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Difficulties in the formulation and implementation of a uniform national educational policy are analyzed in this book. A review of American educational history concludes that alternative policy processes must be considered if the nation is to develop public policies capable of addressing a national education crisis. Obstacles to a centralized educational policy are domination of the educational system by an established educational and academic community oriented to local control, and the evolution of a nonpublic, or "para-private," process that influences policy decisions. An alternative policy formation process is advocated that expands the role of the federal government in developing a national youth policy while maintaining the involvement of educational and other professionals, the local community, parents, and state governments. The table of contents is as follows: "A Nation at Risk"; "Federal Role in Perspective"; "A Para-Private Policy Process"; "A Generation at Risk"; "Reform Strategies and Policies"; "A National Public Policy Process"; and "A National Youth Policy." A selected bibliography and index are included. (LMI)

The trend seems to be in the direction of the federal government recognizing the state as the primary legitimate source for educational policy-making. This is not to say, however, that the federal government has given up trying to accomplish beneficial educational ends because of the limitation that the states' supremacy seems to posit. Public education vis-a-vis Washington will continue to be reactive until a legitimate and powerful educational spokesman can be developed. Unfortunately, there is virtually no opportunity for meaningful sharing of views among federal and state legislators or among governors, educational aides, and the like. (Author/IRT)