Factors that have shaped the practice of federal program evaluation in Canada are discussed, including accountability, federal policy issues, political actors, organizational structures, and political and governmental changes. A key issue is that of promise versus performance. (SLD)

The present period of social transition has stimulated debate among South African social workers concerning divergence and subsequent lack of unity within the profession. This article highlights the interrelationship and the complexities of forging professional unity among social workers in South Africa. (FC)

Explored the debate about common schooling in an increasingly diverse and less deferential Canada through a case study of how a school board reacted when parents tried to establish a traditional school. Parents made clear the lack of agreement about the meaning of inclusion and the nature of schooling. (SLD)

Describes and analyzes an intervention program with social workers living and working in a situation of uncertainty created by political violence, such as war and terrorism. Uses a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical framework, emphasizing the effect of the social and political context in constructing the experience and a…

Analyzes events surrounding the 1993 withdrawal of Zoe Baird as nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Indicates that, under certain conditions, when deliberation by surrogates (professional communicators) becomes unrepresentative of the general public's values, direct popular intervention may occur through alternative communication channels,…

Offers observations and reflections on research and research issues in the field of language arts. Discusses issues and factors significant to the state and future of language arts research, including: sociopolitical context, new and old issues confronting the field, and research needed for the public good. (SR)

Examines the prospects for university adult education from a perspective of postmodernity. Reviews the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of the postmodern condition and implications for understanding knowledge, education, and the role of the university. (SK)

Presents findings from a case study of a social service organization suggesting that organizational politics influenced the validity of data provided by managers and subordinates during a training needs analysis. Provides a framework for recognizing the influence of organizational politics and maps political dimensions that have an impact on…

Discusses how, through several colleges in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, three powers--the United States, Turkey, and Russia--seek to influence the course of Central Asia. (EV)

Studied the development of the new Norwegian curriculum and the formulation of the subject syllabuses within broader related principles. Data from several sources, including interviews with educators and policy makers, show the tensions, conflicts, and achievements of the formation of the curriculum policy. Considers some implications for…

Using critical social theory analysis, the authors examine health care provider-patient relationships by reviewing the political, economic, and social perspectives. They analyze constraints on Internet use that affect oppressed groups, including ideologies about provider control, technology's benefits, and the superiority of market forces.…

Reviews and integrates several concepts and perspectives challenging society's attitudes towards the environment, for example, ecophilosophy, holism, having vs. being mode, yang vs. yin, the Gaia hypothesis, deep ecology, transformationalism, synergy, future scenarios, conservation strategies, and political literacy. Concludes that living in…

Examines why instructional, curricular, and political reforms return again and again. Rejects the common explanation that reforms fail because of a lack of rational proposals and implementation, and suggests political and institutional causes. (FMW)

An interview with Melinda Greenblatt, former director of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF's Information Center on Children's Cultures, presents an overview of children's book production in developing nations and the availability of children's books from these countries in developed nations. (NH)

The economic and political factors maintaining the large numbers of residents with developmental disabilities in public institutions are reviewed from the perspective of Minnesota. Alternatives are presented to lessen the economical and political impact of institutional closures, in order to advance the process of deinstitutionalization.…