The vast majority of public employees--including teachers--are enrolled in defined-benefit pension plans. These plans are usually the product of state legislation that determines eligibility, benefit formulas, employer and employee contributions, and how payments will be calculated when an employee retires or leaves the system. Once an employee…

The tension at the heart of pension politics is the incentive to satisfy today's claimants in the here-and-now at the expense of long-term concerns. Rules and auditing standards are intended to tame this kind of short-sighted behavior in the private sector. In the public sector, the primary safeguard is the hope that public officials will not be…

Two thematic articles are included: "Career Counselors as Vocational Experts: Determining Earning Capacity" (Maze) discusses the value of counselors as expert witnesses in forensic settings; "Vocational Examinations in Family Law and Wrongful Termination Cases in California" (Miller, Schwadron) suggests that vocational expert…

If the immigration pattern of the 1970's persists in the 1980's, California can expect, annually, approximately 250,000 new immigrants, the majority from Latin America and Asia. Of these immigrants, concentrated in the working ages, 60 percent will be poorly educated and generally unskilled refugees and illegals and will be potentially heavy users…

Five highly respected, practicing art therapists responded to a series of questions related to employment, training program development, and legislative issues. Excerpts from their comments have been arranged as if an actual interchange occurred. This article is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (Author/SJL)

Cost-benefit analysis is used to illustrate current thinking about academic program review and analysis. It indicates that, at the margin, some important benefits of doctoral education have been understated and marginal costs exaggerated. It is suggested that program review choices are best left to the institutions. (MSE)

These statements by 19 of California's government, business, and educational leaders address the need to adapt California's schools and colleges to the rapid changes occurring in the State's economy and society. They have a common theme: government, business, and educational initiative and cooperation are needed if California is to retain its…

Summaries are provided of the presentations, discussions, and major conclusions of a conference convened in May 1983 to develop mechanisms for improving the linkages between industry and community colleges in California. Introductory material offers an overview of the conference's goals, employment training in California, and the role of the…

Demographic, social, and economic factors are shaping the future environment and clientele of California's adult education system. Continued population growth means adult education will have to serve larger populations. Direct implications of increasing ethnic and racial pluralism are demands for more flexible delivery systems that accommodate…