example of five reorganizing secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, this article outlines the circumstances obviating consent engineering at the…

An Iowa school board established a policy that included a complete ban on nonmandated school busing with the option that parents could purchase busing for their children at the full district average cost. The program has provided necessary additional revenues to prevent budget cuts in educational programs. Provides information about the…

Analyzes a policy issue involving British government/mass media effort to ridicule progressive education. The analysis draws on the experience of a primary school portrayed in a current affairs television program as glorifying progressive educational practices. The central government employed the language of myth, via the media, to create a public…