Interest Groups and the Changing Environment of State Educational Policymaking: Developments in Pennsylvania

Abstract

To explore the consequences for education interest groups of Reagan's "New Federalism, "the "excellence"movement prompted by A Nation At Risk, and the increased role of governors and legislators in educational policy, 33 key policy participants in Pennsylvania were interviewed. They were asked about changes since 1980 in lobbying activities and tactics, in points of access to policymaking, and about which groups now seemed most influential. The study revealed major changes in the state educational policy environment. When a strong governor seized the initiative and placed the education interest groups in a reactive position, they responded by reducing their infighting and formed a large coalition to present a unified position on school funding.