Employing Bourdieu's notion of social field, this research conceptualizes New Jersey's alternate route to teacher certification as a contested arena, in which the interests, ideologies, and visions of different stake-holders regarding the character of public education have collided. Findings for this study are primarily based on data from the New…

Increasingly, public health promotion is about more than influencing individual behavior. Rather, it is equally important to undertake efforts to impact social, environmental, and political factors. Having a clear understanding of the inner workings of the legislative process enhances one's ability to effectively influence policy. It is important…

Forms of organized authority that eclipse freedom of thought and action exist as a possibility in both public and private schooling. Historical patterns of resistance to public authority through private schooling are examined. Greater attention to democratic versus authoritarian aspects of socialization is much needed in discussions of school…

Examines the role of teacher effects in mastery-learning research. A review of the literature reveals the following: (1) failure to control for teacher effects; (2) tendency to redefine teaching as managing; and (3) tendency to reduce teaching from a professional to a technical field. (Author/BJV)

Reviews hierarchical linear models that have been developed to address problems of the measurement of change and the unit of analysis in educational research. Introduces a three-level hierarchical model that should constitute the basic paradigm for future quantitative research on student learning. (Author/BJV)

Uses an economic model of the provision of educational services to evaluate the efficiency of an urban educational system. Concludes that a voucher system would not promote efficiency and would increase racial and social segregation, but minischools and competitive contracting-out might aid the promotion of common social values. (FMW)

Reviews the rationale for the systematic involvement of government agencies in early childhood care and education programs. Discusses barriers to the development of a universal rationale, emphasizing the role of widespread popular and official ambivalence about the role of women outside the home. (FMW)

Introduces the issue, with the following themes: (1) the increased importance of higher education; (2) policies, issues, and attitudes affecting access to higher education in the 1980s; and (3) the questionable effectiveness of junior colleges. (DM)

Examines patterns of enrollment, choice, and degree attainment of undergraduate students attending college between 1975 and 1986 in five metropolitan areas with private institutions as well as public systems enlarged during the postwar period. Finds that minority access as well as achievement have diminished considerably since the mid-1970s. (DM)

Finds that open admissions at City University of New York in the early 1970s resulted in a dramatic increase in degree attainment by Blacks and Hispanics. Concludes that more flexible aid programs, improved high school curricula, and stronger preparation in two-year colleges can increase future attainments and narrow educational inequalities. (DM)

Offers several explanations for the development of community colleges, describes their clientele and mission, and discusses current shortcomings. Recommends changes to encourage program completion or transfer into four-year programs while maintaining open access. (DM)

Traces the history of Black colleges and universities. Most Blacks now attend predominantly White schools. Because Black institutions today could accommodate only 25 percent of potential Black students, the problem of access for Blacks must be solved by federal and state governments and majority institutions. (DM)

Advocates an alternative conception of excellence in higher education, one based on how well an institution can develop its students' talents, not on the quality of the entering class's grades and test scores. Such an outlook would increase minority enrollment. (DM)