Discusses the political diversity of the Caribbean. Focuses on historical issues such as the impact of colonial rule and distinctive political regimes. Explains four types of Caribbean society and considers the role of political leaders. Explores the interplay of community and insularity in the Caribbean. (CMK)

A case study of a planning effort in a low-income community describes how power was equalized between community activists and government planners. It shows that traditionally silenced voices need support to challenge authority, planners need ethical vision, and planning can be a learning process. (SK)

A discussion of the increased use of qualitative methods in social science research looks at four emerging issues: the nature of research, the growth in status of the narrative in research, political influences on the research process, and the nature of the relationship between the philosophy of science and applied research practice. Some…

Financial constraints, political events, and an explosion in the college-age population have put tremendous pressure on higher education in Africa. These pressures threaten education and the future of the continent. Governments and universities must make difficult choices to address these challenges. (SLD)

The case study of a community relations program in Northern Ireland demonstrates the importance of contextual variables and illustrates that the demands of short-term, context-stripped, value-for-money evaluations are often in conflict with qualitative inquiries that can reveal the social, political, and cultural influences on program delivery.…

This article reviews development and use of a statewide (Texas) space model for long-term planning, regulating new construction, and formula appropriations for general academic and, more recently, health-related institutions. Considers the work and recommendation of a 1998 study committee on space needs of health facilities, the Commissioner's…

Investigates the role of political factors in the allocation of educational opportunities in state-socialist Czechoslovakia. Indicates that educational reforms introduced after the communist seizure of power in 1948 reduced inequalities in the allocation of schooling at the secondary level but not at the tertiary level. (CMK)

Summarizes in chronological order the main issues that have been considered in defining primary English (elementary school English) in the United Kingdom as a subject. Discusses the English subject knowledge considered necessary, over time, for teachers to know. Concludes that primary English, when compared with other subjects, is a special case:…

This article discusses the influence of political ideologies on the development of gifted education in the United States and Australia. The controversy over educational equity, the claim that every child has gifts or talents, the confusion between gifts and strengths, and the resulting impact on curriculum development is explored. (Contains…

Maintains that Schorr's provocative book omits consideration of the basic question raised: whether the social reform the book seeks is possible without a sea change in national politics. Suggests that the book's insights should spur policy makers, nonprofit sector leaders, agency officials, community builders, and philanthropists to use resources…

Analyzes political and economic context for divergent paths of two key education curriculum reform documents in New Zealand. Contrasts a centrally controlled, subject-based, achievement-oriented curriculum for compulsory education with a child-oriented, thematic, experimental curriculum for early childhood education. Suggests some reasons for the…

The need for appropriate, timely, and increasingly comprehensive career development and education programs continues to escalate. It is interesting that despite the differences in cultures, religions, economies, political systems, and education structures, many countries face similar challenges when designing and implementing career development…

In this article we analyse the role given to education and training by policy-makers in France and Britain from 1980 onwards, in relation to their overall chosen economic (and social) strategies, and highlight conjunctions between education, exchange-rate regimes, and the level of economic openness. Britain opted for a monetarist route against…

Principalship practice may be based upon one of at least two different models: (1) the "socio-political" model, in which the duties of the principalship are conditioned by political tensions both inside and outside of the educational institution; and (2) the "professional model", which is characterized by operating criteria…

Creating a state comprehensive professional development system for the preparation of early childhood personnel in the USA requires a development framework that is inclusive and responsive to diversity. Over the past few years, states from around the country have begun to embark on journeys towards the development of such a system. The purpose of…