Understanding how key governance roles are structured and relate to each other helps clarify complex systems for policymakers. Every state has the same or similar policymaking roles; however, each of the roles operate differently in the context of each state's governance model. This interactive resource provides a national overview of the key…

In 2019, almost all governors spoke on education concerns in their "state of the state addresses," including school funding, career and technical education, postsecondary funding and financial aid, early childhood education, and teacher pay. According to this National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) analysis, in…

Over the next three years, the California State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Department of Education (CDE) will refine the college and career readiness (CCR) measures in the state's school accountability system. Determining which measures to use, given that they need to be robust, useful, equitable, and cost effective--and…

While state policy leadership for higher education is not universally recognized as a profession, either within states or within higher education, the profession has existed in the United States for more than half a century. Moreover, its essential work is now practiced in other countries all over the world. This essay will briefly consider how…

Seeks to determine the personal characteristics and career backgrounds of state legislators, what they believe about their policy role and about educational issues, to whom they turn for information on the public schools, and which actors, besides themselves, they perceive as influential in deciding school legislation. (Author/IRT)

This treatment of State governance models is one of two major reports prepared by the Educational Governance Project. In addition, there are twelve case study reports, each devoted to policymaking for the public schools in a particular State. This report is designed to serve as a point of beginning for any person or group of persons in a State…

Otis R. Bowen, Governor of Indiana, presents his view of the role of statewide boards of higher education. After reviewing suggestions proposed by an earlier speaker, Bowen focuses on four areas deemed important for statewide boards. The first area is scope; it is suggested that a review of existing programs be made to assess the viability of the…

This comparative analysis was derived from 12 case study reports, each devoted to policymaking for the public schools in a particular State. The nine chapters were prepared by a number of persons involved in the case studies. First, the framework and methodology used in the study are explained. Next, the authors discuss the major actors in the…

Members of the Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and its staff, the State Board of Regents and its professional staff, and members of the Presidents' Council and Sub-Councils (N=237) were surveyed to identify the most critical issues facing Tennessee public community colleges and to develop implications for…

Conflict over authority between the California Legislature and the University of California is examined. While the University of California has broad constitutional autonomy over academic matters, organization, and governance, the legislature has certain authority over the university under its own constitutional and budgetary powers. Attention is…

Closing remarks from a conference of the Inservice Education Program/National Association of State Budget Officers are presented. It is suggested that the potential for communication problems between state higher education officers and budget officers is great. Areas in which improved communication can make a big difference include the avoidance…

This case study is designed to determine the structures, actors, processes, and relationships that are involved when State government in Michigan determines policy for the public schools. The report looks at an instance of policymaking in each of the issue areas of finance, desegregation, and program improvement -- in this case, State assessment.…

State actions related to the formulation of educational policy are treated from four distinct points of view. Tom Wiley, University of New Mexico, describes pressures upon the school system in New Mexico by the U.S. Office of Education, the State legislature, the governor's office, and teacher associations. Michael Manley, assistant to the…

Criteria for self-study for governing boards of public multicampus higher education systems are presented. For each criterion, questions are presented, along with three response options: "yes,""no," and "do not know or can not judge." A response option for judging the board's overall performance on each criterion is also included. The criteria are…

In its educational progress, a state is helped by a comparison of the features of its school system with the same features in other states. Such comparisons serve to set in clear perspective likenesses and differences; and since our state educational systems have been developed not only according to the experience of the individual state, but also…