The author explores a number of issues which he feels will affect English schools, particularly comprehensive secondary schools, in the 1980s: standards (mixed ability teaching, testing, articulation); declining enrollment; parent/community participation in school governance; and external social change. Related trends in Europe and the United…

This article highlights findings of a comprehensive plan for the Danish educational system to the year 1990. Two main categories are discussed: the framework and structure of the school system; and the curriculum, teaching methods, and other aspects of the "inner life" of schools and other educational institutions. (KC)

To meet future needs, secondary vocational education must shift from job-specific training and concentrate on producing literate workers with versatile mathematics and language skills. It should be responsive to individual needs, interests, desires, and abilities to ensure that they are addressed with maximum articulation and interface with…

The Head Start community has recognized that the mental health program has been a weak spot in the program's comprehensive services strategy. A brief telephone survey of 101 programs identified the services most desired and resulted in recommendations for strengthening this aspect and making the program a laboratory for innovative practices. (SLD)

With the change to comprehensive schools in Sweden completed, the author considers how education will be restructured in the future both at the compulsory and the post-compulsory levels. (SJL)

Strategies for the adaptation of Head Start for the economic and social conditions of the future involve the linkage of early childhood and family support approaches with community economic development. Such strategies must include a reappraisal of mental health models to ensure the health of children and their families. (SLD)

Describes the current status of postsecondary distance education (DE) in the United States and Canada, focusing on ways in which DE can be used to further local or national policy goals. Presents four examples of DE policies and programs, each representing a different focus (laissez-faire, consortium, coordinating board, and comprehensive). (MDM)