Since the 1970s, American governors have become increasingly active in education politics. Where they once told state education chiefs to "make me the best education governor ever," they now demand control of state boards of education, push for state control of school funding, and urge statewide standards for teacher evaluation. This…

Despite the scholarly attention on the effects of merit aid on college access and choice, particularly on the significant effect that states' varied eligibility criteria play, no studies have examined the policy process through which merit aid criteria are determined. This is surprising given the recent attention to state-level policy dynamics and…

The new class of governors, state legislators, and chief state school officers elected last week will face formidable challenges in dealing with the squeeze the nation's sagging economy--and ballooning state budget deficits--is putting on K-12 education. In the November 4 elections, Democrats added one more governor's office--in Missouri--to their…

In each of the states where Achieving the Dream colleges are located, the initiative is working with a lead organization -- typically the state community college system office or state association of community colleges -- to develop policies that will enhance student success. To help guide that policy effort, an audit of state policies affecting…

Focusing on women as state policymakers, this theme issue covers such topics as women in state cabinets and fundraising for women candidates. Discusses the recent rise of women in public office, their strategy of collaboration instead of confrontation, and the characteristics and leadership traits that women need to succeed in politics. (GEA)

Consideration is given to determining strategies that are most effective, deciding which people from the university are most effective in influencing which government officials using what methods, and presenting a united front to state governments. (Author/LBH)

A case study illustrating the political influences on higher education in a hypothetical state is presented. Higher education became a target for reform by the state's governor, who expressed interest in the sharing of resources between institutions in close geographic proximity; supported the more extensive use of management tools as a means of…

States that the modern governor is a "new breed" of policy activist and skilled manager, leading revitalized state governments. Describes the forces that have transformed the governor's office and state legislatures. Concludes that state governors are more influential because state governments are better equipped for the task of…

In 1993, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation launched a research project, "State Legislative Leaders: Keys To Effective Legislation for Children and Families." This report documents the findings of the project involving 177 of the most influential Republican and Democratic state legislature leaders from all 50 states. For more than…

State legislative programs for community colleges are especially necessary in states where the colleges have no local tax base. The roles of the Washington State Board for Community College Education and the Joint Legislative Committee are described. (MSE)

Individual members of state legislatures wield the greatest influence in state level policy formation. This was one of the findings of a study that identified the power and influence context of state-level policymaking. Data were gathered from six states (Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois) using an instrument…

Members of the Virginia senate and Virginia community college presidents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the importance of state funding for 31 potential community college activities. Reports a high level of agreement and congruence between the two groups. (DMM)

The relationship of the state coordinating agency with the governor, the general assembly, and higher education institutions is addressed in relation to meeting budget needs for colleges and universities. Specific reference is also made to the state of Arkansas. It is suggested that the state coordinating agency should be in the position to be…

Discusses the use of lobbying by education interest groups in the political process. Suggests lobbying strategies and techniques effective at the state level. (FMW)

A survey of state legislators was conducted to determine their views of what vocational education should be doing and how it could be improved as well as their perceptions about federal and state roles relative to vocational education. Findings were based on 45 percent of the sample of 209 members of the National Conference of State Legislatures…