During the first half of the 1990s, the British government turned inspection into an ambitious instrument of educational policy-making. What happens when schools are inspected is the subject of this book. Based on a 3-year study, it answers such questions as "What happens when the inspectors announce that they intend to call?,""How…

In practice, most education systems have both centralized and decentralized elements. Planners involved in a decentralizing reform must identify which components of the system are more appropriately managed at the central level and which at the local level. This book is intended to inform education policymakers, planners, and practitioners about…

This study focused on how U.S. Catholic college and university presidents view the relationship between the Catholic church and Catholic institutions of higher education. The specific focus was on college and university presidents' perceptions of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," a set of mandates issued by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and approved for…

This book analyzes attempts by governments and international development agencies to neutralize the school as an independent and democratizing institution. The volume contains four chapters and a conclusion. Chapter 1, "The Diminished School," highlights the trend away from the liberal and professionally led systems characteristic of the…

This paper presents a case study that examined trends in centralization and loss of autonomy in higher education. The study focused on the policy process through which one state both reduced its education administration (EA) programs and developed standards for administrator licensure. Participants (N=15) in the study included a legislator, an EA…

Trends in Australian higher education indicating increased government intrusion into the decision-making structure are outlined. Suggestions for action include coordinated efforts with state agencies to forestall national intrusion, united action among faculty and administrator associations, increased political sophistication within universities,…

Applies a philosophical perspective to the landmark 1970 memorandum "Freedom and Authority" written by A. W. Jones, then Director-General of Education in South Australia. In the memorandum Jones attempted a decentralization and reform of South Australian schools. (Author/JM)

Describes the U.S. Office of Educational Research and Improvement, which was created to improve and strengthen our educational system and which assists states and localities in assuming the increased control and responsibility over decision making. (JOW)

The diversity in college admissions policies is described and the relationship between these policies and admissions testing is explained. The consequences of government regulation of testing is discussed. Colleges are urged to defend their autonomy in admissions and to act responsibly in that respect. (Author/AL)

Proposes a community college program review model which promotes institutional autonomy and satisfies accountability demands. Recommends that community colleges use a need/access model rather than the equality/excellence model appropriate for universities. Proposes an open and flexible review process, specific products, and seven evaluation…

The role of a trustee at a complex multicampus system is discussed with a focus on governance relationships to the component campuses. The three-way interaction among board, system administration, and the campus chief executive is seen as likely to heighten the potential for conflict. (MLW)

Discusses the actions of state legislatures nationwide that have implications for community colleges. Points up and analyzes three major legislative themes: increased state control, reduced appropriations, and the uncertain identity of community colleges within the law. Looks at minor legislative changes and three areas of concern for the coming…

The growth of the Council for National Academic Awards' validating process as a means of monitoring and approving standards of courses in British polytechnics and colleges has been a significant educational development in recent decades. The nature of the agency-institution relationship, and its changes over time, are examined. (MSE)

The regulatory process of the federal government may be its own worst enemy by threatening the substance and character of private higher education. In addition, it is the responsibility of the corporate sector in the United States to support the nonprofit sector if it is to live up to its spoken convictions. (MSE)

A primary challenge for academic administrators is to survive the 1980s with a strong, diverse system of higher education that has a healthy and mutually rewarding partnership with the federal government. Institutions must have the courage and integrity to decide when to accept and when to refuse federal aid and regulation. (MSE)