A critique of federal education policy discusses questionable purposes, flaws in aid-dispensing mechanisms, and undue regulatory burdens and other constraints. The proper federal role in education is described, involving information dissemination, educational improvement through federal programs, compensation, and financial assistance. (CJ)

Reviews a number of books describing the American working class and political and social conditions in the work place. Considers the overall effect of the trends identified, as well as the role of vocational education, in a slow or no-growth economy. (SK)

Presents a "quick-quiz update on the law concerning special education" and discusses the correct answers to the quiz. (FL)

Analyzes the communications policy review process since the 1960s, encompassing task forces, Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission. Concludes that the process "has been doing little more than seeking a means of negotiating the conflicting needs of the major industrial interests already in control of most aspects of American…

As more mothers have entered the labor force, services for preschoolers have expanded rapidly, though somewhat haphazardly. Firm political and economic commitments must be made if organized child care is to meet parents' and children's needs. (Author/GC)

Evaluates President Reagan's proposed military buildup in light of the cuts such expenditures would necessitate in approximately 300 domestic programs. Suggests that the dramatic proposed increase in military spending risks higher inflation and slower economic growth. Concludes with a plea for rethinking of Reagan's dramatic shift in national…

Three difficulties have characterized educational research and development in the United States during much of this century: (1) unrealistic demands on the educational system; (2) inappropriate methodologies; and (3) selection of insignificant topics. (MM)

Reviews literature concerning child abuse and neglect and the history of legislation on abuse. Describes current legislation. It is held that the latter is, at best, fragmentary, and that a national family policy is needed to help abusing parents and their children. (GC)

Explores reasons why educational planning has become of paramount importance to developing and developed nations within the last several decades. Presents an overview of academic v practical approaches to educational planning, relates educational planning to economic growth, compares rationales, and identifies future challenges. (DB)

Examines the resource decision processes of English education, with emphasis on decisional freedom and constraints, government influence, budgeting processes, fiscal accounting, and allocative mechanisms. (DB)

Argues that the 1983 publication of "A Nation at Risk" catapulted the issue of educational reform into the public sphere, fueling educational reform policy, corporate involvement, gubernatorial attention, and legislative action, culminating in the passage of "Goals 2000." Offers a critical review of the scholarly literature…

Analysis of educational reforms and policy debates in 1976, 1988, and 2001, including recent government working papers in England and Wales suggests that the two regions are now following different routes. In England, policy rhetoric emphasizes discourses of modernization and market forces; the Welsh paper is more allied to universal, free local…

Professional and government committees are examining use of physical restraints with troubled youth as a result of reports of problems with its use. Examples of what is being done to improve practice standards in area of crisis intervention include limiting how often restrictive procedures can be use; stating the technique must never negatively…

From 1969 to 1993 the definition of program length commercials has not been consistent. The FCC's first involvement with program length commercials was in 1969 when "Hot Wheels," a cartoon based on Mattel Corporation's Hot Wheels cars, was alleged to be nothing more than a 30 minute commercial. The FCC made no formal ruling but did…

This paper isolates critical rural economic development issues and identifies needed federal policy interventions. Despite a long history of federal efforts to improve rural economic conditions, recent policies and programs aimed at stimulating rural development have had little impact. Reasons include: (1) narrowly focused economic development…