Educational leadership practice is embedded and shaped in its own context. However, contemporary policy makers are keen to use research findings from multiple educational systems to produce overall, generic models of best leadership practice. Therefore, research needs to encompass analyses of the political, societal, cultural, and institutional…

Describes the current status of postsecondary distance education (DE) in the United States and Canada, focusing on ways in which DE can be used to further local or national policy goals. Presents four examples of DE policies and programs, each representing a different focus (laissez-faire, consortium, coordinating board, and comprehensive). (MDM)