Discusses molecular databases and the role that government and private companies play in their administration and development. Highlights include copyright and patent issues relating to public databases and the information contained in them; data quality; data structures and technological questions; the international organization of molecular…

Discusses educational policy options regarding telecommunications. The concept of interconnectivity in society and in the educational system is examined; and four scenarios for telecommunications policy in schools are presented that focus on differences in the initiative taken by teachers and policymakers. (27 references) (LRW)

The first article outlines principles for developing communication strategies and training programs to prevent and respond to sexual harassment on college/university campuses. Additional brief articles cover policy development, the University of Florida sexual harassment policy, policy for faculty conduct, and dealing with a sexual harassment…

The Senate confirmation hearings concerning Robert Gates as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) highlight the problems evaluators share with the CIA of keeping policy imperatives out of the search for truth. The CIA at least has a structure for keeping information pure, but many evaluations do not. (SLD)

Many colleges and universities set spending from endowment at a fixed fraction of its market value. Analysis of this policy suggests that the maximum permissible spending fraction is related to the institution's target growth rate and the endowment's real return. Mathematical formulas and charts specifying this relationship are offered. (MSE)

Research review, study of effective programs, and focus group meetings resulted in policy recommendations and a proposed model for a comprehensive program for at-risk students. The Integrated Vocational Education Model focuses on personal/social, academic, and vocational development sequenced from middle school to post-high school. (SK)

Eight criteria developed by the National Forum on Assessment (Washington, DC) as guidelines for evaluating existing and proposed assessment systems at any level are listed. Criteria call for clear definitions and fair assessments to assist educators and policymakers in improving instruction. Continuous review and improvement are recommended. (SLD)

Analyzes research on workplace family policy. Highlights salient themes such as corporate culture, gender and class differences regarding support for policies, and government role. Articulates theoretical framework for understanding barriers to progressive family policies in workplace, identifying competing social, cultural, and psychological…

A discussion of the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policies concerning computation of indirect costs on federally funded research projects at universities focuses on recent policy changes. Significant revisions are examined, future points of scrutiny are noted, and ongoing initiatives are described. Three options for indirect cost…

Argues that financial reforms are required by Catholic schools to ensure their future feasibility. Suggests that by substituting need-based tuition aid for general subsidies and charging parents more of the true cost-per-pupil, parishes will ensure the financial security of their school and provide access to low-income families. (MAB)

The Clinton administration's proposed national service program for college students receiving federal financial aid is examined from a labor-market perspective. It is proposed that national service and higher education be linked more formally than in the current proposal, avoiding considerable bureaucracy and potentially improving program quality.…

Describes fiber optic technology, explains its use in education and commercial settings, and recommends regulations and legislation that will speed its use to create broadband information networks. Topics discussed include distance learning; interactive video; costs; and the roles of policy makers, lawmakers, public advocacy groups, and consumers.…

Language planners assert that languages are tools that can be transformed into resources and managed by states through elaboration of language policies to be carried out through language planning. Language planning is explored from the Afrocentric point of view, considering it as part of pro-Western propaganda. (SLD)

An eclectic group of 71 nonprofit organizations are urging policymakers to guarantee that the proposed national "data highway" serves the public interest by reaching poor and minority communities and including services that educators, librarians, people with disabilities, and others want. Higher education is represented by institutions and…

Describes a study commissioned by the Office of Technology Assessment that was conducted to identify innovative information technology applications, management practices, and policies to help integrate the electronic delivery of federal government services. Highlights include the information infrastructure, existing federal information policy,…