Suggestions are presented to help vocational education programs become effective lobbyists: decide what you want, choose the appropriate forum, take a position, review current laws, know what is allowed, identify your leaders, form a network, cultivate legislative leaders, take part in hearings, provide information, testify, and build working…

A growing number of states are taking steps to transform three largely disconnected levels of public education--preschool, K-12, and postsecondary--into a more coherent, integrated system called P-16. P-16 is based on the concept of a seamless continuum of public education stretching from preschool to grade 16, culminating in a baccalaureate…

In this speech, Chancellor Thomas J. Nussbaum defends the existence of local governing boards for community colleges and offers suggestions for improving the current weak governance structure. He argues that doing away with local governing boards would: (1) create a greater inconsistency between the mission and the governance of the colleges; (2)…

Each level of higher education funding decision making--governor, legislature, state coordinating agency, system boards, and campus administration--is examined and the decision alternatives available to each are discussed. It is found that campuses have more freedom and capability than higher levels to apply reductions differentially rather than…

Describes the organization and purpose of the National and World Affairs Division of the National University Extension Association (NUEA) and discusses the need for public policy programing in continuing education. Proposes debate in the NUEA and its member organizations on the subject of members' role in such a policy. (MF)

A survey to obtain a sample of representative opinions on tests and testing in the public schools is reported. Three categories of respondents (teacher union representatives, teacher trainers, legislators) indicate that teachers' attitudes toward standardized tests should be changed. (MLW)

Discusses the history of agricultural education and points out important advancements through the years. Provides a discussion of current problems facing agricultural education with special focus in the area of legislation. Describes the necessity and steps for personal--as well as professional--association involvement affecting policymaking. (LRA)

The evolution of congressional support for educational programs and the impact of the present trend toward financial restraint are reviewed. Research, evaluation, and policy studies will help influence future decisions, although other factors such as the economy and interest group pressures will affect support. (MH)

Examines the Omnibus Judgeship Act and the process of making judicial appointments in an effort to explain why there are so few women judges. Suggests that the restricted number of women lawyers, sex discrimination within the legal profession, and lack of political power are responsible for this condition. (SF)

Policymakers in many states are critical of college faculty salaries based on their ill-informed perceptions of faculty workload and perquisites, seldom acknowledging the real reason for rising costs in higher education, its rapid expansion. Faculty and administrators must work together to devise persuasive answers to hostile inquiries by critics…

Criticizes legislation sponsored by Senator Slade Gorton and other Republican members of Congress that would weaken tribal sovereignty and the federal government's trust responsibility. Republican proposals have included limiting tribal jurisdiction of reservation lands, drastically reducing Bureau of Indian Affairs spending, taxing the Indian…

Reports on the activities of the Society of School Librarians International (SSLI) during 1991. Topics discussed include legislative activities; congressional awards; continuing education opportunities; the annual conference; book awards; and election of officers. (LRW)

Trustees and other officials of state higher education institutions should understand their role in the legislative process, including respecting and understanding the political process; working closely with the institution's lobbyist, knowing your limits and advantages, monitoring public opinion, understanding campaign contributions,…

Examines the organizational and political context of decisions directly related to the fate of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) from 1980 to 1992. This decision-making environment is then analyzed in terms of political values, structures, and strategies. (Contains 59 references.) (Author/KRN)

The Supreme Court's Missouri v Jenkins decision changed the role of school administrators as well as their ability to set priorities and control implementation. By sanctioning court-ordered taxation, it also involved legislators in the partnership, although the courts are clearly senior partners in the relationship. (SK)