Urban Management Curricula. An Evaluation of New Educational Materials and How Their Preparation Was Managed by the National Training and Development Service

摘要

Two panels established by the National Academy of Public Administration reviewed (1) 15 sets of curriculum materials for the training of urban managers and (2) administration of the curriculum project. The materials were developed by universities and State government training centers under 15 subcontracts let by the National Training and Development Services with financing by HUD. The panel of educators and public administrators who reviewed the materials found that most are valuable for inservice and preservice training. Two sets are ready for editing and publication. The rest need to define their prospective audiences more precisely, spell out instructor qualifications more thoroughly, and specify the time required for each unit. Many sets need extensive editing to weed out jargon. The panel which reviewed the project's management found that the procedures were sound and accounting was good. However, the subcontractors were swamped with paperwork, there was not enough flexibility during the creative process, and not enough time was available for personal meetings to negotiate improvements. More narrowly defined needs might have resulted in additional materials for neglected areas. For this reason, smaller projects might have been better. The advisory committee, consisting of 24 members, was too large for effective decisionmaking. Both panels recommended extensive editing and publication in an attractive format.