A discussion session for urban school superintendents from Pennsylvania and New Jersey identified four educational issues, currently the focus of a good deal of political debate and activity, that illustrate the shift from local to Federal, and then from Federal to state-level influence and initiative. These are (1) centralization of control; (2)…

It has been difficult to define the work of curriculum directors for a variety of reasons related to educational structures and policies. Through the use of qualitative methodology, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the work of four exemplary curriculum directors in an effort to define their duties and responsibilities, identify the…

The policy statement of the 1982 Wingspread Conference on Postsecondary Programs for the Disadvantaged is presented. The conference examined the past decade of postsecondary education opportunity programs for disadvantaged and minority students and how the objectives of the programs should be pursued in the 1980s and beyond. Recommendations are…

Using as an example the development of the comprehensive school concept in the Netherlands, this paper explores the strategy for educational innovation in a centralized national educational system, the role of educational research and evaluation in educational innovation, the impact of research on policy-making, and the strengths and weaknesses of…

This monograph and its companion volume, "Shaping Education Policy in the States," portray the contemporary role of state legislators and map the structure of educational leadership in terms of both the characteristics of influential legislators and staff and the nature of influence structures in state legislatures. An outgrowth of the "State…

This monograph and its companion, "Legislative Education Leadership in the States," portray the contemporary role of state legislators and map the structure of education leadership in terms of both the characteristics of influential legislators and staff and the nature of influence structures in state legislatures. This volume reports…

Decision-making and the models of decision-making that people carry in their minds were assessed. Participants in a public policy decision involving early childhood education were mapped onto four frequently used models of decision making: the rational, the bureaucratic, organizational process (Allison, 1971) and the garbage can or organized…

Two articles and a transcript of a colloquium discussion by seven practitioners/experts on the topic of educational policy in the Carter years are presented. The discussion group considered Carter's first year, zero-based budgeting, dimensions of leadership, the fiscal year 1979 budget, reorganization and a Department of Education, and the…

This paper examines the relationship between politics and education in developing nations in light of the question: "Under what conditions is educational reform successful?" The objective is to create a framework for investigating educational policies based on outcomes rather than objectives or needs. The author recommends that, in addition to…

This report describes a joint project among two U.S. universities, a university in the Netherlands, and one in London, England, designed to prepare U.S. students of higher education policy with an understanding, appreciation, and analytic knowledge of the effect of the unification of Europe on higher education policy, as well as give European…

The relationship of the state and higher education, particularly in relation to the role of science education, is outlined throughout Austrian history. Conservative postwar reconstruction, expansion of access to higher education, and student participation in administration are traced, and criticisms of the present government-academic balance are…

The American Council on Education's 14th annual report on the status of minorities in higher education suggests attacks on affirmative action could undermine the progress already made. Students of color continue to be underrepresented on most campuses. The report urges administrators to emphasize the educational benefits of affirmative action…

Two documents analyzing the current international situation of higher education are discussed. One, by the World Bank, presents universities, especially public universities, as part of the current problem; the other, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, views them as providing solutions. Political and…

Suggests that educational researchers need to (1) expand schooling beyond the narrow interests of the marketplace; (2) view multiculturalism as central to democracy; (3) refuse to equate nationalism and monoculturalism; and (4) substitute community, solidarity, and public responsibility for emphasis on choice and individual competitiveness. (SLD)

The purpose of this article is to discuss Zimbabwe's public education system. First, the article provides a brief look at pre-independence education in Zimbabwe. Second, it discusses some of the reforms that took place in the Zimbabwe education system following independence. Third, it looks at the current structure of Zimbabwe's education system…