Synthesizes and briefly reviews articles in this issue. Focuses on the "policy arena" (defined as a political culture, a set of interrelated public programs, and a network of political organizations) as it relates to early childhood education and the allocation of resources to children of all ages. (GC)

Compares the state governance and power structures in early child education in Michigan, California, and New York. Focuses on the informal, dynamic networks of power and influence among public and private agencies and, in turn, between these agencies and clients attached to a variety of interest groups. (Author/GC)

Reports on rationales that states have used to support recent early childhood education (ECE) initiatives and describes how reform policies were made in 1971-73 in West Virginia, California, Georgia, New Mexico, and Ohio. Outlines background and initiation of reform, building of support for ECE, opposition, and resulting legislation. (Author/GC)

Evaluates critical factors in decision making (as identified by A. W. Lerner) for their applicability to a case of policy making in early childhood day care. Considers characteristics of the decision-making setting, role perceptions, individual personality traits, problem contact, and organizational and social influences. (Author/GC)

Examines how to improve urban schools, outlining 14 strategies that urban educators can consider as they seek to handle the unique problems confronting urban students. Strategies include increasing the availability of well-planned early childhood education programs, increasing student time on task by lengthening the school year, developing…