The impact of rural emigration on the farming communities of Nigeria is demonstrated by the rising age structure and increasing illiteracy among farm villages. It is suggested that the Universal Primary Education program should be expanded to include courses geared toward the life of rural people and their social and economic environment. (JMF)

In discussing Rafe-uz-Zaman's essay on adult literacy and national development (see v9, n1 of this journal), the author cites examples to support his thesis that mass literacy campaigns in predominately agricultural countries can be successful only if there is simultaneous undertaking of economic development programs focused on the rural poor. (MF)

Provides a historical overview of the activities designed to standardize and/or improve civics education. Briefly reviews reform movements, guidelines, and educational studies contributed by private institutions or the government. Lists the eight objectives for political science developed by the Committee on Pre-Collegiate Education in 1971. (MJP)

Provides an in-depth look at the National Standards for Art Education and attempts to correct some of the misconceptions associated with them. Articulates a number of the objections and concerns regarding the standards. Answers each objection with a thoughtful response. (MJP)

A British national study of the university research enterprise in 1995-96 assessed the impact of a 1992 change in higher education policy to restructure the entire higher education system. The study investigated impact at the system, institution, unit, and individual levels, in the areas of research policy and strategy, structures, and processes.…

Describes the role of the United Kingdom's National Council for Educational Technology to promote information technology (IT). Highlights include visions for the future; the role of senior managers and educators; evidence of the effectiveness of IT; special needs students; access to appropriate information; equipment considerations; and…

Maintains that nothing requires more meticulous preparation than guiding and supervising lessons in discovery and improvisation. Discusses the discovery learning techniques of the Orff-Schulwerk method of music instruction. Includes a teaching example based on the National Standards for Arts Education. (CFR)

Presents the National History Standards for United States History, grades 5 through 12. Includes an overview of 10 chronological time periods. Provides student objectives and recommended learning activities. (CFR)

The emergence of the America 2000 campaign has redefined the phrase national education agenda. More than at any time in history, the national agenda has become the federal agenda. Nevertheless, as this discussion reveals, the problems of urban schools remain largely ignored. (SLD)

Using a feminist perspective, this paper attempts to quantify the position of women in educational policymaking in Britain in this century at national and local levels. Women have been in the minority and have not generally been a "shrieking sisterhood," guided primarily by feminist principles. (SLD)

Reviews experiences of Zimbabwe in implementing education in its first decade of independence, examining cases and effects of educational expansion, and policy dilemmas. New initiatives and a recommitment to current policies are recommended to equalize educational opportunities and provide universal elementary and secondary education. (SLD)

Compares traditional education with national schooling in the Solomon Islands, concentrating on the nature, meaning, and transmission of knowledge and impact of the Western model of schooling on social change. Historical sources, government reports, interviews, and observations of the Kwara'ae, the largest cultural group in the islands, are…

Compares the primary existing documents about the competencies needed for school librarians at the international level and from four different countries. Official documents and statements available in each country are described and compared. The wider context in which school librarians are working is presented, and data about education for school…

Considers state and national policies directed toward the homeless. Problems with policies for immunization and vaccination requirements, transportation, parent participation, domestic violence, and home schooling are discussed. Alternative solutions that may be more conducive to the education of the homeless are offered. (SLD)

This theme issue is devoted to discussions of early childhood policy issues. "Creating a Shared Vision: How Policy Affects Early Childhood Care and Development" (Judith L. Evans) defines policy, discusses the motivation for changing or creating national policy and the process for changing such policies, and provides a sample design for…