Explores types of information which might be used in making decisions about the quality of education. Presents methods by which this information may be utilized to make decisions at various levels in the educational enterprise. Urges that quantitative techniques for gathering information be linked with decisions concerning the quality of…

Introduces the other articles in this special issue on the size of schools districts, schools, and classrooms. Provides concise summaries of each. (BJV)

Examines principal and teacher response to the implementation of a systemwide student promotion policy in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Concludes that although principals and teachers may agree in principle with promotional standards, conflicting values may interfere with implementation. (FMW)

The conflict between immediacy and accuracy in data-gathering and analysis is discussed. The case of the Postsecondary Transcript Sample (PETS) of the National Longitudinal Study is used to illustrate the particulars of this conflict and their resolution on the side of accuracy. (Author/MLW)

Evaluates various aspects of federal information resources management and reviews technological changes within the Department of Agriculture to illustrate current issues and future trends in information resources management. Topics discussed include telecommunications and networking; distributed processing and field office automation; the role of…

After briefly reviewing the child policy decade of the 1890s and how it dominated the national social reform agenda, the article describes the current pressures for a children's agenda in the 1990s, what such an agenda might consist of, and the likelihood of success for a social reform agenda now. (BB)

Explores equal opportunities policies in the United Kingdom with specific reference to issues of gender and race in education, and examines the practical and political implications of these policies for educational institutions. Considers the interplay of sexism and racism affecting Black women in Britain, especially in their employment as…

Examines trends in social science research on biotechnology and agriculture. Discusses role of private industry's biotechnology "hype" in defining social science research policy in universities. Suggests that widespread promotion of biotechnology as "revolutionary" contributed to lack of academic scrutiny. Examines social…

Summarizes the key policy issues raised in hearings on "Federal Information Policy Mechanisms" held by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology. The issues discussed include privatization of the National Technical Information Service, sensitive but unclassified information,…

Three articles on evaluation in the Federal government describe a decline in budget and staff support, narrowing of the agenda to internal management issues, and the subordination of evaluation to other functions. Issues for the future of Federal government evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

Reports the results of a study of two library systems' differing approaches to staff involvement in library planning. The systems' attempts to prepare staff members, keep them informed, and encourage staff participation are described, and the resulting benefits are contrasted. Suggestions for successful staff involvement are offered. (34…

Important issues facing the 101st Congress are discussed including: reform of the way Medicare pays for physician services; efforts to review the appropriateness and quality of care furnished; volume of services being furnished; long-term care; AIDS epidemic; and the needs of those who lack basic health insurance. (MLW)

Describes the status of activities relating to development information in Sri Lanka and the role of the Centre for Development Information. The discussion covers the generation of development information; the infrastructure devised for the collection, organization, and dissemination of information; and resource sharing programs at national,…

Expectations of graduate medical education consortia are contrasted with the experiences of 36 such groups. Results indicate consortia differ markedly in structure, functions, and other features but have some common concerns. Recommendations for improvement addresses such issues as leadership, needs assessment, and resource allocation. (Author/MSE)

Acknowledges that assessment is often perceived as a costly ordeal with minimal benefits to the institution beyond meeting external reporting requirements. Presents examples of assessment data already available in existing records, and ways in which colleges can leverage the results of assessment to serve multiple purposes. (MAB)