From 1973 to 1978, the Rand Corporation conducted a national study of local public schools' responses to various federal programs requiring educational change--Title III of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title VII of the ESEA, programs financed by the 1968 Vocational Education Act, and the Right-to-Read program. This paper…

The purpose of this book is to discuss the history of educational reform in India and describe the steps taken by government to implement new policies. An education commission, better known as the Kothari Commission, published its report in 1966. As a result, the National Policy on Education (NPE) emerged in 1968 and was considered a major step…

The history of educational development in Thailand shows a transition from early concern for religious and moral training toward the present emphasis on the practical development of individuals and society. Thai culture may have originated in Mongolia and has been strongly affected by its present cultural neighbors, Malaya, Cambodia, Laos, Burma,…

In 1971, the specialized schools serving 16-to-19-year-olds were consolidated into integrated upper secondary schools. This report describes the rationale and course structure of the new type of school and its impact on vocational education. Conclusions about comprehensive vs specialized schools are drawn. (SJL)

How free are developing countries to develop systems of education tailored to their own individual needs? Considers the need for relevance in educational policy, the effect of colonial educational practice upon developing nations trying to create policies appropriate for their educational and political development, and the influence of the…

The National Writing Project (NWP) became a key institution in the effort to define a new level of minimum literacy. There is an increasing awareness of the importance of writing as an aid to thinking in all subject areas. The NWP staff development model is described. (MLW)

Examines the status and changes occurring in education in Spain. Discusses the country's goals and educational reform plans. Explains its rural and private school systems and identifies the positive aspects of Spain's educational movement. (ML)

Examines recent attempts to restructure French secondary schooling in order to provide equal opportunity and more relevant curriculum. Discusses some impediments to these reforms, particularly the opposition of teachers and their unions. (SJL)

Noting that, as a developing socialist society, China requires an educational system which develops in the individual both political loyalty and technical skill, the author surveys China's efforts, from 1949 to the present, to implement these two potentially conflicting educational objectives. (SJL)

The Nigerian Government is attempting to create a national identity and eliminate inefficient indigenous educational practices. The author argues that quick implementation of this plan to regulate indigenous private education and craft apprenticeships could aggravate the employment situation and restrict the ability of localities to meet their own…

Australia's efforts toward developing a national system of higher education through mergers of universities and colleges of advanced education is analyzed, drawing on official reports, views expressed by key individuals, archival records, and interviews with personnel involved in the merger of La Trobe University and Lincoln Institute of Health…

Scotland's "Assessment is for Learning" initiative (AifL) seeks to introduce a co-ordinated national system for assessment in schools. Formative assessment is a major plank in this. The initiative has moved beyond its pilot phase and it is intended that it will be adopted by all Scottish schools by 2007. This article draws upon the…

The impact of new educational policies initiated by the Conservative Party leadership on school management in the United Kingdom is examined in this paper. The first part highlights the background of state-sector schools and their funding. Although no clear statement of intended policy exists, the second part outlines the following general policy…

In developing countries ideology plays an important role in the political process, for the level of disorganization forces political leaders to look for support and loyalty rather than efficiency. (Author)

Reviews the Democratic Republic of Zaire in geographic, economic, demographic, historical, and educational terms and concludes that to date the reorganization required by new policy goals has been implemented by "fiat." The government of Zaire needs to fashion an authentic process of educational planning. (Author/WM)