Discusses the tension between civic virtue and individual freedom, a challenge for education, and proposes a "state of democratic education" which leaves maximum moral room for citizens to shape their society in an image that they can identify with their moral choices. The evolution/creationism case is discussed as an example. (IAH)

Describes new directions and initiatives instituted at the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) since 1986 to fill data gaps, raise technical standards, and expand staff resources. Discusses implications for educational research and policy. (FMW)

Reviews the literature on home-school disjunctures in language use. Argues that social inequalities are the true source of the academic failure of minority students and that attention must be given to the political link between school and society. (FMW)

Efforts to professionalize teaching in recent years have contrasted sharply with regulatory initiatives that deprofessionalize the occupation and the act of teaching. Choices made now between better regulations and better teachers will determine the shape of education in years to come. (TE)

A discussion of second-language curricula in South Australian universities looks at sources of influence on course offerings and content, including institutional administrative structures, institutional approach to organization of the curriculum, the recent reorganization of Australian postsecondary institutions, and government policy. (MSE)

The progress of postapartheid curriculum in South Africa's universities is examined, beginning with examination of the apartheid legacy in higher education and proceeding to the politics of changes in national educational policy. It is concluded that, despite efforts to change policy at the national level, universities have done little to…

Author of an article on educating an industrialized middle class in Arab-Islamic countries responds to a critique by reemphasizing the need for a nonacademic technological institute to produce a middle class of highly qualified technicians. The article argues that vocational and technical education must be planned by the state. (SM)

Criticizes current educational trends, specifically the lack of critical standards and the tendency to sacrifice content in favor of promoting self-esteem. Argues that the depth and greatness of the humanities is lost in classrooms infatuated with feel-good activities and cultural relativism. (MJP)

Successes and failures in Polish higher education reform since the fall of communism are outlined. Successes include legal support for reform, access to higher education, new schools, international collaboration, enhancement of academic careers. Problems include inadequate structure for science, little structural change in higher education,…

Provides historical and theoretical context for this theme issue on education in Latin America. Discusses reorganization in state models and state-society relationships since the 1930s, the systematic withdrawal of public resources from education due to neoliberalism and internationally imposed "structural adjustment" policies, effects…

A teacher discusses the negative effects of collective socialization on students in government controlled public schools. Suggested ways to deconstruct mass schooling include requiring educators in nonteaching positions to teach, simplifying the curriculum, making student learning relevant, keeping schools small and independent, getting rid of…

Asserts that decisions regarding textbook content China are political and determined by the central government. Reports on a study of 15 elementary and secondary geography textbooks published between 1948 and 1991. Finds that the image of the United States portrayed in these books has changed dramatically. (CFR)

Businesses are entering education because they believe they can do a better job with a higher quality of service. Describes the emerging education industry, examines reasons for the growth, offers a glimpse into the future, and suggests some criteria school business officials can use to evaluate privately delivered services. (MLF)

Maintains that free-market economics have spread to Russian education and other sectors of life. Reports on a 1993 sociological study of schools that reveals substantial changes in both the educational process and in educator thinking. Analyzes the findings and recommends assistance to teachers. (CFR)

This annotated bibliography contains 63 references to literature on the subject of teaching on the cutting edge. Topics include preservice teacher education, politics of education, educational technology, college-school relationships, school reform, diversity, and feminism. (SM)