Discusses how utopian talk about cable television as a dramatic new technology swept through the policy arena in the 1970s. Analyzes this talk as a discursive practice to demonstrate both the value of discourse analysis and some contradictions of the policy process. Shows how discourse thus helped shape an institution that it failed to describe.…

The position paper (1981) of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities presents a revised definition of learning disabilities and identifies issues and concerns (such as the limitation to children and the exclusion clause) associated with the definition included in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (DB)

Notes that draft proposal for voluntary public library accreditation prepared by ad hoc committee is now ready for consideration by professional community. This article defines accreditation and proposes possible goals to provide a framework for discussing the pros and cons of establishing a Commission for the Accreditation of Public Libraries.…

The authors question tensions between policymakers and local educational institutions and suggest that there are substantial gaps between the intentions and actual consequences of implemented policies concerning educational reform. They argue for cooperative strategies between federal, state, and local authorities that attempt to balance…

The change in age structure of the Canadian population will have a significant impact on policies, practices, and programs for older people. This article describes expected demographic changes and their implications for programs and policies. (JOW)

In 1985, the Center for Education Statistics began a review of its elementary and secondary education data collection programs. The intended product of the redesign was a new plan for national data collection from institutions and individuals. This collection of articles describes the redesign project. (RB)

Study investigated the factors that influence the use of evaluative information for decision making by school boards. Study suggests that there is no set process for decision making but that there are decision-making patterns that depend on contextual variables. (RB)

Discusses the history and enforcement of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) along with recent legislative efforts to restrict its use. Examines FOIA guidelines and presents instances in which they have been denied. Urges continued support of the original FOIA legislation. (GEA)

With the current state of computing and data communication technology, connecting widely dispersed, multivendor computing resources is a complex and expensive undertaking. Network strategies and management issues are discussed. (MLW)

The incidence of AIDS on the college campus is discussed, as well as the responsibilities of college health services. Guidelines are offered for forming school policy regarding AIDS. (JD)

Contains an analysis of prevailing practices in adult literacy volunteer programs. Considers selected research, literature, and programs, mostly from the context of the burgeoning emphasis on literacy voluntarism in the United States. Neglected questions of policy and practice are raised. (Author/CH)

Professional behavior during the General Accounting Office's (GAO's) present era of oversight can best be understood by reviewing the audit types that populate village life in the GAO and the repertoire the office uses in conducting program evaluation audits. (Author/LMO)

Critiques attempts to resurrect aspects of positivism and argues that the work of certain post-positivist philosophers (in particular, Toulmin's discussions of the role that purpose plays in rational decisionmaking) provides a more adequate response to the problems associated with relativism. (Author/GC)

Revisionist education histories continue to guide the nature of inquiry within the profession regarding the history of vocational education. The increase of state-level policy analysis in vocational education indicates one trend toward utilizing political histories. Vocational educators should become knowledgeable about the historiographical…

The authors describe the development of a state competency statement for two categories of those entering nursing in future. The task force developing this particular statement was located in Ohio. (CH)