The need for American colleges and universities to increase self-assessment, self-renewal, and self-regulation to regain public support and fend off government encroachment is discussed. The condition of American higher education, the reaction of the higher education community, and the need for a national effort are described. (Author/MLW)

One teacher strike in Indiana that occurred in the fall of 1975 was investigated to answer the question: What conditions and/or forces are present in a school corporation and/or community which may influence teachers to willfully violate the law by striking? (MM)

The conference "Community Networking '96" looked at ways computer and information technologies can be used to strengthen communities and improve civic life. In one workshop, speakers addressed the relationship between libraries and community networks, stressing that librarians are in the best position to pursue grants, raise public…

This fantasy looks back from 1999 to chronicle the imagined scenario of welfare reform in the presidency of Forrest Gump (and the vice-presidency of William Bennett). The decline in government assistance is matched by an increase in private sources of aid and a heightened sense of personal responsibility among Americans. (SLD)

Examines the problem of teen pregnancy and parenthood from the perspectives of the economic, educational, health, and social problems it brings. The paper describes the scope of this problem, the individual characteristics of women at risk for teenage pregnancy, and its consequences to both the women and society. Possible incentives for young…

Examines family policy from an international vantage point outside the particular context of United States family policy and reveals how women involved in parenting and a career, and their children, fare in the international economic arena. The pros and cons of the state serving as a support system are illustrated. (GR)

Discusses the impact of the lack of autonomous boards of trustees on Quebec's public libraries and the political factors that influence decision making about the libraries. Organizational structure, public support, and financial support are covered. The author concludes that municipal governments do not give public libraries enough status.…

Reports on the financial status of for-profit child care businesses and organizations throughout the United States. Lists the nation's 50 largest for-profit child care organizations. Notes threats and opportunities that center owners face. (BB)

The higher proportion of private school enrollments in developing countries appears to stem from limited public spending, creating excess demand for public schools. Random variation across countries appears because of cultural, especially religious, heterogeneity. (SK)

Major problems facing Korean education are education aimed only at preparation for college-entrance examinations, poor public financial support, heavy costs for parents, a centralized educational-administration system, and program uniformity. Reform strategies include school-based management, a new student-record system, and a curriculum stressing…

The first of two articles presenting responses from six leaders in the field of developmental education (DE) to questions about the future of DE in the coming century. Topics addressed include the movement of DE from the four- to the two-year institutions, mainstreaming, credentialing, nontraditional students, learning assistance, and better…

State education agencies mandate lofty goals and give school boards the fewest possible resources to achieve them. The board's role is not to lead educationally, but take punches for other institutions' failings. Local control exists in name only. Boards at least keep instinctive self-seeking within bounds. (MLH)

This study analyzes national polling data to assess public opinion on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and examines the political activities of states and localities to evaluate political resistance to the act. After an introduction, this paper is organized into five sections. The first section reviews national polling data on NCLB. Opponents to NCLB…

This document presents findings of a commissioned survey that explored public attitudes toward a number of issues affecting K-12 education in Saskatchewan. Data were derived from telephone interviews with 708 individuals and focus-group interviews. Of the telephone sample, 54 percent had children attending school. Themes that emerged were…

Nine articles discuss the nature and structure of public scholarship. The articles are: (1) "Divided No More" by Parker J. Palmer, who urges academics to act publicly on their convictions; (2) "The Public Intellectual as Transgressor?" by William M. Sullivan, who urges the reinvention of a "public" orientation to…