Describes the roles and relationships that developed among librarians, faculty, and higher education institutions in the Integrated Academic Information Management Systems environment, funded by the National Library of Medicine. Organizational and management issues that emerged as librarians became integral to teaching and administration are…

Reviews problems with the Stafford Student Loan Program (Federal Family Educational Loan Program), including high-risk borrowers, dishonest school officials, negligent lenders, and guaranty agencies. Critiques recent reform measures designed to simplify the program. Suggests alternative policies, particularly direct loans from the federal…

The history of research in Australian higher education gives insight into fundamental tension about the role of research and the university's role in society. It is concluded that each university will have to choose what it is good at, and researchers should be faculty who have a demonstrated research talent. (MSE)

A literature-based model of the legislative politics of policy innovation is examined in light of Minnesota's experiences with the school choice issue. A revised model, reflecting case-study findings, is presented. The leadership area is identified as the arena where lawmakers can exert leverage on restructuring public education. (SLD)

Medical students in committed relationships must balance the demands of the rigorous educational process against such things as their partners' educational and professional priorities, childbearing decisions, domestic obligations, financial constraints, etc. Medical schools can help couples cope with these challenges by developing policies and…

Presents highlights from a conversation via BITNET on education policy and priorities for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. The electronic discussion took place over 3 weeks with approximately 700 participants. Themes of balancing kindergarten through grade 12 education and higher education and the government's role in research…

Argues that the City University of New York's recent reversal of its policy of providing remedial instruction to those needing it was accomplished despite substantial opposition and without regard for the human or financial consequences, with little understanding of academic freedom, and under the influence of conservative policymakers wishing to…

Discusses the experiences of developing and implementing an online course in health policy for graduate nursing students at Southeast Missouri State University including going online, nature of the course, Web design/development, student support, and lessons learned and recommendations. Contains a table of criteria for discussion…

Presents a check list of three-tiered rubrics to help administrators assess their own technological literacy in information systems use, record keeping and budgeting, data use, communication skills, online research, identification of teacher and student competencies, envisioning and planning, and ethical use and policy making. (MLH)

A study of leading state-level policy actors in Florida's higher education identified a hierarchy of power and influence. Policy elites were legislators and key legislative staff consultants, the university system chancellor, and the state board of regents. Least influential in policy formation were faculty and student interest groups and…

Describes the processes whereby environmental policies are created and disseminated in China and points to some of the issues facing western educators who wish to work with Chinese colleagues in advancing global sustainability. (Author/PVD)

Considers policy formation for libraries providing Internet access to users. Topics include budget issues; staffing, including training; patron use, including time limits, downloading, and printing; library service and programs; legal issues, including intellectual freedom, copyright, and institutional liability; and sample policies available on…

When surveyed about a one-way video and two-way audio distance learning system, distance education faculty at Old Dominion University (Virginia) said they liked the personal and professional growth afforded by teaching on television, but disliked the lack of interactivity and other limitations. Faculty involvement in policymaking and integrating…

Examines the controversy surrounding school choice policymaking and discusses emerging means-based proposals designed to give low-income children a chance to attend high-quality private or parochial schools. Legal issues regarding the full choice movement in education are addressed as well as the political forces arrayed against it. (GR)

Five years of research on collaborative practices have led the Center on Families, Communities, Schools, and Children's Learning to formulate 10 policy recommendations for a comprehensive program of school, family, and community partnerships to improve the academic achievement and social success of all students. (SLD)