Issues and developments relative to accreditation are discussed. The role of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is examined. (JD)

Important past research on the state role, particularly that of state education agencies, in making and implementing educational policy is reviewed and assessed. Gaps in research and current issues are identified, and suggestions are offered for the future. (RL)

Focuses on three aspects of welfare services to families: (1) time or duration of service; (2) service content or methods; and (3) the use of contracting to structure service. (Author/MP)

Article examines the inequity of government efforts to address rural problems, the unique aspects of social work administration in rural areas, and what must be done in the policy-planning arena in order to deliver rural social services with greater equity. (DS)

Presents the results of a survey of all state library agencies and the library agency of the Virgin Islands concerning their efforts to support local public library literacy programs and their means of support. (Author/JD)

Describes the results of an experiment in Florida in which jurisdiction over juvenile status offenders (i.e., runaways, truants, or incorrigibles) was transferred from the juvenile justice system to the child welfare system. (BD)

In arid New Mexico, decisions about water have always been a particularly strong source of tension between local communities and the bureaucracy. In one revent case, the community of Velarde had successfully blocked plans for a diversion dam and canal which would have brought new water into the Espanola valley, but would also have destroyed…

This study sought to determine aspects of training provided to transracial adoptive parents by public and private U.S. adoption agencies. Responses to a survey of a random sample of public and private agencies indicated that about half of the agencies that facilitate transracial adoption provide relevant training. Findings pose implications for…

University hospitals came into existence as an ancillary activity, providing future physicians with important educational experiences, then became established as an expected part of the institution. Technological advances and rising costs caused universities to sell hospitals, potentially changing their role in the educational system. Universities…

Western Michigan University' president discusses the role of the alumni association in the life of an institution and its relationship with the development office. It is suggested the association's job is to promote anything that builds and maintains alumni loyalty to an alma mater portrayed as an ever-evolving academic institution. (MSE)

Describes Finland's child welfare system, including its general services, income supports, preventive services, foster care services, as well as the role of voluntary child welfare organizations. Also discusses the funding sources for child welfare work. (RJC)

Discusses limitations of the conventional role of regional accreditation, organizational changes that lead to an improvement in educational quality, and the role of accreditation in promoting such organizational changes. Offers recommendations for increasing the impact of accreditation (e.g., more differentiated standards, more clout for…

Representatives of 270 colleges are establishing a new accrediting agency to end the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business' 70 years as sole accreditor in the field. At issue are who should define the quality of business education and the role of research and faculty doctorates in accreditation. (MSE)

Describes the ways regional/institutional and programmatic/specialized accreditation influence the community college curriculum. Considers effects on mission and goals, program review, general education and specialty requirements, remediation, nontraditional programs, contract education, and outcomes assessment. (DMM)