During 1960-95, unplanned and uncontrolled educational expansion in Nigeria, coupled with a population explosion, military coups, and a depressed economy, created an environment of crisis in the educational system. Problems included poor funding; inadequate facilities; corruption in admissions, certification, and examination practices; emergence…

Discusses the crisis in educational quality faced by Third World countries due to increasing elementary school enrollments and decreasing economic resources. Reviews strategies for school improvement, discusses future research issues, and suggests how American educators can help. (FMW)

In 1986, an Alaska school district filed a petition under Chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Under the reorganization plan approved by the Bankruptcy Court in April 1988, teachers' salaries were significantly reduced. Discusses the legal implications of a Chapter 9 petition on a school district's collective bargaining agreements. (MLF)

A 1993 conference of college faculty senate members is discussed, focusing on common difficulties in governance during a period of retrenchment and due to the faculty culture. Some recent research into the relationship of finances to academic freedom and tenure is examined. Strategies for enhancing faculty senate effectiveness are suggested. (MSE)

A study of two colleges examined how the president's communicative behavior affects organizational life, viewed from a social constructivist perspective. It is concluded that the president can inadvertently create hard times even in good financial circumstances and abate them during serious financial decline. (Author/MSE)

Small increases in research and development funding and the state of the economy pose serious challenges to research universities. It is unlikely that the financial pressures will moderate. Research universities will be challenged to downsize by restructuring resources without compromising their quality. (Author/MSE)

Shrinking state funding and pressure for accountability are forcing institutions of higher education to overhaul their missions, take stock of their spending, and inevitably, reorganize themselves as they prepare for an increasingly competitive college market. Data on average state tuition increase, and appropriations to higher education are…

The Public Health Service has issued regulations giving universities the primary responsibility for preventing financial conflicts of interest by government-supported researchers. The regulations, which require scientists to report to the university any financial interest relating to their research, are much less stringent than those proposed in…

Discusses current problems and issues facing vocational special education in rural areas, including limited educational access resulting from isolation, teacher shortages, and financial problems; curriculum shortcomings; lack of relevance to local job market; and lack of local employment opportunities. Describes successful rural strategies,…

A survey of 24 members of school-level transition teams in four rural school districts examined the effectiveness of teams and barriers to transition success. Results support the need for improved postschool case management and follow-up services. Results also show a strong relationship between written transition policy and procedures and…

A study of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology suggests (1) an abrupt change in an institution's financial pattern need not mean loss of excellence; (2) in crisis, the institution must build on its strengths; (3) strong central planning is essential; (4) an excellent faculty is the first responsibility. (MSE)

Funding constraints on Tanzanian higher education include low economic growth rate, balance of payment problems, inflation, currency devaluation, absence of cost-sharing, and resource mismanagement. Higher education has high unit costs, low capacity utilization, and high teacher-student ratios, but private benefits are high relative to social…

Bill Anton, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, faces an explosive growth of culturally diverse students, a fiscal crisis, and threats of a strike. Despite these major problems, he remains optimistic that the district will overcome its current problems. (MLF)

Describes the changes in Soviet/Russian higher education since 1986. Reviews the development of higher education since 1918 and the bureaucratic structures that stifled progress and focused on vocational preparation. Argues that decentralization of authority will lead to improved general education essential for a free society. (CFR)

Forces raising the cost of higher education will not disappear even in a stronger economy. Most research universities will be faced with balancing the scope of their individual commitments and the nature of their relationship with other institutions with advancement of knowledge and education at the highest levels. (MSE)