Several problems facing the new US Department of Education (ED) even before it officially begins to function in May 1980 are identified. These include staffing, organizing, and preparing a budget for fiscal 1981. Education programs from other cabinet departments, now under ED jurisdiction, are listed. (JMF)

Most of the federal agencies that support postsecondary education use a quasifoundation model. The agencies that support educational activities can be divided into categories depending on the focus of the grants awarded: direct support to institutions, agencies with a mission, and special concerns. (MLW)

When the Carter Administration's budget figures first appeared in December, higher education suffered a billion-dollar cut in student aid funds. Although basic and supplemental grant allowances were later increased, other higher education programs--including college libraries, campus facilities, and nurses' training--were cut heavily. (JMD)

The Action Committee for Higher Education--a coalition of 19 Washington-based higher education groups that serves as a national information clearinghouse on student aid, keeping students, parents, the news media, campus officials, and others informed about the Reagan Administration's student aid proposals--is described. (MLW)

Discussed are the conflict-of-interest provisions of the Federal Ethics in Government Act of 1978 that limit the activities of high level officials after they leave government service. Designed to deal with officials with inside information who return to private positions of influence, the law's brovisions are seen as much too broad. (JMP)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded several grants to study effects of and possible solutions to the problem of "acid rain"; pollution from atmospheric nitric and sulfuric acids. The research program is administered through North Carolina State University at Raleigh and will focus on biological effects of acid rain. (JMF)

The National Academy of Education is described as a loose federation of prominent educational and social science researchers, which has never pretended to be a think tank or a lobbying organization. Its influence is indirectly felt through the prestige and quality research of its members. (MLW)

Focus is on the $30.6 billion portion of the federal budget for fiscal year 1980 that is allotted to research and development. Budgets discussed include those of colleges and universities, the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Defense Department, Agriculture Department, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and…

The need for effective lobbying in Washington by Black colleges and the shortcomings of present activities are outlined. Specific actions regarding Title III funds for developing institutions are among the lobbying needs assessed. (JMF)

The experience of Meharry Medical College in obtaining and using federal funds and grants is presented to illustrate the plight of Black professional schools. (JMF)

The relationship between the federal government and higher education is examined with focus on federal aid and especially federal regulations. Justifications for the federal regulatory role and suggestions for improving the relationship by both higher education and the government are offered. (JMD)

With its fiscal year 1983 budget recommendations, the Reagan administration is seen as moving toward outright rejection of a federal responsibility for access to higher education. The commitment to expand postsecondary opportunities that has been affirmed by presidents and congresses for 25 years may soon be cancelled. (MLW)

The new Department of Education, the nation's first secretary of education, Shirley Mount Hufstedler, and some of her newly appointed assistant secretaries are profiled. The creation of the new department, the transition problems involved, and the budget for education are discussed. (MLW)

Two distinguished figures in education policy and practice were asked to reflect on each other's careers. They described the development of a strong federal role in education during Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Both see the church-state issue and civil rights making federal activity for schools extremely difficult. (MLW)

Every six years or so, reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 provides the opportunity for Congress--and the nation--to examine the current conditions and consider the future needs of higher education. While reauthorization tends to focus on funding and on "fixing" postsecondary education's most visible problems, the…