Compares Federal court-ordered school desegregation plans in urban and rural Tennessee school districts. Indicates that approaches differed with varying district characteristics. Suggests that community responses to plans were influenced by such factors as racial composition; customs; leaders' attitudes; environmental and economic conditions; and…

The lesson learned form Coleman I and II is that policy making is not a kind of linear transmission of research findings into policy decisions. Social science research can heighten the awareness among policy makers and the general public of aspects of social issues and help to reconceptualize certain aspects. (MLW)

Discusses the bilingual education-ESL (English as a Second Language) controversy, revealing similarities between accepted definitions of both approaches. Explains ESL theory and essential elements of bilingual education programs from an ESL viewpoint. Describes possible contributions to bilingual education programs from ESL teachers. Calls for…

Examines Chicago's governance reforms as one case of corporate influence on public school policy making. Discusses the role of local political institutions and corporate organizational resources. Corporate associations were involved in both policymaking and policy implementation. (SM)

Two developments require college governing boards and presidents to focus on executive compensation policies: the New York Regents' removal of the Adelphi University (New York) board over presidential salary and benefits, and federal legislation empowering the Internal Revenue Service to impose sanctions for excessive compensation in tax-exempt…

Describes the successful, grass-roots approach to staff development at Winona Middle School in Winona, Minnesota. Discusses categories of learners from early adapters to technophobes, staff training models, technical support, networking, policy plans, funding, and new challenges. (AEF)

A model of state policymaking affecting private higher education involves three constructs of policy posture: laissez faire; central planning; and market competition. Relationships of the policies and postures to state characteristics and policy outcome proxies are explored, and policy implications are drawn. The analysis suggests that…

Describes how Norfolk (Virginia) Public Schools formulated, implemented, and benefited from a mandatory student uniform policy. Student benefits include enhanced self-image, improved academic indicator ratings, and increased participation. School benefits include a dramatic decline in discipline infractions, improved attendance, and an improvement…

Discusses the reversal of the ruling in the custody case of "Ireland vs. Smith." Points out that initially Jennifer Ireland lost custody of her daughter solely because she placed her in family day care while she attended college classes. Examines the case as an illustration of a judicial bias against out-of-home child care and working…

The 22-member Commission on the Academic Presidency has examined the present higher education governance system in a context of rapid and substantial change. It found the presidency significantly weakened, particularly in the public sector, and has recommended a reform of shared governance and the president-board relationship. Key recommendations…

An analysis of four schools explored the degree to which positive outcomes of a 1990 state policy on educational reform had been sustained in the context of subsequent policies emphasizing standards-based reform. Results found an increased use of educational support systems, but also increased special education referrals and restrictive…

This article reviews the history of national policy for personnel preparation under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and offers some recommendations for federal policy that may increase special education faculty. It concludes that higher education must develop new ways of communicating its importance to policy makers.…

Focuses on the need for linguistic tolerance to deal with the demographic challenges of the future in America. The article emphasizes that the best way for the City University of New York to face these changes is to formulate policies recognizing the evolving linguistics of a culturally diverse society while simultaneously reenforcing the need for…

Discusses processes used to develop faculty workload policy at 13 campuses of the University of Maryland, unique in that it incorporates a report providing clear evidence of faculty productivity and increases in teaching productivity following implementation of the policy. A case study shows both the policy and the workload reporting method…

Looks at policies of linguistic expansion worldwide, particularly English in the colonial and post-colonial periods. Considers whether English expansion in continental Europe represents a threat or blessing. Considers ambiguities in English being promoted as a language serving international purposes and simultaneously British and American…