The Chinese economy is now a major driver of growth in the world economy. As a consequence, significant reforms were introduced which impacted on its educational systems. China is facing unprecedented pressure to produce skilled individuals to meet the demands of this rapid growth. China is in the unique position of operating in a dual system,…

The forces or pressures that have produced a concern for fundamental skills of literacy are briefly considered, and a number of related questions are raised about willingness and capabilities for dealing with the issues in a deliberative, systematic manner. A major premise is the belief that the back-to-basics movement can be understood best in…

Reports data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics concerning enrollment trends and projections in public and private preprimary, elementary, and middle schools; minority enrollment trends; and trends in teacher employment, state and federal school support, school use of computers, student reading abilities, and adoption of…