Describes forms of parental choice that have been proposed as policy tools to improve education and reviews research that supports these options. Parents who exercise choice tend to be better educated and to be already involved in their children's education. In the current debate, many have ignored nonchoosing parents. (SLD)

This article argues that in the current competitive environment of higher education, both students and colleges will benefit if the institutions make their admissions and financial aid policies explicit, helping students and parents understand the variety of factors involved in policy formation and decision making. Carleton College (Minnesota) is…

Uses government data to analyze the distributive effects of non-means-tested cash and non-cash public transfer programs in reducing poverty among children. Data were analyzed for white, black, and Hispanic children, and for the elderly. Suggests these transfers are important sources of income for disadvantaged children, among whom black and…

Election of Bill Clinton as President has injected Washington, DC, with optimism, but few observers believe his promises will be accomplished without eruptions of conflict, frustration, and acrimony. The 103rd Congress must face pressing issues immediately, concerning health care and benefits, higher education financing, and research and…

This legal analysis examines a federal appeals court decision which found three student theses written as graduation requirements and filed in a library did not constitute printed publications and thus bar the patent application of the college professor involved. Institutions are urged to develop comprehensive patent policies for student and…

Reassesses reformist "Report on Secondary Education" (1947) and ensuing effects on Scottish Education Department (SED) policies. Examines roles of administrators, teachers, and postwar values in Scotland's failure to realize report's calls for educational equality. Concludes that report, although energizing, was isolated in time and…

Based on data on 8,203 high school graduates from the national High School and Beyond study, it was found that socioeconomically disadvantaged graduates have pursued nontraditional postsecondary enrollment options (part-time, delayed, and nondegree programs), even when data were controlled for differing academic characteristics. Theoretical,…

Effects of variations of program evaluation purpose and methodology on decision-making information needs of various stakeholders were examined with 475 participants in planning for early childhood special education (223 administrators, 140 service personnel, and 112 parents). A program evaluation's purpose and methodology differentially affect…

Describes the significant change in Arkansas State public policy on education during the tenure of Governor Bill Clinton. Details the political ups and downs of Clinton's initiatives, particularly teacher competency tests. Offers a postscript on Clinton's initiatives and a side bar on the Home Instructional Program for Preschool Youngsters. (JB)

The staff of the Center for the Future of Children analyzes policies to make the U.S. health care system more responsive to the needs of children and pregnant women focusing on (1) efficiency; (2) access; and (3) affordability. Recommendations are made in each of these areas. (SLD)

Analyzes intercultural education, looking at the dynamics of agenda building as a political process. Theoretical and ideological assumptions underlying the concept of intercultural education are discussed. The article says use of this concept serves the purpose of issue containment within the arena of conflict where educational policy alternatives…

Disadvantaged children's problems receive little if no attention by intellectuals and policymakers because of broad forces such as racial conflict, feminism, and the culture of individual rights. Personal responsibility and social and economic policies that support the family are strategies for helping economically, educationally, and emotionally…

Studies effects of the Paideia curriculum on critical thinking skills of 270 high school students in the Paideia curriculum and 284 in the standard curriculum. A problematic relationship exists between the treatment investigated and the measures used to collect data, supporting arguments for localized evaluation of Paideia Program efforts. (SLD)

A 2-year stepped intervention program--the HealthWise Intervention Study--at a company with 4,164 employees found that overall health risk status improved at all 4 intervention levels. The highest level, combining environmental policy with high-risk targeting, was associated with the greatest improvement in lifestyle risk factors. (SLD)

Recent trends in Finnish higher education are examined, from the formulation of national policy since the 1980s to recent experiments in financing and accountability, efforts at promoting efficiency, and the conflict between traditional academic collegiality and imposition of government decision making. (MSE)