Historical analysis of the development of General National Vocational Qualifications (1989-91) identified the political impetus and the attempt to achieve parity of esteem with advanced-level qualifications. Public attention has been focused on failings rather than the system's unquestionable successes with students for whom it was intended. (SK)

Explores reasons for the mismatch between Australian government policy and funding for vocational education and training and occupations not in industries defended by national standards, which receive no funding. Suggests the need for redefinition of terms and training pathways as well as recognition of prior learning. (SK)

Demonstrates the use of converging evidence in examining the effects of class size reduction on academic achievement. Estimates derived from three different types of evidence is mutually supportive in this instance, suggesting that the effect of class size reduction from 24 to 15 produces modest, but lasting, increases in academic achievement.…

Examines the social, economic, political, and philosophical influences on the development of Key Skills in Britain, particularly the work of R. H. Tawney. Describes their evolution into the current set (communication, number application, information technology, working with others, improving one's own learning and performance, problem solving) and…

Lifelong learning in Japan is a means of addressing three issues: aging, community, and economic change. Government policies promote learning throughout life, and initial education plays a key role in developing aptitudes and attitudes for lifelong learning. (Contains 33 references.) (SK)

Addresses many of the policy issues associated with online learning programs, particularly development of a "Comprehensive Copyright Policy," distinguished from the more commonly understood intellectual property policy issues. Discusses how not every educational use of another's work is a fair use, and asserts that universities need to…

Evaluates Section 110(2) of the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows limited uses of copyrighted materials under certain circumstances in the context of "transmissions." Examines serious problems with the section that have caused it to be generally ignored, then focuses on the Copyright Office's proposed changes to the section intended to…

Asserts that if designed properly, individual program (rather than institutional) self-assessment could play an important role in the enhancement of quality assurance in South African higher education. Provides an in-depth discussion of formulating and implementing effective policy for program self-assessment. (EV)

Argues that increasing longevity suggests the value of a life course focus in family policy. Gerontologists can make a contribution by documenting and describing the gaps between needs and resources of families at all life stages, developing family indicators of social change, and sensitizing the public to the unintended consequences of current…

Examines First Amendment rights and protection as they relate to electronic communication. Topics include distinctions between print media and electronic media, analogies to more familiar technology, indecent versus obscene material, easier access to information via the Internet, and the need to design new policies that fit electronic media. (LRW)

This contextual exposition of the Canadian Copyright Act (1988) offers background on the Act's development and content, and describes what it says about infringements of copyright and how the Act might be applied in school contexts. Several ethical constraints and rationalizations with respect to copyright infringement are explored. (SLD)

Gives practical approaches to dealing with the problem of student access to inappropriate materials on the Internet. Discusses how Milwaukie (Oregon) High School has dealt with Internet access for students. (TB)

Presents a framework for the analysis of continuing vocational education policy formulation. Two models are used: one of learning and work which examines an employer- or employee-dominated approach; and one of models of higher education institutions that illustrates a synthesis of market forces and social justice that can support lifelong…

Identifies issues not addressed by the National Science and Technology Council and the National Science Foundation in recent policy initiatives dealing with federal cost-sharing policies and practices within the research community. These include establishment of differential cost-sharing requirements for universities and states that traditionally…

Considers the importance of developing a well constructed publications policy and notes that a carefully designed policy will provide some mechanism for addressing questions regarding the inevitable conflicts that will arise when students express a desire to publish certain controversial material. (SC)