Argues that African Americans should join other groups in developing a national family policy that will assist all families. Considers the unique needs of the African American family, and the possible counterproductive effects of singling out their problems to address nationally. Discusses attitudes toward family policy. (JS)

The article reviews the history of mainstreaming visually impaired students, claims the needs of visually impaired children have been neglected for the last eight years by the Office of Special Education Programs, and proposes that policymakers and advisory committees consider the needs of children with low incidence disabilities. (DB)

Guidelines for dealing openly and directly with potential conflicts of interest in university research administration are offered to help administrators balance the institutional risks and benefits of relationships and interests faculty may have with outside agencies or companies. Advice for developing effective policies and procedures are also…

Examines impact of legal counsel on student affairs practice. Uses data from 1987 study on role of counsel at U.S. colleges and universities. Describes data, with particular focus on manner in which counsel performed duties related to student issues. Eight conclusions drawn from the study are listed; recommendations and a summary are included.…

Creating coordinated, comprehensive, integrated children's policy requires breaking the mold of political convention. The system of political rewards and incentives must be revamped so that interest groups are encouraged to cooperate rather than compete. California's 1992 Healthy Support Services for Children Act (and accompanying $20 million…

Conducted study of rural homelessness in Ohio. Of 919 homeless adults interviewed, 247 were heading family units; 480 children were in these families. More than two-thirds of families were headed by single parents. Found differences in demographic characteristics of rural homeless population as compared to urban counterparts. Findings have…

A profound clash of values is occurring in public schools. Although specific disputes revolve around religion, creationism, sex education, values education, and educational reform, broader battle concerns public school's role in ensuring balanced, open curriculum that provides for free exchange of ideas. Will toleration emerge as critical national…

Introduction of the advanced skills teacher (AST) classification into Australian schools is a poignant example of how discursive practices shape the lives of teachers through patterns of reward, processes, and criteria. In recognizing certain skills as advanced (and devaluing others), the AST process has encouraged, even mandated, their…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) new administrative structure, which allows each of its three divisions to operate independently, is criticized by some as having an unnecessarily complex legislative process. Others find the structure gives divisions flexibility to address timely issues and more control over their own affairs.…

Describes how the Washington State Families for Kids program used data to create a sense of urgency for system change in the state's Department of Social and Health Services and the juvenile court systems, through distillation and dissemination processes that integrated data, policy, and fieldwork. (Author)

Proposes guidelines for principals attempting to evaluate teachers' grading policies. Principals should understand teachers' perspectives, ask for copies of their grading policies, be wary of traits (like "effort") not measuring achievement, consider grading information quality, think about homework's role, expect teachers to use numbers and…

Notes that the introduction of competence-based training (CBT) into Australia was a tripartite initiative of government, industry, and unions. Relates this policy initiative to wider international trends; outlines some main features of CBT as it has been implemented in Australia; and considers advantages and limitations. (10 references) (Adjunct…

In this interview Diane Ravitch, former Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to the Secretary of Education, Lamar Alexander, discusses her current role as an education policy maker and writer, her educational experiences, her educational philosophy, and the failure of the education system to develop children's potential. (CR)

Demonstrates the use of a descriptive assessment of an information policy initiative using the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) as an example. Techniques discussed include historical perspective, review of the key policy instrument, descriptive modeling, side-by-side analysis, review of related policy instruments, literature review,…

Addresses questions related to whether the U.S. interest-group system is biased toward the wealthy and privileged and, if so, how they obtain influence. Finds that privileged groups such as business have more influence than groups representing minorities, women, and the poor, but do not have better access to policymakers. (DSK)