This report provides six mini-case studies of higher education policy reforms enacted in other states, exploring the important role that state policy leadership played in developing, promoting, and implementing these policies aimed at improving higher education outcomes, and discussing the relevance of each reform effort for California. This…

This policy brief explores the charter-school concept, looking specifically at: (1) the development of the charter-school idea; (2) current models of charter schools; (3) issues regarding the development of charter schools, such as district reluctance, teacher concerns, organized opposition, fiscal issues, and admission policies; and (4) progress…

Reviews the history of Pennsylvania's higher education system since 1755. States that the Community College Act of 1963 imposed a funding system that has proved both inadequate and difficult to change and has discouraged the formation of new colleges. Discusses the current state of community college sponsorship, enrollment, funding, and outcomes,…

This document explores state-level involvement in the governance of postsecondary education, particularly in those states which use coordinating boards to govern their institutions. Rising enrollments and costs of the 1960's, concern with more effective resource use in the 1970's, and the influence of federal aid programs have combined to…

This report of Virginia's Commission on the University of the 21st Century first examines the changes occurring within Virginia in its transition from an agricultural/industrial state into one heavily involved in information and technology. Next, the need to increase literacy in mathematics, science, and technology is discussed, as is the need to…