Examines the problems experienced with journalism and mass communication (JMC) programs in an era of retrenchment. Surveys 600 academicians from various disciplines. Finds that concerns of JMC educators are shared by colleagues in other disciplines; and that JMC programs seem more likely to be merged than eliminated. Suggests eight strategies for…

In many states, the greatest threat to safe student transportation is elimination of the school transportation program. Using public transit buses, large vans, smaller vehicles, or specialized equipment can cause major-issue headaches. False issues include controversies over seat belts, bus design, and optional "bells and whistles." (10…

The enrolled nurse qualification in the United Kingdom is being phased out, and nurses have to compete for limited spaces in programs to convert their qualifications. In interviews, 30 enrolled nurses expressed betrayal, anger, frustration, and helplessness at the difficulties they now face in maintaining their qualifications and jobs. (SK)

Reports on one university-based teacher education supervisor's self-study of supervisory practices involving the termination of a student teachers' field-based assignments leading to certification. Uses data from journals and case notes written over a 10-year period. Identifies and discusses eight issues emerging from termination cases. (Contains…

In spring 1999, the Open University (OU) of the United Kingdom created the U.S. Open University (USOU) to coincide with the explosive growth of online education in the United States. The institution's first chancellor, Richard S. Jarvis (previously chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada), began hiring U.S. staff and…

New Jersey leaders have launched a campaign to build support for boosting high school rigor, but some are worried that the effort could produce a higher dropout rate as the state phases out an alternative exam used by nearly 15 percent of its students. Part of the state's bid to raise expectations involves scrapping the Special Review Assessment,…

As part of a program review process, an evaluation was done of the academic pharmacy programs at the University of Florida and Florida A & M University. The evaluation was based on site visits and review of all self-study materials. The most prominent finding and related recommendation for both programs was that Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy…

After 10 years of development, the California Statewide Automated Child Support System, run by the Department of Social Services (DSS), has been scrapped and the state has begun developing a new child support collection computer. This report evaluates the performance of publicly-funded child support collection programs in California, examining the…

The contemporary context and some recent trends affecting college program reviews or evaluations, current options in purposes and practices, and impacts on programs and institutions are discussed. It is recommended that the process be viewed as a contribution to the general knowledge base for campus constituencies rather than as "right answers"…

California's legislature voted overwhelmingly to extend the charter of the Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, which regulates most of the state's for-profit institutions and is credited with reducing fraudulent schools. The Republican governor, however, has vetoed the measure amid heavy lobbying by trade-school officials,…

Provides a personal account of the history and politics of the sociology department at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Discusses classes offered throughout the Vietnam War years, concentrating on the more radical course offerings. Describes the professors who taught these courses. Maintains that the closing of the department is the…

The legislated abolition of the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) has resulted in a catastrophic decline in adult education, a market approach as opposed to ILEA's equal opportunities policies, reduction in staff, and narrowing of curricular focus. (SK)

The zero-based curriculum model can help school boards and administrators make decisions about what to keep and what to cut. All instructional programs are ranked and judged in categories ranging from required to optional. (MLF)

Reports on a tenure controversy within the Indiana University department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures that has involved possible death threats, a hunger strike, and controversy over the department's continued existence. For now the professor, an expert on Islamic philosophy, remains at the institution, other faculty have left, and…

When the University of Arkansas' president determined that the university's press should be shut down due to financial losses, journalists, letter writers, faculty, and editors at other university presses undertook a successful campaign to save it. The debate highlights the economic difficulties of academic publishing and the role of the…