ERIC Number: ED211196
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Policymaking Styles in State Early Childhood Education.
Bridgeland, William M.; And Others
As part of a larger study, 84 major state level early childhood policymakers in Michigan, California and New York were surveyed to identify differences in policymaking styles among state agencies and interest groups. Participants included (1) agency policymakers, such as early childhood specialists in the departments of education, social services, and public health, (2) government personnel concerned with prekindergarten policy issues, and (3) prekindergarten specialists. Respondents rated the agencies and groups on a five point scale measuring altruism/realism. Results indicate that on the whole in all three states the state agencies for education, social services, and public health were perceived as somewhat more realistic in style than were the interest groups such as the state affiliate of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), private voluntary child care organizations, proprietary child care organizations, and Project Head Start. Except for proprietary groups, which by their nature are first concerned with factors affecting their livelihood, interest groups were seen as more idealistic in policymaking style than were state agencies. According to respondents, New York private child care organizations and California Head Start programs had a somewhat realistic style. In conclusion, implications of the findings for early childhood education policymaking are discussed and a strategy for effective political action is recommended. (Author/RH)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California; Michigan; New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A