Policy analysis is the process by which systematically collected information is provided to decision makers. As an integral part of a specific policy setting process and a comprehensive planned change process, such analyses can provide school administrators with much needed information to guide their decisions concerning district-wide…

A plan to establish an environmental scanning and forecasting system for colleges and universities is discussed as a way to maximize long-range planning. After proposing a program structure, attention is directed to methods of gaining organizational acceptance, developing a comprehensive taxonomy with an electronic filing system, identifying and…

Too often, vocational education in prisons has not been given the necessary political, financial, or administrative support necessary for it to be truly effective. Besides being faced with the problems of inadequate funding and generally inadequate facilities, equipment, and instructor training, prison-based vocational education programs often…

Experiences of the University of Miami's institutional research office, which produces three annual 5-year strategic plans, are reported. Attention is directed to official and unofficial functions of the institutional research office, lessons learned in the process, and suggestions for ways to minimize frustration and maximize usefulness.…

The purpose of this paper is to examine the applications of educational reform proposals of this decade to teacher education. The first section discusses legislative initiatives regarding teacher preparation, and reviews three of the more recent teacher education reform reports issued after the first wave of these legislative efforts. Recognizing…

This study evaluated the national network of Technical Assistance Centers (TACs), which provides technical assistance in evaluation and program improvement to state and local educational agencies responsible for implementing programs under Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA). The U.S. Department of Education…

Seven papers from the 1987 CAUSE conference's Track I, Policy and Planning, are presented. They include: "Is Higher Education Too Old for Technology" (Linda H. Fleit, Edwin J. Merck); "Approaches to the Replacement of Major Applications Systems," a panel summary (Richard Howard, A.L. LeDuc, E. Michael Staman, and Charles R.…

This bibliography provides a recommended list of research and theoretical literature in the field of secondary education. It contains approximately 350 references which are organized into three main topics: (1) references for general interest; (2) references for reform strategies designed to promote academic achievement; and (3) literature…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a seminar which was organized to promote discussion on ways to influence the long-term direction and benefits that new technological developments in the media of communication and information exchange might have on the educational, employment, and general socioeconomic needs of a growing Hispanic…

This training guide and reference manual helps educational leaders learn to be facilitators in the program called "Improving the Human Environment of Schools" (IHES), a participative problem-solving method designed to improve a school's "quality of life." An introductory chapter reviews the history of IHES and outlines IHES…

Strategies employed by selected, pseudonymous private colleges in dealing with revenue constraints are detailed in case studies. Attention is directed to the adaptation and policies of eleven private liberal arts and three comprehensive colleges in their efforts to recover from rapid decline in total revenues during 1973-1976. Intensive analysis…

This compilation of articles, photographs, commentaries, diagrams, and political cartoons presents positive, practical, and action-oriented core ideas on which to base future-oriented thinking and creative activity. The first of 10 parts presents articles on traditional American principles, ways of facing the future, America's character and…

Educational changes in Wyoming that are linked to the emergence of new informational technologies are considered. Attention is directed to the following topics: assumptions for Wyoming educators as they plan to respond to the impact of technology on teacher education; the importance of educational goals and objectives; the national climate…

Three basic assumptions which underlie the public attitude toward the teaching profession should be challenged. The first of these is that people should teach because they love it; the rewards of teaching are intrinsic. The second is that teaching is primarily the transmission of content. The third is that teacher preparation should consist of…

Research-based answers are offered to the following questions on instructional time: (1) Can student achievement be improved by making time to teach? (2) What can a classroom teacher do to make time to teach? and (3) How can a school or district help the teacher? Factors related to instructional time which are described as having an effect on…