Examines the general concept of judicial activism, then looks at three specific areas where charges of usurpation of policy-making power have been leveled at the courts: (1) racial desegregation; (2) due process for students; and (3) religion in public education. Concludes that judicial involvement in school policy occurs when explicit…

Provides guidelines that will help educators take a leadership role when they work with community leaders to plan for community-wide efforts to provide families with high-quality school-age child care services. (BB)

Supports the theory of language policy formulation in a "conflict" paradigm (involving value, resources, and power) with a case example of the development of Ontario's Native language policy. Research and theory were applied to policy formulation when there was significant consensus regarding both societal and educational goals. (CB)

This paper describes the current status of teacher supply and demand in both special and general education, presents examples of the kinds of data and analyses which comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and discusses how educational policymaking might be affected by the mandate to project future personnel needs. (Author/DB)

The changing style of interaction between government and higher education interest groups in Australia is chronicled from 1985 to 1994. Three stages of policy formation are identified: a stable policy community until 1987; a period of state direction (1988-90) when major reforms were introduced; and a more recent, unstable "issues…

Discusses the relationship between systemic educational reform policy instruments and their effect on changing and improving teaching practice. The author argues that the system in systemic reform is not well matched with the nature of instruction because of the lack of analysis being done on how instructional practice is constituted or how it…

This article addresses the needs of students infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, infection control precautions, and recommendations for personnel and policy development necessary to create a safe educational environment. The article contends that thoughtful, well-implemented policy decisions on the part of local education agencies can make…

Describes forms of parental choice that have been proposed as policy tools to improve education and reviews research that supports these options. Parents who exercise choice tend to be better educated and to be already involved in their children's education. In the current debate, many have ignored nonchoosing parents. (SLD)

This article argues that in the current competitive environment of higher education, both students and colleges will benefit if the institutions make their admissions and financial aid policies explicit, helping students and parents understand the variety of factors involved in policy formation and decision making. Carleton College (Minnesota) is…

Uses government data to analyze the distributive effects of non-means-tested cash and non-cash public transfer programs in reducing poverty among children. Data were analyzed for white, black, and Hispanic children, and for the elderly. Suggests these transfers are important sources of income for disadvantaged children, among whom black and…

Election of Bill Clinton as President has injected Washington, DC, with optimism, but few observers believe his promises will be accomplished without eruptions of conflict, frustration, and acrimony. The 103rd Congress must face pressing issues immediately, concerning health care and benefits, higher education financing, and research and…

This legal analysis examines a federal appeals court decision which found three student theses written as graduation requirements and filed in a library did not constitute printed publications and thus bar the patent application of the college professor involved. Institutions are urged to develop comprehensive patent policies for student and…

Reassesses reformist "Report on Secondary Education" (1947) and ensuing effects on Scottish Education Department (SED) policies. Examines roles of administrators, teachers, and postwar values in Scotland's failure to realize report's calls for educational equality. Concludes that report, although energizing, was isolated in time and…

Based on data on 8,203 high school graduates from the national High School and Beyond study, it was found that socioeconomically disadvantaged graduates have pursued nontraditional postsecondary enrollment options (part-time, delayed, and nondegree programs), even when data were controlled for differing academic characteristics. Theoretical,…

Effects of variations of program evaluation purpose and methodology on decision-making information needs of various stakeholders were examined with 475 participants in planning for early childhood special education (223 administrators, 140 service personnel, and 112 parents). A program evaluation's purpose and methodology differentially affect…