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)

Asserts that the Russian educational system is facing a crisis of confidence among its teachers and students regarding employment opportunities after leaving secondary education. Calls for educational reform in curriculum and instructional methods that can provide periodic retraining as economic changes occur. (CFR)

Maintains that, over the past 25 years, Native Americans in Canada have managed to gain control of their own educational systems. Contends that, with the current political structure, achieving and maintaining continuity and stability is difficult but not impossible. (CFR)

Reports on an analysis of history textbooks used in Canadian schools during the 1930s. Presents a set of six criteria used by the evaluators. Concludes that the textbook study is a reminder of the period when the social studies curriculum was the subject of political criticism from the left. (CFR)

Reviews educational reform efforts in Israel. Identifies mechanisms that constrain reform in a centralized educational system. Contends that successful reform implementation requires responding to client needs and efforts to unite both political interest groups in support of reform policies. (CFR)

Maintains that struggle has been part of Vietnamese history. Asserts that a new social studies curriculum focuses on the context of historical struggle against foreign domination combined with contemporary socialism and communism. Describes the Vietnamese educational system with particular focus on secondary social studies. (CFR)

The national socialization of children through public schooling involves "dumbing children down" so they are unable to use democratic machinery and traditions to defend themselves against a managed society. This practice also eliminates local control of educational goals and practices, allowing families to be replaced by the hired voices…

Asserts that the 1994 National Geography Standards provide a new and valuable resource for teachers who want to improve geography instruction. Presents a sampler of additional geography instructional materials developed during this same period of educational reform. (CFR)