When Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire announced recently that she wants to take control of education policy in her state by creating a new, Cabinet-level schools position that answers to her, she set the stage for a political fight--and revived a perennial debate. Governors, elected state schools chiefs, and, to some extent, state boards…

Problems unique to central administrations and board members are discussed, including the line of authority, treating institutions equitably, exceeding statute-imposed limitations, the failure of board members to do their homework, and the extent to which the board should represent the people of the state and the institutions it governs. (MLW)

Managerial approaches to budget planning for state universities were investigated using an open budgeting model that emphasizes the function of communication, technical analysis, and participative decision making. System-level and central officers in 32 research universities were surveyed to determine whether they used and endorsed technical…

The process of selecting a chief state school officer (CSSO) can be a significant means of allocating policymaking power in state educational governance. This paper examines the role of the chief state school officer and explains how that role is influenced by the selection process. Four selection models are described, along with the advantages…

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…

In the context of the increasing transfer of power from the federal government to state governments, this report analyzes existing data and offers critical information about state legislative higher education policy and insights into the values and attitudes legislators hold about higher education. The report's conclusions are based on a study…

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…

State intervention in higher education is discussed, and state and federal regulations that affect higher education are discussed and contrasted. The structures and procedures by which states intervene in higher education are outlined, and the issue of institutional autonomy is considered. Policy areas through which the state can affect higher…