At a time when Americans are divided, patriotism is declining, and liberal democratic norms are threatened, working Americans, more than college-educated Americans, take appropriate pride in the special contributions of their country. The extreme right and left have for too long engaged in a seesaw of bad policies that foster illiberalism.…

In this paper, we explore the role of mundane artefacts, namely bank notes, in the construction of language policy. Our case study involves a site of complex language policy and politics, namely the current day territory of Transcarpathia. During the twentieth century the region of Transcarpathia belonged to several different states: to the…

This paper analyses the political motives that underlie the increased educational control exercised by reinstalling and reinforcing school inspection during the periods of 2001-2003 and 2006-2008. These periods cover both social democratic and non-socialist governments, with different parties in office. The paper draws on an approach to scrutinize…

Should evaluators care about the impact of evaluation on the public policy process? If the larger purpose of evaluation is social betterment, the public policy arena affords tremendous opportunities for evaluators to have both short- and long-term impact by influencing policy formulation, implementation, and outcomes. Working in the public policy…

The intent of these comments is to discuss the increasingly fragmented and conflictive politics of school finance in the context of the broader domains of public finance and public policy, and to comment on differences that have emerged between two groups interested in fairer school financing programs. The sources of conflict are in the struggle…

This review of evaluation findings on Dutch government policy successes and failures points to the influence of political culture on policy effectiveness. Public policy goal attainment is more likely when the government acts purposively, on the basis of relevant information, with power, and with integration. (Author/BS)

This article examines what makes knowledge political in its derivation and uses, and what potential political functions it may serve. Emphasis is placed upon the idea that the consequences of political knowledge for a democracy are neither uniformly beneficent or malevolent; but depend upon how the knowledge is being used and by whom. (DE)

Many members of the educational community today believe that political pressures have a major effect on education policy and institutions. This paper discusses four barriers that impede teachers and administrators who must cope with these new political pressures. The four barriers include the problem of meanings and definitions, the lack of…

Planning (including educational planning) is by nature a political activity. Educational planning begins with, operates through, and ends with politics. Since politics is a crucial factor in determining the nature and effectiveness of a plan, to be efficient planners, management personnel and other planners should study politics and calculate the…

Concludes that in spite of the small number of black women office holders, they have been able to maneuver themselves to be on target when critical issues are of concern to their legislative districts. (Author/AM)

Concludes that the public's rising level of educational attainment significantly affects long-term trends in American political ideology. (RL)

Discusses the particular context of policy system and adaptation when perceived as politicized phenomena, describes a macro policy system--those responsible for the university and college preparation of educational administrators--under stress conditions, and speculates on the "natural" process of adaptation that occurs within this policy context.…

In this review of literature, the researchers draw upon the history of politics and education as they overlap in society. Politikverdrossenheit is defined as disillusionment with politics in education and society, a concept researchers feel is unproductive. The development of the collective social and educational system is traced through the…

Having served a three-year term on an urban school board, the author, who is also a counselor, discusses what counselors can and cannot expect from politicians. (HMV)

This report discusses the role and function of pressure groups with regard to policy formation and implementation in Australian education. It is addressed to the scholar interested in gaining further insight into the structure and operation of the political and educational systems, as well as to those engaged or involved in the whole educational…