Changes in the demographic, economic, political, organizational, technological, and social-cultural environments of colleges and universities raise important questions for institutional researchers and decision makers. However, educational institutions cannot ignore historical commitments and philosophical beliefs. (Author/MLW)

The six articles in this issue suggest that, prior to selection and implementation, school reforms be critically examined for the following: (1) curricular content and impact on complex social organization of school; and (2) sufficient flexibility to permit teachers and building leaders to adapt reforms to local needs. (PS)

Examines alternatives to the technical orientation of the Ralph Tyler rationale of curriculum planning. Emphasizes the fact that the language and processes of curriculum planning are embedded in metaphysical, philosophical, and moral concerns. Advocates using religious metaphors in models of curriculum planning and discusses how planners' values…

This paper summarizes the main results of a meta-evaluation of innovative education programs in Dutch education. Attention is focused on contextual influences, while a case is made for prudent and feasible ways of "rational reconstruction" and for an acitve evaluation policy aimed at overcoming contextual constraints. (LMO)

Analyzes higher education's role in terms of the interaction of recent political and economic developments. Sees the current educational reform movement as a retreat to premises and structures that are unequal to contemporary society. Discusses the meaning and benefits of a liberal education, and the community college's current and potential role.…

Reviews three books that make a contribution to the study of French educational history. Themes include provincial French education (Robert Gildea, 1985), liberal reform (Sandra Horvath-Peterson, 1984), and Renaissance public schools (George Huppert, 1984). (TRS)

A new report by Frank Newman, president of the Education Commission of the States, calls for a fundamental reexamination of national policy toward higher education in student financial aid, access to higher education, improvement of scientific research and technological development, and changes in undergraduate programs to make students more…

Reports studies dealing with (1) how unpleasant news is handled in East Germany, (2) whether Nixon was cheated in the l960 election, (3) the Greek-American press, (4) violence in music videos, (5) women in public television, (6) the class action suit as public relations, and (7) the problem of trespass for photojournalists. (FL)

An analysis of structured interviews conducted in 1973, 1979, and 1984 with state legislators and school lobbyists and 14 case studies that investigated issues in Minnesota state school policymaking reveal that influence relationships do not correspond to the bureaucratic model. Political leaders influence policymaking far more than do…

Self-interested political, corporate, and education leaders have undermined recent West Virginia court decisions mandating educational reform. Three implications are: (1) principals, teachers, parents, and students must be equal partners in the educaiton reform process; (2) a constituency for rural children is needed; and (3) rural educators must…

Contains five essays and editorial on the theme of Black/white alliances, 1941-1983. Topics discussed include a look back at slavery, rhetorical alliances in the Civil Rights era, how the nature of legal arguments limits Black educational advancement, political alliances, and religious alliances. (CMG)

The decision by a Reagan administration appointee to terminate funding of 13 validated projects illustrates the influence of politics on policy. (Author)

Reports findings from a questionnaire, mailed to school board leaders in all 50 states, that focused on factors inhibiting school board members' effectiveness and that identified training needs of board members. Internal board politics were identified as the biggest problem, along with state interference. (TE)

This study compares segregation levels in Milwaukee public schools and in private schools participating in the Milwaukee voucher program. Using a segregation index that measures the difference between the percent of students in a school who are white and the percentage of school-age children in the greater metro area who are white, it finds that…

This brief examines how No Child Left Behind (NCLB) dollars flow from the federal government through states and districts and into the coffers of companies, mostly for-profit companies. The brief makes the case that the law enriches many private companies and individuals, especially those close to President George W. Bush and his family. The brief…