A survey of 665 city mayors, county commission chairpersons, and city managers in eight states indicates that they contact a broad range of state agencies for various purposes, but especially for their resources. The manner of contact (direct and/or legislator involvement) used by the various officials is explored. (Author/IRT)

Reviews the multiple-state case study literature, highlights some findings, discusses several methodological issues, and concludes with suggestions for possible research agendas. Urges students and researchers to be more actively critical of the assumptions and findings of these studies. (Author/IRT)

Examines the efforts of conservative religious and political organizations to influence the schools. Argues that protection of inquiry in the classroom constitutes the first line of defense for the continuation of democracy during times of stress and change. (Author/IRT)

The superintendent of the Durham County, North Carolina, schools explains the approach he took in gaining passage of a financial election. The method is that termed "voter crosspressure" in another article in this issue. (IRT)

The social and political implications of marriage, divorce, and the one-parent family are discussed. (LD)

Defines the Court's role in race relations by elaborating on the concept of process values. Process values identify the degree to which political processes and social forces are operating responsibly to address the competing interests of minority groups and majority subgroups. Available from University of Utah College of Law, Salt Lake City, UT…

Centralization of education authority coupled with the growth of confederation of campus unions led in the early 1970s to an escalating "arms race" between the Canadian Ministry of Education and the syndicalistic unions. The effective exercise of union power was ultimately at the polls rather than the bargaining table. (Author/IRT)

Discusses social science research and policy decisions in terms of a closely scrutinized RAND Corporation project for the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Describes the design process of the RAND proposal for desegregation research and critiques the style of social science associated with technical and theoryless empiricism. (RH)

Discussed is the new conservatism that is reflected in American economic circles today. Economists and organizations that are responsible for this new vitality in procapitalist economics are highlighted, including Arthur Laffer, Milton Friedman, William Allen, and Frederich Hayek. (JMD)

Concludes that "A preoccupation with freedom seems to be a characteristic of black nationalists. Black musicians occupy positions in the music industry that are at best insecure. Consequently their political beliefs are never fully enunciated." Until society is radically changed, "the black nationalist musician will play a vital role in response…

Carter's proposed cabinet-level Department of Education would consolidate the grant programs, job training, early childhood education, literacy training, and other functions scattered throughout the government. This former assistant secretary of HEW supports the plan and offers suggestions for its effectiveness. (LBH)

Begins with a review of Canadian science education and the status of science standards development across Canada. Focuses on Ontario and a curriculum restructuring project taking place there. Contains 27 references. (DDR)