The authors review some current research on young children's writing drawn from their own unpublished observations as well as from published work and discuss the implications for classroom practice and educational policymaking. (CT)

The role of distributed computing continues to pose challenges, from organizational strategies to definitions and fundamental understandings of the terms. Concerns within the framework of management changes and organizational structures are addressed. (Author/MLW)

The East German agency charged with documentation concerning the comparability of higher education systems in foreign countries, mutual recognition of curricula and degrees, and monitoring East Germany's compliance with Europe's conventions on the recognition of studies is described. (MSE)

To crack down on alcohol abuse, states and courts are holding third parties liable for alcohol-caused injuries. Four roles colleges and universities play can be sources of liability: as supervisor of student conduct, property owner, seller of alcohol, and "social host." (MLW)

Disparities between European countries and the U.S. in terms of incidence and prevalence of mild mental retardation have become apparent. A model of intellectual performance that might explain disparities and predict future levels of occurrence of mild mental retardation is presented. Such explanations are relevant for theory and policy decisions.…

Summarizes legal and philosophical bases of Catholic education in Scotland, discusses implications of declining enrollment, and outlines seven current concerns including higher education, special education, teacher qualifications, curriculum for religious education, and programs for the Christian formation of adults. Predicts continued controversy…

A list of questions is presented for nursing faculty members to ask themselves to help them decide whether to assign nursing students to care for clients with AIDS. The questions concern curriculum, potential risks, risk/benefit ratio, and potential for litigation. (CT)

The court decision required high-quality educational standards to be written in specific detail. The master plan identified four elements of an effective educational system: standards for high-quality programs and services; required administrative and instructional practices; equitable funding methods; and accountability. (PB)

The Hawaii Judiciary has been using futures research to help identify the legal aspects of emerging social trends. Emerging issues analysis works because the life cycle of issues can be seen as following certain patterned phases. Describes the process of this research and its results. (Author/CS)

The historic concepts of open competition in the delivery of higher education and of strict regulation of telecommunications are undergoing changes that have consequences for the delivery of educational services. A new set of policies based on an evolving marketplace approach will result along with the evolution of interstate agreements.…

Provides a model for measuring the influence of book quantity and quality, personnel, organization, physical facilities, and user characteristics on loans by 700 Quebec primary and secondary school libraries in 1978-79. Links library output (loans) to inputs (personnel, books) in a production function framework. Includes policy recommendation for…

Discusses issues raised at a 1983 conference on the educational needs of the new American economy, which is heavily based on science and technology. Calls for the federal government to create legislation that would assist state and local governments and the private sector in making education responsive to the changing society. (KH)

The recent, experimental enrollment planning and resource allocation efforts of Britain's National Advisory Board are analyzed and some potential problems for institutions posed by them are discussed. (MSE)

Describes the function of econometric and technological models in the policy process, and shows how different positions in the Dutch energy discussion are reflected by the application of different model methodologies. Discussion includes the energy policy context, a conceptual framework for using energy models, and energy scenarios in policy…

The uneven but significant role of policy research in forming federal student financial aid programs in the last 15 years is discussed and the implications for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in the mid-1980's are examined. (MSE)