Mainstream policy analysts are often inattentive to the relationships between educational policy and the creation of democratic communities. To highlight this situation, debates over educational tracking are examined, emphasizing Dewey's ideal of democratic community. (SLD)

Discusses policy archaeology, a radically different approach to policy studies in education drawn from the poststructuralist work of Foucault. Policy archaeology examines the social construction of problems before they become visible, focusing on five social regularities (race, gender, class, governmentality, and professionalization) comprising…

Considers the need for a systematic and critical approach to the academic study of information policy at national and international levels. Reviews the nature of large-scale information policy problems and considers some of the main sources of confusion in the journal literature. Proposes characteristics for the design of information policy…

Examines factors that support or impede federal agency application and enforcement of information technology (IT) management policy. Describes the results of a study on the efficacy of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) information resource policy. Six tables present information on the policy framework for managing IT. (AEF)

The federal government has had a small role in financing education since the adoption of the Constitution. The federal politics of education should be studied because such study illustrates and furthers conceptual analysis, information is abundant and accessible, the federal politics of education represents a singular set of institutions, and the…

An action-inquiry strategy that colleges, universities, and state agencies can use to design and test new approaches to tuition and student aid is proposed. Several institutional aid policy case studies are examined from two perspectives: as a process of rethinking the theories underlying current policy, and from the viewpoint of communication…

Examines South Africa's Language in Education Policy in the context of historical and recent developments. Focuses on how it affects curricula, classroom practices, school restructuring, subject choices, and the rights of parents and students. Addresses factors inhibiting implementation; offers models of effective change of policy. Contains 25…

Explores the historical evolution of the school-state relationship, how educational reform movements of the past 30 years may undermine the alliance of school and state, and the challenges this development poses for analysts of education policy. (Author)

Forty young leaders in higher education are profiled, including college and university administrators, faculty, policy analysts, consultants, and an evangelical leader. All were surveyed concerning leadership and the future of higher education, the role of mentors in their careers, and ways in which they are learning to lead. Several patterns are…

Looks back on research about parental choice carried out ten years ago; explains how this was related to the contemporary policy agenda. Summarizes the main findings and critiques their shortcomings. Reviews policy developments in England and Scotland since then, describes the current policy agenda, and indicates how further research might…

Focuses on the philosophical positions of materialism and deconstructivism with relation to the formation of identities within the context of educational arenas. Argues that, within a context of policies focused on managerialist solutions to educational problems, these philosophies help challenge the conversion of moral and political questions…

Growing number of children are placed with relatives and supported with foster care payments. This paper describes study of states' policies on use of kinship care as a child welfare service. Analysis of policies revealed a lack of clarity, a lack of consistency across states, and value conflicts regarding policies used to guide placement of…

Presents findings from a mail survey of 414 persons regarding organ transplantation and donation policy issues. Gauged three measures of support for organ donation: donor card commitment, required request of next-of-kin support, and weak presumed consent support. High levels of support exist for organ donor cards and the next-of-kin law. Little…

Study reports the results of two surveys in which 215 students react to a policy mandating treatment for students receiving emergency room care due to alcohol abuse. Respondents identify many drinking problems that prompt student-to-student help, and predict that the policy would discourage helping but not reduce drinking. Proposes that college…

Examines the impact of educational reforms on horizontal equity and funding neutrality across school districts in Alberta, Canada. Analysis highlights both the intended and unintended consequences associated with the changes. For example, the changes appear to have increased the percentage of total funding being spent on classroom instruction.…