A model is provided for a political action workshop to educate individuals in the political process and productive participation. The workshop begins with a quiz designed to make the participant recognize the inadequacy of his political involvement and of political involvement in the country in general. A segment on the legislative and policy…

In this book, eight contributors examine issues related to the likely effects of the decentralization of school governance on educational practice. Two major themes emerge in the book. The first (chapters 1 through 4) is that governance reforms in education may have little to do with what actually happens in schools, but have much to do with…

The Local Government Act of 1972 redefined local government boundaries in England and reduced the number of local education authorities. Ancillary corporate management "reforms" ultimately reduced the chief education officer's power, enhanced ruling party and chief executive power, and heavily politicized the education service. (49…

Guidelines are presented for the various levels of the government relations effort, minimum programs, staff responsibilities, and the role of associations. Advice on the politics of transition--as higher education moves to a lower priority in the political process--is also given. (Author/MSE)

Maintaining that urban teaching and learning is characterized by many contradictions, this book proposes that there is a wide range of social, cultural, psychological, and pedagogical knowledge urban educators must possess in order to engage in effective and transformative practice. It is necessary for those teaching in urban schools to be…

The effectiveness, behavior, and role of the consultant as policy advisor is examined in light of three operating assumptions: (1) that educational organiztions are subject to politicization; (2) that the consultant's primary role is to assist in nonroutine, potentially controversial policy decisions; and (3) that the consultant must therefore…

Female researchers conducting field research in educational politics encounter special problems of access, entry, reciprocity, and ethics. Accordingly, this study focuses first on field research methods in policy settings as a general topic, then on problems specific to women in this area. A researcher must be aware of informal coalitions or…

Describes planning backwards, the Coalition of Essential Schools' educational policymaking strategy for high schools. The article discusses five possible dilemmas in planning backwards: outcomes or exhibitions, local or remote authority, rigid or flexible standards, apartness or authenticity in assessment, and curriculum scaffolds built of courses…

Critics have condemned the state higher education coordinating board model as excessively bureaucratic, unresponsive to market demands, and indifferent to legitimate campus aspirations. Systems that prevail are those that collaborate in setting a statewide agenda; earn political support; present clear, meaningful missions; manage and resolve…

Explains the effect of present-day educational changes on principals, the "line managers" of educational institutions. Describes concepts of leadership and techniques for effective leadership and community-school relations, including inservice programs, delegation of authority, and direction. Notes methods and techniques for getting the…

In order to meet today's financial challenges, libraries must be ready, willing, and able to enter the arena of politics and compete for scarce public funding. This book offers librarians, library workers, trustees, and friends' organizations practical advice, case studies, and step-by-step guidance for evaluating the existing local political…