Local school board, epitome of representative U.S. governance, is undergoing profound changes as to vision, focus, service approach, and structure. Local school boards can spark development of educational programs to prepare youngsters for increasingly competitive, technological, and dangerous world. To achieve needed reforms requires federal and…

This paper begins with the latest debate on the medium of instruction in Hong Kong and reviews the issue from historical and social perspectives. It is argued that due attention should be paid to the social implications of the language policy in making a policy for the medium of instruction. (Contains 32 references.) (JL)

The mythical purity of research and scientific method leads to limited practice. Teacher researchers should question the universality of findings and recognize their position as researchers and as classed, raced, and gendered subjects, moving the focus away from policymakers and toward a wider constituency. (SK)

This lecture by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada addresses issues related to information technology and privacy, including privacy law, government role, surveillance techniques, and security measures to protect the privacy of electronic communications. The text of the question and answer period following the lecture is included. (MES)

Provides an overview and comparison of the historical trends in information policy-making and recent proposals for the information infrastructure in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, and Canada. The role of the private sector, including transnational corporations, is also considered. (MES)

Traces changes in policy and legislation that have led to the provision of transition services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Describes provisions in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. (CR)

A study of resource allocation in the Nigerian university system is reported, and results are used to construct a model for budgeting and fund allocation for other African countries. The model is then applied to actual allocations for three universities to determine the extent to which current allocations fit the design of the model. (MSE)

Discusses whether libraries should limit access to the Internet by the use of filtering devices or blockers. Topics include censorship issues; access to information; filtering software; intellectual freedom; costs; acceptable-use policies; and self-regulation. (LRW)

The Canadian Opportunities Strategy, the portion of the Canadian minister of finance's 1998 budget speech devoted to the government's plan for a "knowledge society," is analyzed. The budgetary context in which the strategy was outlined is reviewed, and the strategy itself of the government's investment plan for research and improved…

Suggests that the Luso-Brazilian Accord is a strategy to spread the Portuguese language in Africa, particularly in the former colonies of Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome e Principe, and to construct and solidify a community of lusophone nations in geopolitical terms in world affairs. Language planning in these countries…

A discussion of federal policy on research integrity and scientific misconduct chronicles the history of federal involvement in accountability in the scientific community, forms of intervention, determination of the boundaries of misconduct, and the rights of whistle blowers. Official definitions and standards are presented. (MSE)

Describes an outcomes accreditation study of 27 schools, undertaken after the 1985 North Central Association Commission on Schools' (NCA COS) two-year development pilot project on the same subject. Predicts that NCA COS will keep governance of the outcomes process at the local level, with peer review by visiting teams remaining an integral part of…

Reviews contemporary theorizing on school leadership, highlighting transformational styles, and overviews (British) governmental policies for school leadership and improvement. Reviews current research on primary heads' views of the headship. Although the primary headship is being transformed, it is not becoming transformational. Policymakers have…

Reviews developments in technical and vocational education in South Africa: National Qualifications Framework, Curriculum 2005,and enterprise development. Addresses issues of articulation, funding, and market responsiveness. Concludes that practices might be imposed from above and government agencies do not yet have the capacity to develop and…

Compares the concepts and goals of affirmative action in the U.S. and South Africa. Examines positions on equity and affirmative action expressed by various South African educational-policy documents and government officials. Presents case-study data on affirmative action and institutional change at four South African universities. Contains 25…