An institutional political process model for comparing social welfare policies is presented. Principal elements include each country's societal values, government institutions (operationalized as the role of interest groups), policy goals, and welfare system type. The model is demonstrated through a comparison of the dissimilar social welfare…

Brings together critical theory and sociohistorical and sociocultural theories to explore why current reform efforts have not significantly changed the nature of teaching and learning contexts, teacher-student relationships, and the knowledge forms and uses constructed in school settings. Current contexts of school learning restrict access to…

A white college professor in Hawaii explains the political and historical issues surrounding her teaching of ethnic American literature amid the Hawaiian activist movement and racial tensions in a multicultural state. Gives examples of the literature taught and classroom experiences. (KS)

Examines local politics, economics, and other factors contributing to the results of the 1987 and 1992 tax elections in a Louisiana city-parish. Results suggest that proponents of educational agendas should couch propositions in terms of developmental policies, because all socioeconomic segments tend to support development. (SLD)

In addition to scientific and research questions about the causes of and solutions to school violence, there are political questions about the fact that disciplinary measures to control school violence are more frequently taken against blacks than against whites. Political reality colors the congressional response to public concern about violence.…

Explores intellectual differences in Asian American Studies theorizing in the wake of social, political, and economic change in the United States. The authors highlight three themes that define the current wave of thinking theory in this arena. (GR)

A discussion of higher education in Hong Kong looks at the current economic context, government and public support, rapid expansion and its effect on academic and faculty hiring standards, and issues related to Hong Kong's change in political status in 1997, including emigration patterns, faculty morale, and finance and censorship concerns.…

Examines how divergent values and belief systems operate within educational politics. Reviews five questions (concerning educational quality and equality, schooling's purpose, curriculum decisions, school policy making, and financial responsibility for schools) and their underlying value tensions within the research areas of micropolitics, school…

This study of the financial and political dialogue affecting programs introduced as part of desegregation efforts in the St. Louis (Missouri) schools is not as optimistic as some previous studies. The value of programs has been overstated, and showcase integrated schools have been promoted, while many schools remain segregated. (SLD)

Presents results of a report on development trends in librarianship and schools of library and information science in the Neue Bundeslander of the Federal Republic of Germany. Discusses political, economic, and technical factors; cites specific changes in public, union, university, scientific, and special libraries; and reviews trends in library…

In interview excerpts, the United Negro College Fund's president discusses major challenges to diversity, both in colleges and universities and the larger society, and such issues as the role of economics in diversity, where the debate is occurring, realities underlying the debate, self-separation on campuses, language used to define diversity…

This article reacts to President Bush's entry into the dispute over "political correctness" on college campuses. The paper summarizes discussions of students, faculty, and others in the Washington, D.C. area which concluded that this seeming defense of free speech is actually an attack on affirmative action and multiculturalism stemming…

Intellectual and political commitments of women's studies programs to multiculturalism allow such programs to influence debate inside the university, but the same commitment generates internal controversy. Issues of women's studies and political correctness are discussed. An approach respecting and incorporating diverse cultural traditions is…

Comments on specific points raised by E. W. Eisner, F. Erickson, and T. S. Popkewitz. Argues that the author's previous article does not support methodological monism. It is an assertion that some version of educational trial (clinical trial metaphor) is required to evaluate the usefulness of educational research. (SLD)

Twelve articles and an introduction present educational evaluation studies conducted in Hungary over the past two decades. International comparisons and national studies of student achievement are reported for elementary and secondary education in a variety of subject areas. Studies also reflect changes in the Hungarian political context. (SLD)