Uses mythic criticism to examine missed opportunities for identifying with landowners in ways that would enhance the constructive management of environmental disputes. Offers an alternative mythic understanding of the American West drawn from discourse with Texas ranchers. Argues for the inclusion of communities that are directly influenced, yet…

Uses psychological theories about how people process information to examine the influence of variance in question wording on public support for the Reagan defense build-up. Concludes that source cues influence the public but that such influence is overwhelmed when the public is simultaneously exposed to relevant policy information. (TB)

Developing the National Information Infrastructure requires a broader understanding of standards development; and three models associated with software applications, the Internet, and facilities-based telecommunications are presented. Users are playing a growing role in standards activities, and consortia have emerged to accelerate standards…

Discusses the dilemma of national policy formation for information technology in the context of the national information infrastructure in the United States. Reviews technological forces shaping the convergence of computers and communications, describes current and future services, service providers and markets, and concludes with implications for…

Tips for college policy analysts include these: acknowledge personal biases; be flexible and inclusive; be realistic but creative in framing recommendations; build an outspoken advisory team; anticipate repetition; see the broad picture and detail; understand that implementation is the key to good policy; and do not surprise the president. (MSE)

Presents an account of the Mondale Initiative, i.e., an attempt during the period from 1967-73 to develop a national system of social indicators to improve social policy. The role of social scientists in national decision making and policy formation is examined, and a legislative history of the Mondale Initiative is appended. (51 references) (LRW)

Investigates the controversy and activities surrounding high-definition television (HDTV), including issues of ownership, control, and technological development. Finds that the United States has entered into a corporatist form of policymaking to privilege corporations that suit political exigencies and enhance strategic foreign policies and…

Proposals of the green paper on Irish education focus on (1) the need for greater equity; (2) equipping students for life and work in an enterprise culture and unified Europe; and (3) change in administration. Financial resources to implement many of the proposals are lacking. (SK)

Uses Cobb and Elder's theory of agenda setting in public policy arena to assess the politics and effects of school finance during the 1970s and 1980s. Four triggering mechanisms catapult issues to the formal policy agenda: unanticipated events, technological changes, ecological changes, and biases in resource distribution. Four categories of…

All local education authorities (school districts) should have a policy for management development. All staff who manage the work of other adults in school should receive the appropriate training as an entitlement; for many of the teachers involved the training should be school-based. Evaluation of training is also important and deserves greater…

Urges construction of a new analytical framework for communications policy researchers which explicitly weighs quantifiable economic efficiency criteria alongside nonquantifiable social values. Discusses market economics versus social value, the economics of idea production and distribution, an expanded policy framework, the role of the first…

Examines New Jersey school boards and investigates what factors affect whether boards operate according to a professional or political model and whether professional and political boards differ in their governance role. The majority of school boards adopt the professional orientation. However, board influence depends primarily on board acceptance…

Used Edwards-Nunnally method to investigate change rates from cohort of older adult outpatients (n=92). Cohort improvement rate was 51%, and deterioration rate was 5%. However, improvement rates for clients with major depression and adjustment disorders were greater than 70%. Change rates of student/staff therapists and of clients treated in…

Computer is exemplar of algorithmic knowledge, whose goal is control and total automation of human functions. Technicist thinking, belief in myth of technological progress, is blind to nature of knowledge and connections between knowledge and power. Computers promulgate technicist thinking by projecting controlled universe and reinforcing…

A review essay is presented of two curricular documents that establish guidelines for the planning and teaching of languages other than English, French, or Aboriginal in Ontario secondary schools. Some problems and inconsistencies are noted, but the guides are considered to be helpful. (13 references) (Author/LB)