Observers in various European, South American, and Asian countries outline current general trends, issues, and prospects in higher education in those countries. (MSE)

The so-called binary system of postsecondary education in Australia, a subject of recent criticism, is found to be less a matter of concern than the related funding issues and concern for equitable support of all sectors. (MSE)

Late twentieth-century growth in French universities that undermined centralization and the academic staff resulted in anarchic development until recent governments tried to control the system's evolution. For two years the government has tried to convince universities of the need for decentralization for responsiveness to outside stimulus.…

Each unique business of the academic medical center--patient care, education, and research--must be managed with regard for the others, but first needs to be operated for its own primary goal. Ten principles are suggested that recognize the businesses, define potential problems, set tasks, and provide organizational means for resolving conflict.…

The experience of the Kenmore (New York) Public Schools with an inservice program for school board members and district level administrators and staff suggests the issues that must be addressed when convincing district personnel and board members to accept and support the concept of local school initiatives for educational improvement. (PGD)

This document is a chapter in "The Principles and Practice of Educational Management," which aims to provide a systematic and analytical introduction to the study of educational management. The structure of the book reflects the main substantive areas of educational leadership and management, and most of the major themes are covered in the…

What really happens in an inspection of a primary school? Some answers to this question, with a focus on the technical and emotional results of such evaluations, are provided in this text. It is based on a research project involving over 80 interviews in 12 case studies of inspections carried out in England. The book, which is intended for primary…

This book examines the relationship between higher education and state and federal government and proposes the deregulation of higher education. The book notes that deregulation works in preserving and sometimes increasing quality and in maintaining access and diversity, although it does not automatically reduce costs. Part 1 presents the case for…

Extensive studies over a long period have shown that students have chosen to drop out of school for a variety of reasons. These studies range from a general look at student dropouts to those that focus on specific groups. This paper reports primarily on "At Risk of Dropping Out" data derived from the Texas Education Agency Reports.…

This paper analyzes the nature of site-based decision making in Canadian schools. Its purpose is to refine theory on how site-based decision-making (SBDM) processes develop between the principal and the various stakeholders and to offer recommendations regarding how practitioners might proceed to enhance the collaborative decision-making process.…

Since 1991, charter schools of widely varying types and structure have spread to 1600 schools nationwide. A federal study suggests charter schools, compared with other public schools, are smaller, have a similar racial composition, and serve on average slightly fewer students with disabilities, an equal percentage with limited English proficiency,…

The charter renewal decision is one of the most significant high stakes decision in public education. It determines the continuing existence or termination of a school. It has the potential to be a celebration of the accomplishments and success of a school--and its students--that was built from the ground up a few years earlier. In some sense, the…

France's statutory requirements for continuing education and the University of Paris' solutions are described. Results of 10 years' experience as an autonomous system are discussed, including pros and cons of fiscal and program autonomy and problems presented by the university's increasing interest in the continuing education market. (Author/MSE)

Issues in developing tensions between some universities and the law schools within their walls over accreditation practices, philosophy, and standards are discussed: accreditation objectives; institutional autonomy in relation to component schools and programs; and maintenance of accredited status versus program improvement at university cost.…

Examines factors affecting the organization and expansion of higher education systems in advanced Third World countries. University accountability and autonomy, educational planning, the choice and implementation of curricular specialities, and the adaptation of new institutional models to meet the needs of developing nations are discussed. (AM)