A former Secretary of Education outlines ways in which the new secretary can provide the leadership necessary to make America a nation of learners, through relationships with the Cabinet, the President, Congress, and the education community. (MSE)

Discusses trends in distance education in Africa, considers its contributions to national development, and suggests developments that are likely for the future. Case studies of Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe suggest that critical factors for the effectiveness of distance education include the provision of adequate resources and firm political…

Social, economic, and political changes will alter educational facility needs and increase the demand for financing new facilities. Anticipates the changes that may be important in planning and financing school facilities. (MLF)

From a Hispanic perspective, the current educational reform movement is closely related to three other contemporaneous policy agendas that imply an increasingly ethnocentric policy environment: (1) the Immigration Reform and Control Act; (2) the English-only movement; and (3) efforts of the Department of Education to sabotage the Bilingual…

Commentary on an article about educating an industrialized middle class in Arab-Islamic countries argues that the absence of an industrial middle class in Arab countries cannot be understood solely with reference to Eurocentric models and suggests there is no single solution to integrating science and technology with Islamic religion. (SM)

A superintendent who was nearly appointed New York City Schools chancellor explains the physical and mental stamina his job requires. Most school executives don't recognize job stresses leading to physical disorders, adverse effects on family life, and alcoholism. Since superintendents' demise usually centers on political/interpersonal conflicts,…

Considers the contrasts and changing nature of teaching in France, England, and the United States. Reveals that sweeping public policy directives in the early 1960s created radically different educational institutions in England and France. By contrast, the United States has remained fairly constant with its emphasis on local autonomy. (MJP)

In Canada, provincial support of school systems has shifted from funding that addresses concerns of access to funding that addresses outcomes determined by the needs of influential societal groups. Despite this apparent priority shift, economic difficulties have resulted in funding mechanisms that are highly accountable in terms of spending but…

Asserts that it is ironic to discuss issues of control of arts education policy at a time when national and state leaders describe the public education system as out of control. Examines litigation as an "engine" or driving force of the influence and control of arts education policy from three perspectives. (CFR)

Among the first of the Model Cities programs, Dayton's program was directed by African American community activists, who instituted important school and neighborhood reforms but blocked efforts to racially desegregate the public schools. The story of Dayton's Model Cities Demonstration Project raises important questions about whether urban renewal…

The article examines various issues related to the current efforts to establish market driven schools and broaden the educational choices available to students and parents, focusing on increased academic achievement, secondary effects of market driven schools, choice as a valued end in itself, and social equity. (SM)

If the American goal in occupying Japan was to transform the nation from a militaristic, authoritarian state to a democratic one, the venture can be judged successful. Japan's postwar record in democratic education is good, if imperfect. Japan faces problems of bureaucratization and alienation, excessive achievement pressures on students, and…

Discusses humanization in contemporary Russian education where it is seen as a key factor influencing social change. Analyzes past educational development and suggests that present trends owe more than may be expected to the past. Argues that the present discussion in Russia focuses too much on individualism and ignores processes of mediation.…

Maintains that during the first 15 years of Soviet rule, the Communist Party's school policy went through at least 5 transformations. Describes these changes in light of Stalin's New Economic Policy. Speculates that the Russian school system will return to its slow progress toward "Americanization." (ACM)

Surveys Russian higher education faculty on issues concerning educational problems and reform in Russia. Maintains that the retention of qualified faculty and graduates is a looming problem for most colleges and universities. Discusses problems associated with student attendance, textbook quality, and curriculum change. (CFR)