Criticizes the notion that small British schools are incapable of adjusting to demands for more specialized instruction and other innovations. Although earlier research suggested this, recent data reveals a high degree of confidence and competence ratings among smaller schools. Many schools have adopted curriculum support strategies. (MJP)

Beginning with an overview of the development of the country's educational policy since the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, this paper provides an information survey on the current state of education in the People's Republic of China. After brief sections on the relations between Chinese society and the educational system and current trends in the…

Discusses issues related to standardized testing and a national art curriculum. Maintains that cultural diversity among students makes valid and fair assessment difficult. Argues that teachers should be trained in the use of authentic assessment methods. (CFR)

As requested by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Interagency Committee for Extramural Mathematics Programs (ICEMAP), this report updates the 1984 Report known as the "David Report." Specifically, the charge directed the committee to (1) update that report, describing the infrastructure and support for U.S. mathematical…

Presented in this volume is the final report of the first phase of a study designed to assess initiatives available to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address problems and opportunities in K-12 science education. The report begins with a discussion of NSF's mission in K-12 science education, followed by a review of the problems that limit…

A think tank on researching family literacy was held to brainstorm a national research agenda for family literacy. The think tank brought together 12 researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in family literacy. Key themes emerging during the think tank were as follows: (1) family literacy is difficult to research because it is…

In structure and in function, the Japanese high school entrance examination--as exemplified by data from Chiba prefecture in 1986--survives as a prewar hierarchical cultural pattern. Postwar American occupation reforms offered "democratic education" in the form of a single-track system with 9 years of compulsory schooling; such a system,…

This paper examines fiscal implications of five 1983 reports that recommend reform of America's schools. Greater rigor in curriculum and textbook content is a common report theme, while three call for specific graduation requirements. Generally, reports recommend increasing time for key courses and requiring regular homework, achievement tests,…

This sixth annual compilation presents resumes of ongoing projects in career education, vocational education, and education and work. Included in the volume are resumes of projects funded by contracts and grants from the member agencies of the Coordinating Committee on Research in Vocational Education (CCRVE) as well as abstracts of projects…