Despite the widespread education reform discourses attempting to alleviate high-stakes examination pressure and narrowly test-driven education systems in East Asia, none have been as systematic and drastic as the Free Year Program (FYP) recently implemented in South Korea. The FYP provides middle school students with a year-long reprieve from…

The Hungarian situation is described as a case study to illustrate the processes by which the political and economic imperatives of a socialist country are translated into classroom curricula and practice. The structure of the National Pedagogical Institute and its departments of education is outlined. (Author/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…

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)

After outlining an ideal, the author examines the reality of the response by governments of the major host countries of Europe to the educational needs of migrants' children to determine how far they have been met and to suggest some factors which may have determined the nature of this response. (Author/SJL)

Uses Israel as an example to examine three variables--size, organizational mode, and political value system--and their effects on educational policy making and planning at a national level. Argues that in Israel's case small size, centralization, and democracy interact to create a new type of planning behavior termed the enlightenment approach.…

Summarizes strengths and weakness of the Japanese approach to vocational training and education. Stresses the Japanese "obsession" with education and the high levels of education obtained by its citizens, the state's commitment to planning and financial support for high standards of industrial training, and industry's commitment to…

Drawing from interviews with key-informants in planning and policy-making institutions at central and local levels, reports on 1985 education reform programs. Highlights some of the most drastic aspects of the reform and discusses specific issues in basic education, technical/vocational education, and higher education. Notes variety and…

Examines the role of elite groups in Zambia educational policymaking in the postindependence era, using three major attempts at educational reform as illustrations. Concludes that well-to-do groups have dominated educational policy decisions to preserve their own interests and have obtained gradual reforms in spite of offically declared radical…

Explains a theoretical framework for interpreting educational policy-making and, on the basis of that framework, identifies educational policy makers and policy changes in Hungary in the 1960s and 1970s. Tests the theory by examining controversies about secondary education and the structure of the educational system. (JHZ)

Shows how Tunisia's national educational program is implemented unevenly in different regions with resulting disadvantages for rural populations, especially rural girls and women. Specifies ways the politics and public policy appear to influence regional differences in educational outcomes. Examines educational, economic, and political…