An Economic Institute study concludes that real per-pupil spending between 1967 and 1991 increased by 61%. Regular education's share declined from 80% to 59%. The biggest "squeaky wheel" is special education, followed by bilingual education, alternative instruction, dropout prevention, school lunch, and higher education Pell grants. The…

Focuses on the conflicts that emerged among powerful interest groups in determining the shape of the curriculum during 1988 and 1989. Explores the processes of developing what became known as the whole curriculum, or the basic curriculum of the National Curriculum and religious education, and the cross-curricular themes, skills, and dimensions.…

While provincial governments in Canada are increasingly regulating public schools in the name of accountability, more parents are choosing unregulated tutoring businesses or "new sector" private schools. Reasons include a competitive edge, an emphasis on cognitive development, a more personalized environment due to small teacher-student…

Examines the emerging context for state policies and practices that focus on college students' learning outcomes, exploring various state efforts that can potentially influence undergraduate students' outcomes (e.g., funding, academic programming, staffing, and accountability). Strategies to enhance policy effectiveness in this arena emphasize…

Examines the education of young adolescents in New Zealand. Specifically examines: (1) background history of middle schooling in New Zealand; (2) growth of interest in middle schooling; (3) case studies of three different schools; and (4) factors common to successful New Zealand middle schools. (SD)

Reviews "Education and Democratic Theory: Finding a Place for Community Participation in Public School Reform" (A. Belden Fields and Walter Feinberg) and "The Color of School Reform: Race, Politics, and the Challenge of Urban Education" (J. Henig, R. Hula, M. Orr, and D. Pedescleaux). Both books examine the political aspects of…

Two comparative studies of educational design in socialist states (Chile and Zimbabwe) shared remarkably similar conclusions despite disparate geo-cultural contexts and divergent research methodologies. Comparative analysis of the religio-political conflicts highlighted in each study's conclusion and the researchers' divergent epistemologies and…

Describes school reform in Chicago between 1995 and 2001, focusing on the leadership and policies of former superintendent Paul Vallas. Outlines some of the programs that led to educational improvement. Commends Vallas for his accomplishments as an educational administrator and praises him for his professional integrity and commitment. (WFA)

Examines the shifting role and status of English within social, economic, and political contexts in China from a historical perspective in order to understand state educational policy regarding the language. Argues that since the mid-19th century, the government of China has avoided the potential pitfalls of cultural transfer by adopting a…

Models explaining timing and focus of educational reform incorporate theories of either social equilibrium or conflict at national or world-system level. The resulting four general approaches differ in basic assumptions about how education functions in political, economic, and cultural contexts but are not mutually exclusive. Contains 77…

"Impressions," a K-6 reading series that is a lavishly illustrated anthology of fairy tales, poems, and classic children's literature has been the target of conservative religious groups. Other books and programs have also been actively opposed. School boards need sound policies for dealing with challenges to the curriculum and the…

A sex education program in Kentucky's Jefferson County schools, although mandated by the state, was challenged by a small group of parents and virtually disappeared. Later, helped by newspaper articles and recognized organizations, the program is gradually being reinstated. (MLF)

This article outlines the major goals of the Reagan administration's education agenda, discusses the political context of the goals, and identifies administration successes and failures in achieving those goals. Particular attention is given to federal spending on education, the impact on specific programs, and the legacy of those fiscal policies.…

Describes the present impossibility of receiving a liberal education in the United States, except by chance. Calls upon Catholic institutions of higher education to begin rectifying this problem. Cites the work of Allan Bloom, Richard Neuhaus, Aristotle, and Thomas Jefferson. (CH)

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians which indicates that most collective bargaining agreements do not address issues specifically related to the library. Strategies for expanding the rights of librarians are described, including collective bargaining, modification of district policy and/or administrative practices, and revision…