Against a general backdrop of an international discourse on educational reform that has focused on accountability, this article provides a detailed and critical analysis of the evolution of accountability policy and practice in Irish primary and post-primary education during the past 20 years. The analysis indicates clearly that national policy…

Recent analyses of the linkages between policy analysis and politics suggests that contemporary focus on the first had been poorly attenuated to the theoretical needs of the second. This paper specifies the kinds of research in educational politics that should ensue if the politics-of-education field is to become less oriented to specific policies…

In 1991 Quality University organized its first Office of Institutional Planning and Research within the provost's office. This Office has focused on six major functions: (1) organization and start-up activities (developing collegial support, analyzing information resources, and developing computing resources); (2) administrative information…

The Communication Tech and Policy section of the Proceedings contains the following 14 papers: "Interactivity Reexamined: An Analysis of Business Web Sites" (Louisa Ha and E. Lincoln James); "Newspaper Size as a Factor in Use of Computer-Assisted Reporting" (Bruce Garrison); "The Rural-Urban Gap in Community Newspaper…

This paper is intended to promote discussion among professionals, policymakers, employers, parents, and individuals with disabilities concerning current and future challenges facing secondary education and transition services nationally. The issues identified and discussed should not, however, be viewed as inclusive of the full range of possible…

Universities are characterized by the independence of faculty, the strong hold of academic disciplines, the limited but real power of academic administrators, and unbounded institutional aspirations. Foundations feature the desire to effect change, but within practical limits. The interplay between these two sets of actors highlight the importance…

This book reviews trends in household well-being in Africa during the 1990s. Using the better data sets now available, the main factors behind observed poverty changes are examined in eight countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. A broad view of poverty is taken, which includes income poverty and…

A comprehensive, multifaceted, and integrated continuum of interventions is needed to address barriers to development and learning in order to enable good school instruction and positive opportunities for child and youth development. Such an approach is essential in enabling many schools to enhance their effectiveness and many homes and…

It is long been acknowledged that psychosocial and mental health concerns must be addressed if schools are to function satisfactorily and students are to learn and perform effectively. This reality is reflected in the aims of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. And, it is consonant with the goals and…

Demographic, economic, and social trends were examined in order to assist the 2005 Task Force of the Chancellor's Consultation Council develop strategies to address expected changes California will undergo between 1997 and 2005. Arranged by five categories, the trends most important to community colleges appeared to be: (1) demographic: emerging…

By offering benefits that assist workers in attaining a better balance between work and family, employers can improve the quality of work produced for their companies and the quality of life for employees. This report discusses the benefits of dependent care programs, describes the process involved in selecting appropriate programs, and discusses…

Critics of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA) point to both structural and substantive failures to explain the program's ineffectiveness. Moves toward reauthorization in Congress create the opportunity to consider needed reforms. Reform options should target those students most in need, ensure effective implementation,…

This report is the result of the first consultative meeting of international and U.S. experts in the field of early childhood education and care (ECEC). In addition to providing information on international developments in ECEC, a primary objective of the meeting was to identify possible policy, program, research, and demonstration ideas of…

This paper summarizes the first consultative meeting of international and U.S. experts in the field of early childhood education and care (ECEC). The meeting was held at Columbia University on May 11-12, 2000, under the auspices of the Columbia University Institute for Child and Family Policy. In addition to providing information on international…

West Virginia's state welfare reform plan was in effect by the end of 1997. In 1999, over 175 interviews were conducted with past and present welfare recipients to bring their experiences and concerns to the attention of the public and policymakers. Nearly all interviewees were women and were taking part in work activities. In general, welfare…