This paper argues that political conflict over educational policy at the local level is cultural in its origins and represents a deep division in U.S. society about the values that should be taught in the public schools. The research reported in the paper focused on a single case study of a recall election in the Orange Unified School District…

Compares the national policy developments in two countries, Australia and South Africa, and investigates the emerging tensions in quality policy processes in these countries. Reports that a number of similarities and differences were evident. States that notions of quality and quality policies are dependent on localized contexts. Includes…

Investigates administrative processes involved in setting up the School Organization Committee (SOC) in one Shire County in England. Examines the role of the SOC and the implications for central-local power relations in the development of educational policy. (CMK)

States that despite the country's relatively small population and the globalization pressures from the international community, the Icelandic language and culture have remained strong. Reports that Iceland's language policy comes from the government's and official institutions' commitment to the people of Iceland, who are determined to preserve…

The structural reforms of the education system in France (1959, 1963, and 1975) were part both of a global process of democratisation of education launched after the Second World War and of a larger modernisation project in which knowledge producers (experts, scholars and consultants) played a crucial role. Instead of a national approach or a…

During the last decade in Belgium and the Netherlands, comprehensive reform of primary education emanated from central policy. In both countries the national authorities set up a program to encourage and facilitate the new primary school concept. This paper reports on 25 schools in the Netherlands and 52 in Belgium that acquired special funding…

THE MINORITY OF PEOPLE WHO OCCUPY THE TOP LEADERSHIP LEVEL IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WERE DISCUSSED IN THIS PAPER. VARIOUS CONCEPTS OF THE COMMUNITY POWER STRUCTURE WERE REVIEWED, AND SOME RESEARCH FINDINGS WERE REPORTED ON A COMPARATIVE STUDY CONDUCTED IN THE POWER STRUCTURES OF THREE COMMUNITIES. FOUR ACTIVITY AREAS WERE STUDIED FOR EACH…

Language planning is normally thought of in terms of large-scale, usually national planning, often undertaken by governments and meant to influence, if not change, ways of speaking or literacy practices within a society. It normally encompasses four aspects: status planning (about society), corpus planning (about language), language-in-education…

The ballot, as a device to communicate to the government by citizens, is perceived to be much more effective in some settings--the direct question in a local election--and less effective in others--the major questions and primary offices in a national election. Such political facts of life are part of the resurging interest in the referendum as a…

Argues that international monetary organizations influence debt-receiving countries in regard to their educational policies. Stresses the importance of retaining a national educational policy as a means of empowerment and liberation for its masses, and for creating stronger ethnic harmony. In particular, Sri Lanka must continue to teach in the…

This paper examines political influences on assessment programs and their effects on local school systems. Specifically, it describes North Carolina's political climate and examines the impact of political influences on educational assessment in the state. The political climate in North Carolina has produced a plethora of state-mandated tests,…

The proposed activities of the Office of Research and Evaluation of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District in 1990-91 are outlined. Evaluations and other major projects focus on: (1) externally funded projects; (2) systemwide achievement testing; and (3) systemwide evaluation. Twelve evaluations will assess the impact of programs and…

Determining the proper role of State and local government and coordinating the efforts of government agencies at all levels are the top concerns of State-level education decisionmakers, including governors, legislators, and educators. A poll of Education of the States (ECS) commissioners indicates that issues of coordination and governance…

In 1985, Maryland became one of 45 states that enacted new and tougher graduation requirements. This document presents findings of a 4-year study that examined the effects of the new requirements on local schools and the students and staff who work in them. Three site visits each were made to five selected high schools. Data collection included:…

Annotations of 82 articles and 32 reports, books, and studies related to public school choice are grouped under: (1) sources from a national perspective; (2) sources from a state perspective; (3) local choice plans; and (4) material useful to parents. Several annotations include information on ordering documents, and six contacts for further…