This evaluation of European Community and Union vocational training programs looks at programs implemented before and after the 1994 European Union treaty. It concludes that the political and legal framework has allowed only modest successes and the third generation of programs must take this into account. (SK)

This paper was written in anticipation of the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees (ICIR), held in June 1989 in Geneva (Switzerland). The ICIR was convened to respond to chronic refugee problems in the region, first addressed in the July 1979 Meeting in Geneva on the Situation of Refugees and Displaced Persons in Southeast Asia. It is…

Six ways of viewing educational adequacy, the financial implications of these six definitions, and the political and economic bases for utilizing particular concepts of adequacy in the context of an American-style democracy are considered in this document. According to the definitions, educational adequacy can be measured in terms of the amount of…

Asserts that the Jewish experience in Germany, insofar as it may be generalized, suggests that minority education is significant to its constituency only insofar as it is perceived to be "useful" or "necessary": the primary defining factors are economic and social, and the conditions are set by the majority society, not by…

Analyzes the impact that interest groups have on a portion of the public policy process. Findings indicate that agencies with large and/or intense clientele support fare no better in the appropriations process than agencies without support. Bureaus with large and/or intense congressional support receive the same treatment as all other bureaus.…

The commitment on the part of the national government to provide some assistance to the elderly began in the 1930s, but in the last decade or so, this commitment has substantially increased. (Author/AM)

The new pressures on aging policy are certain to bring with them inequitable and unintended consequences. The very old have not shared fully in the policy gains made by the older population generally, yet they will possibly suffer most from whatever "aging backlash" develops in the future. (Author/AM)

Under full scrutiny, the Strategic Defense Initiative program is revealed as a form of escapism from global realities, with dangerous and destabilizing themes for both the university and society. Universities must face this issue squarely, and limit their focus to activities best suited to an intellectually constructive and humane purpose. (MSE)

Drawing on theoretical framework that addresses the transnational character of refugee problems, analyzes the causes of refugee movements. Holds that despite the common perception that refugees flee danger that emanates from an agent within the country of origin, the danger often results from international conflicts. (GC)

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)

Factors affecting the development and implementation of education policy for special education in England and Wales is examined in the context of the 1981 Education Act. Factors considered include staff evaluation, the competing definitions of need and good practice, professional and administrative accountability, user rights, politicization, and…

Written as a practical guide for mayors, civic leaders, and school board members, this book describes the politics of reform in urban school systems and clarifies options available to community leaders seeking to improve school performance. Drawing lessons from six U.S. cities that have made concerted efforts to improve their schools, the volume…

The Congress began the reorganization of the appropriations process by passing the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. It established new budget committees in each house. However, the efficient use of competent policy studies by Congress may still be blocked "by major obstacles--inherent both in the structure of Congress and in the incentives…

Cites a shift toward a more conservative political agenda in Australia that parallels trends in Canada; analyzes the development of the child care system in one province of Canada to demonstrate that despite manifold distributions to the child care system, the lack of a constitutional dimension has left the program vulnerable. Presents the example…

Explores the controversy surrounding the appointment of William Bulger, a well-known politician, as president of the University of Massachusetts. The complexities of educational policy in Massachusetts are revealed. Ultimately the process aired the views of all stakeholders in a process that should contribute to the eventual success of Bulger in…