Outlines six basic competencies school boards should consider when selecting consultants to assist teachers in upgrading instructional techniques and content. Discusses requirements for school board-sponsored consultant training and development programs. (NEC)

Examines critical policy issues relating to lifelong learning. Urges revision of state and federal laws and administrative regulations, and board of trustee guidelines. Stresses local needs assessment of lifelong learners and development of equitable policies to ensure access to lifelong learning. (JM)

Highlights a school district in Adams County, Colorado, that credits much of its success to a management-by-objectives approach and is now adding an authentic zero-base budgeting program. (JM)

The process of program review as undertaken by the higher education institutions in Illinois is described. The role of the Illinois Board of Education, the individual institutions, and the governing boards are discussed as well as program characteristics compatible with the three-tiered structure of higher education administration in the state.…

This paper presents the basic nature of the career education effort as currently viewed by USOE's Office of Career Education. The "career education treatment" is defined through role descriptions of several "actor" groups. Nine student outcomes are posited. Part of a theme issue on career education evaluation. (Author/SJL)

The legal status of constitutionally autonomous higher education systems is analyzed, and a constitutional provision granting autonomous status to the Board of Regents of the State University System of Florida is proposed. The legal implication of adopting the constitutional provision granting autonomy is assessed. (JMD)

Traces the two authors' personal histories as administrators and school activists and offers advice to others interested in navigating the waters of educational reform during these conservative times. (SR)

The firing of the director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia after a 20-year tenure and similar changes in other states have raised concerns that higher education policy boards face tightened political control. Some Virginia legislators feel the dismissal has left the council with little credibility, and substituted political…

Comments by five industry leaders on the major trends, concerns, or forces that will affect education this year. Topics include planning schools to serve the community, transforming school business officials into visionaries and communicators, administrator accessibility, school boards as catalysts of change, and community-based transportation.…

A number of school boards have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy out their superintendents' contracts. Offers advice from school board members, superintendents, search consultants, and school attorneys on the issues of contract buyouts. Calculates the cost of contract buyouts in four large school systems. (MLF)

Outlines a 10-year plan for school board members to restructure individual school districts. The objectives are to fund groups of teachers directly and establish teaching as the premier professional position in the school district. (MLF)

Suggested public relations activities for school libraries are presented in nine articles. Some of the activities described include the publication of newsletters and filmdisks using microcomputer software, a celebrity letter campaign, and planned communication with school board members. Resources for further ideas and guidelines are provided.…

In the United States Supreme Court ruling "City of Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co.," six separate opinions were issued by the Justices, indicating that the Court remains divided in the scope, rationale, and implication of its affirmative action decision. This commentary explains the Court's decision and provides some guidance to school…

Excerpts from case reports illustrate some problems and dilemmas of three teacher trainees who entered teaching via alternative certification. The article highlights ways in which they were helped or harmed by the intervention of their mentor teachers. Based on analysis of case material, policy recommendations are made to school districts. (IAH)

Describes events in Fairbanks (Alaska) resulting from an attempt by some community members to remove a book about homosexuality from the high school library. The discussion covers community reactions, media coverage, and a school board campaign that focused on this issue. Tabbert's speech the night of the vote is presented in the second article.…