The two parts of this article are a survey of educational interest groups in Washington and a description of the operation of the liaison office that was created in 1980 by the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL). The general part of the discussion focuses on: (1) characteristics of interest group behavior; (2) perversities of education…

At least two dozen political action committees in six states (Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Texas, Washington) accept donations and contribute to legislators on behalf of diverse colleges and universities. Defenders say the political committees help keep the institutions' allies in office and protect access to them. Critics feel public…

The state of evaluation is reviewed and it is suggested that problems lie not only in the political advocacy process through which policy is made, but also in the way evaluators have approached their tasks and presented their results. A project at the University of Wisconsin--Madison is described. (Author/MLW)

This document includes five reports originally presented at two meetings of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) held respecively in 1985 and 1987. In "Public Policy on LIbraries," Hector Wynter, a member of the Jamaican Parliament, describes the role of the legislator in the development of libraries in Jamaica.…

This guide is intended to help people in the nursing profession, especially deans at schools of nursing, to effectively influence public policy at the federal level. Introductory material identifies key Senate and House committees and stresses the importance of establishing and maintaining a relationship with one's representatives in the Congress.…

Delineates components of federal legislation advocacy using the activities of the Children's Defense Fund as examples. Reviews seven aspects of the traditional role of the legislative advocate. Reveals that congressional budget procedures adopted in 1974 complicated this role. Considers several pitfalls of the new budget process. Provides a…

Educational institutions should mount sophisticated lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, say three members of Congress (Senators Harrison Schmitt and Dennis DeConcini and Congressman Morris Udall). Lobbying in the legislative process, effective lobbyists, political action committees, and effective lobbying from nonprofit groups are discussed.…

Believing they are threatened by the Education Department, which they consider unfriendly, officials of proprietary schools have made substantial campaign contributions over the past two years to shore up their support in Congress, just at the time lawmakers prepared to consider changes in student-aid rules that would be unfavorable to…

Designed to increase public awareness of military spending, this 5-part guide examines the process and problems of preparing the national defense budget. The publication begins with a brief overview of the 1984 defense budget. Major military programs, trends in budgeting, and key concerns in budget formulation are explored. Graphs and charts…

The history of higher education's relations with government is one of cooperation succeeded by skepticism. Institutions entering the government relations arena need concrete goals and professionally organized programs. An umbrella political action committee should be the new political arm of higher education. (Author/MLW)

Addresses functional behavioral assessment (FA) concerns within the context of speculation about the possible functions served by mandating the use of FA in 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Suggests that the nature of public policy may deserve as much attention as research findings. (Author/CR)

Financial contributions by American corporations that are designed to influence domestic or foreign policies are discussed. After identifying ways that business corporations can influence either general policy or particular decisions, a brief history of corporate philanthrophy in the United States and financial support for public policy purposes…

The increase in the 1970's state aid to independent colleges and the doubling of interest groups representing independent colleges in the states (39 state associations by 1978) are examined, and a demonstrable relationship is found between these facts. It is argued that the chief factor motivating states to act on behalf of independent colleges is…

Higher education lobbyists in Washington work as liaisons between their institutions and the federal government. The experiences of several lobbyists are described. Lobbying is seen as a game of knowing the people who can help and showing the legislators how a side of an issue benefits them. (MLW)

This study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine the similarities and differences among different types of institutions of higher education in regard to federal relations. A 1994 mail survey of college presidents resulted in 1,554 respondents. Responses were analyzed based on the Carnegie classification system and control…