Results of a comparative case study of four states (Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas) revealed the existence of identifiable sociopolitical systems (policy domains), at the state level, for determining teacher education standards. State systems for the governance of teacher education are described with regard to participants and how…

Assesses the role of the composition director in writing programs. Argues that the composition director should be a tenured professor and should possess full administrative control over all aspects of the writing program. (RAE)

Ten factors relevant to the standard-setting decision on important tests (i.e., high school diploma tests) are proposed as a basis for a standard-setting preparation program. It is suggested that, typically, those who set standards have had little or no experience and would benefit from formal preparation. (SLD)

Gifted and talented children are exceptional and are deserving of mandated educational services. A rationale for providing services to gifted/talented children is based on examination of preference satisfaction, equity, stigma, and the effects of the availability of such services. A decision matrix compares policies across the specified criteria.…

Examines development and implementation of School Drug Policy in Ontario Boards of Education, components of these policies, and composition of policy development committees. Data from 125 Boards of Education were obtained for fall 1991. Results indicate that development and implementation of school drug policy, by not often including students,…

Exposes and analyzes the damage done to school effectiveness by erroneous reasoning that arises from contamination by the fallacy of bifurcation, a fallacy that insists that educators must choose between an academic-achievement orientation and an expressive, social, and cultural orientation. Concern for both areas will generate a synergistic…

The United States has historically attempted to regulate and reform native education through federal legislation, while Canada has generally avoided a proactive federal approach to educating its indigenous populations. Neither approach has been very successful; native peoples in both countries have some of the lowest rates of educational…

Discusses the availability of virtual communities on the Internet. Stresses that there are online environments for nearly everyone, and offers advice for those designing new communities by relating experiences from the development of the specialized MediaMOO, a multiuser dungeon. Discusses restricting access, shaping development of the community,…

Presents objectives and implementation goals formulated by the Information Industry Association for the anticipated rapid expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure. Highlights include market forces; the role of state, national, and international governments; competition versus regulation; maintenance of reasonable rates; worldwide public…

An examination of the implications of state strategy in plans to engage local communities in implementing Trinidad and Tobago's educational policy reviews the decentralization argument, discusses international interest in using communities to implement educational plans, and examines Trinidad and Tobago's recommendation to engage local communities…

Focuses on sexual harassment as experienced by high school females in Canada and examines the deleterious effects of this behavior on their education. The author suggests how educators can make high school a more equitable place for female students. (GR)

Due to massive reform initiatives, American states have become major policy makers for public schools. Examines, from a state and a political-influence perspective, the causes, processes, and consequences of the decade-long "education excellence" movement. Places events in historical context, draws upon research findings, and applies an…

In response to calls for policies to strengthen families, this article examines policy roles for family professionals. The roles examined here include research for family policy, family evaluation research, family impact analysis, and family policy advocacy. A new role, family policy alternatives education, is illustrated with a case study.…

Presents guidelines for identifying, evaluating, and selecting Internet resources based on a conceptual model and organizational framework of a collection development policy formulated at Cornell University's library. Topics include collection development in an electronic library and a taxonomy of Internet resources. (Author/LRW)

Examines the functions, roles, and responsibilities of the public library trustee in a rural setting. Topics include serving the information needs of the community, determining policy, encouraging partnerships with other libraries and community organizations, ensuring sufficient funding, public and community relations, and evaluation of the board…