History and legal status of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in Russian universities is traced from the eighteenth century. Conditions under which the universities currently function are described, recent legislation is reviewed, and the situation of St. Petersburg State University is specifically addressed. It is concluded that while…

The history of Moroccan universities established in the French colonial tradition is reviewed briefly, and two types of gains in academic freedom and autonomy in recent years are discussed: those made collectively by universities in relation to the central political authority, and those made by individual institutions in relation to each other.…

China's private schools, colleges, and technical institutes overwhelmingly are autonomous entrepreneurial institutions that respond to unmet educational demands by selling marketable skills for a profit. Although comprising less than 4% of the country's schools, they demonstrate the market's growing strength in China's socialist society: adoption…

A discussion of the changing relationship between the state and higher education in nine industrialized countries looks at conflicting requirements for institutional accountability, different models for the relationship; politics and governance; the developing role of central intermediary agencies; changing perspectives of student protest; and the…

The impact on higher education equity and diversity of Australia's recent shift from elite to mass higher education is assessed. Among the issues discussed are institutional role and autonomy, changes in regulation, market forces in higher education, and competition among institutions. (MSE)

The concepts of four poststructuralist/postmodern authors are examined in terms of their implications for higher education and the academy's values of merit, community, and autonomy. Twelve reactions to postmodern thought are then presented. A summary of postmodernism's legacy for higher education concludes the discussion. (Author/MSE)

Maintains that the issue of school autonomy is being discussed widely in Germany. Describes autonomy as greater independence within a framework of tasks that still must be defined and accounted for politically and legally. Examines possible consequences of school autonomy, including responsibility for results. (CFR)

Recent trends in Finnish higher education are examined, from the formulation of national policy since the 1980s to recent experiments in financing and accountability, efforts at promoting efficiency, and the conflict between traditional academic collegiality and imposition of government decision making. (MSE)

Based on the writings and research of Mary Anne Raywid (1994) and Gary Wehlage (1989), this study sought to identify characteristics of effective alternative high schools in Iowa. This effectiveness was identified as both student retention and graduate completion. The following characteristics were not positively related to graduate completion…

The accreditation systems of higher education institutions and/or programs are becoming a policy measure used to find a balance between their autonomy and public assurance concerning the quality of the qualifications they award. This article analyses, from the point of view of this balance of power, the process of development of the Portuguese…

This paper examines the trend toward demanding increased accountability and efficiency by institutions of higher education in the United States and Europe and its implications for the relationship between government and the college or university. It notes that such factors as limited state resources, rising educational costs, and the growing…

Although empowerment is a necessary change in improving education, the typical school system is not organized or governed in a way that encourages significant change. Educational systems need to be restructured to achieve decentralization in order for organizations to be ready for changes like empowerment. The current structure encourages…

An examination of curriculum development procedures at multicampus community colleges was conducted through telephone interviews with administrators from the following five institutions: Miami-Dade Community College, in Florida; Northern Virginia Community College; Pima Community College, in Arizona; Tarrant County Junior College District, in…

A study of the impact of economic differentiation on institutional pricing and expenditure policies, higher education public policy, and governance in public colleges and universities is described. It is suggested that economic differentiation is a likely determinant of variation in institutional expenditure and pricing policies and higher…

A new model was created for Spanish universities when the Parliament approved the Ley de Reforma Universitaria. It emphasizes that the university must serve the society and must cooperate in the solution of problems that affect the society. The universities are charged with the mission of executing the scientific policy of the nation and of the…