This case study describes the introduction and consideration of a state board staff proposal that the more traditional Minnesota State Universities adopt external degree programs. A model for making practices congruent with policy decisions is presented. The process of examining the external degree proposal, beginning with the state board actions…

TO SURVEY THE ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS OF GRADUATE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, A QUESTIONNAIRE WAS MAILED TO THE 19 UNIVERSITIES IN THE UNITED STATES OFFERING ADULT EDUCATION DOCTORAL DEGREES, REQUESTING NAMES, TITLES, FACULTY ACADEMIC INTERESTS, PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS, PLANS FOR EXPANSION, AND GRADUATE STUDENT LOAD. THERE WAS A 94.4 PERCENT…

Volume 1 of a two-volume series, this case study tells the story of the events and decisions associated with the 1976 court-ordered shutdown of schools in New Jersey. It also analyzes the state educational decision-making structure. The school closing was undertaken because, according to the New Jersey Supreme Court, the state had not properly…

This report presents the findings and recommendations of a review of the student personnel services program at Triton College (Illinois), conducted by a team from the Consulting Service of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The report briefly describes the college and its administration and suggests a reorganization of…

The Trouble-Shooting Checklist (TSC) is an empirically-developed, descriptive instrument which is based on the responses of six educational change agents. It enables an agent to predict a given institution's success in adopting innovations by ordering its levels of concerns and innovation usage. It focuses on two types of innovation:…

The first section of this manual contains a selective review of organizational change literature which focuses on predictive institutional variables as they affect the adoption-diffusion process. The second section describes the development of the Trouble Shooting Checklist (TSC). The third section presents two Trouble Shooting Checklists (TSC-A…

Despite the problems and issues that arise from the merger (such as racial prejudice, polarization of blacks and whites, frustration, isolation, busing, and the maintenance of discipline), the merger results in a better school system, a stronger faculty and adminstration, and more dedicated and better informed citizenry. Several important goals…

This report builds a case for survey feedback as a useful method of assisting schools to respond actively, rather than passively, to uncertainty and complexity in the school environment. The main argument is that passive responses, such as defensiveness and buffering, reduce educational effectiveness. Planning, an active response, creates…

The School Personnel Utilization Project developed a series of modules to assist personnel in building the necessary skills for the development of organizational change strategies and collaborative, collegial educational problem solving capabilities. This module focuses on the dynamics of organizational change and the interpersonal skills…

The study and recommendations for improved library service in Vermont are based on accepted library standards as well as a consideration of the state's unique pattern of library development. It is concluded that because the regional offices have no control over local libraries the concept of a larger unit of service does not exist, and it is…

In this report, four secondary schools with programs varying from innovative to traditional are studied to evaluate the impact of innovation on the learning experience of students. Questionnaires were administered to students and staff, and interviews were conducted with smaller groups. Teacher marks were employed to evaluate student achievement.…

The General Accounting Office assessed the extent to which states were coordinating their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services with their one-stop centers. Data were gathered through the following activities: (1) an autumn 2001 survey of workforce development agency officials in all 50 states and a similar survey conducted in…

The literature on diversity in the work force was reviewed to determine the complexity and breadth of workplace diversity issue and identify trends in diversity management and training. The literature review focused on the following: definition of diversity; changing society and work force; reasons organizations are managing and valuing diversity;…

As common as the accomplishments of students who have been home schooled is public speculation about the quality and value of at-home education. This sociological study, focusing on home schooling as a social movement, provides an account of a novel education movement and provides analysis of the relationship between cultural context and a social…

The impact of a shift in Swedish government from the Social Democratic Party to a conservative/liberal coalition in 1976 on higher education policy is examined. Characteristic features of the political processes and policy developments in Swedish higher education during this period are discussed. (BH)