This paper presents a set of general observations about state-sponsored school improvement initiatives with data from several sources. One major source is the Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), implementation study, "Facing the Challenge: Selected Programs and Practices of the Urban Initiative's Operation School…

This report, the result of the reflection and study of a panel of 10 distinguished citizens in various fields, highlights key trends shaping the nation and its institutions into the next century. A summary letter to trustees and leaders outlines the panel's sense of urgency about changes that colleges and universities are not prepared to cope…

This paper examines institutional restructuring in higher education for the 1990s and the 21st century and the leadership required for that restructuring. Following an overview and a discussion of selected pertinent demographic, social, economic, technological, and political variables, the paper focuses on the strategic importance of Mid-America…

The administration of Rochester Community Schools (Michigan) initiated a process for long-range strategic planning in 1984, described in this synopsis. Strategic planning is an ongoing, evolutionary process of defining the business one is in or should be in; establishing organizational goals and objectives; and developing and implementing…

Although Pennsylvania's Long Range Planning for School Improvement (LRPSI) assumes linkage between school improvement and school compliance with state-mandated registration process guidelines, the extent to which the newly mandated evaluation/registration process will actually contribute to substantive school improvement and a rebuilding of public…

Reflects on the declining quality of higher education today, the increasing inability of higher education to meet student needs, and the ways in which demographic influences will affect higher education in the next 16 years. Offers seven suggestions for leaders of higher education in dealing with these concerns. (IW)

An administrator of an academic health center discusses effects of increased competition for funds including the necessity of segregating the three funding streams (service, education, and research) and the short-term increased costs of implementing educational technology solutions. He urges a broader health science vision and greater…

States that with the approach of ubiquitous access to distributed learning resources, the old regional basis for community colleges is rapidly evaporating. Asserts that institutions must rethink their nature and purpose and develop new services for students. Discusses new instructional support services, new or redefined course delivery systems,…

As the 21st century approaches, many educators are debating the role of education in meeting students' and the economy's needs. This booklet describes the results of a modified Delphi study that asked a panel of 55 experts from education, business, and government how to best prepare students for the 21st century. During the course of three survey…

This paper analyzes and compares two 1994 reports on the state of higher education in developing nations, the World Bank's "Higher Education: The Lesson of Experience" and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) "Policy Paper on Change and Development in Higher Education." It examines…

This summary report addresses the fundamental objectives of higher education in the Netherlands and proposes structural reforms to help make higher education more effective. Part 1 outlines the focus of the report, while Part 2 reviews the tasks and functions of higher education in the Netherlands from a historical perspective. Part 3 examines the…

An independent commission evaluated the needs of New York State higher education into the 21st century and made recommendations for meeting those needs within the changing economic and social circumstances of the state and the nation. The Commission's report begins with an overview of higher education in New York, examines three areas of major…

The state initiatives described in this report are geared toward meeting the national education goals. Although they vary considerably, the initiatives emphasize the importance of establishing high-level goals and standards applicable to all students and providing local flexibility in exchange for accountability. Many initiatives involve: (1)…

Designed to aid in the planning process of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) for 1984-1989, this report assesses educational and resource needs; discusses the community college mission and functions; and points to changing directions in educational programs and services in the district during the coming years. Introductory…

The emergence of a technology-based global society is effecting tremendous changes in the economic and political world order. If our society is going to respond successfully to these changes, it must recognize the philosophic as well as strictly scientific implications of technological growth. We are entering a new era for amplifying the human…