This editorial essay discusses four important questions addressed by most of the contributors to the current issue: (1) What is meant by "education" in the context of the current reform movement? (2) What are the social goals of education? (3) What are the mechanisms for accomplishing educational reform? and (4) How do we structure…

A discussion of Dutch higher education looks at whether a 1985 proposal for fundamental changes in the relationship between government and higher education institutions has been implemented with regard to curriculum design. It is concluded that, despite policy intentions for increased institutional autonomy, the government retains relatively tight…

Examines the rituals of racial exclusion present in some public schools in southern Georgia. The author discusses the impact of these discursive practices relative to the continuing problem of self-imposed segregation in schools and posits some possible courses of action. Extended implications of these practices are illustrated through interviews…

In South Africa, education has served as part of the politics of exclusion and oppression. It is essential to develop an inclusive multicultural educational policy as a strategy to move away from the colonial apartheid model. Racism distorts national perceptions of the possibilities for change. (SLD)

Reports on "Pied Crow Magazine," a Kenyan magazine aimed at 11-14 year olds. The magazine promotes development education, arguing for sustainable development while simultaneously covering issues of human rights and social justice. Examines the magazine's funding, editorial policy, staff, and clashes with the local government. (MJP)

Discusses the current changes in Australia's education policy, arguing that the radical restructuring of the public sector hastened the loss of possibility of any critical evaluation of national policy. The paper emphasizes that educational policy needs to take the issue of critical sensibility seriously. (SM)

Highlights the historical aspects and issues surrounding equity in urban school mathematics. The author briefly describes five articles that examine the significant problems facing urban school mathematics reformers as well as how to address these problems, including several examples of school reform efforts. (GR)

Praises Lee Sigelman's article and uses it as a starting point for a discussion of the political economy of collegiate sports. Provides a brief historical perspective and suggests socioeconomic reasons for the racial divisions between various sports. Concludes with suggestions for areas of future research. (MJP)

Five themes are addressed: the role of language planning/policy in marking world events; ethnic revitalization; continuing migration and mobility; differential perceptions of the role of the mother tongue in primary education; and the potential contributions of language planning to educational and national development. (Contains 16 references.)…

This review essay considers one recent and two earlier books on pluralism and canon in American college curriculum: (1) "Battleground of the Curriculum: Liberal Education and the American Experience" (W. B. Carnochan); (2) "Canons and Contexts" (Paul Lauter); and (3) "Realms of Meaning: A Philosophy of the Curriculum for…

Analysis of the current unmet demand for higher education in Australia looks at the social and economic factors that have led to it since World War II. The labor government's approach is examined, including enhanced distance education, expanded technical education, and alternative schooling. (MSE)

Maintains that the creation of the 1835 Select Committee on Arts and Manufactures and its report are significant milestones in the development and history of British art education. Argues that the current emphasis on art and design education in Britain and the United States can be traced to the work of this committee. (CFR)

State and federal governments have appropriated increasingly greater portions of decision-making policy from local school boards. This chapter discusses the politics and governance of local school districts, summarizing three major theoretical perspectives (decision-output, competition-participation, and dissatisfaction theories) and relevant…

This essay explores "modernity's" influence on school art and on educators and researchers. It argues that the deep channels of modernity have cut fine arts away from the curriculum, isolating it on an island of professional practice and specialized study. A new approach would reinterpret art as popular, political, site-specific, communal, and…

Although David Hornbeck became Philadelphia Schools' new superintendent in September 1994, critics are already saying the honeymoon is over. In a school system characterized by student absenteeism, high dropout rates, minimal community support, and declining resources, Hornbeck's reform agenda (Children Achieving) may receive inadequate support.…