Two viewpoints criticize the views of DeYoung and others by claiming that the middle school movement came about as a result of research documenting the developmental needs of children. Rejoinder by DeYoung and others maintains that this trend has led to the loss of rural communities and had more to do with economic factors and rural elementary…

Explores the background and context of the Australian federal government's new postcompulsory education and training policies. Examines the social, economic, and political context surrounding policy development and the "stitching together" of competing interests. The resulting policy directions, linking goals to equity issues, represent…

According to Peter Drucker, the school's monopolistic position as producer and distributor of knowledge will be challenged by postcapitalist society. Knowledge is fast becoming the sole production factor, sidelining both capital and labor. This article addresses current concerns about school self-management, arguing that decentralization offers an…

The "folkehojskoler," innovative Scandinavian secondary schools based on radical humanistic ideas, are examined from both empirical and philosophical perspectives, focusing on three elements: ideology; the student experience; and the teaching culture. Implications for goals, objectives, assumptions, forms, and practices in American…

Reports on a study of 39 females and minority females and males in British educational institutions who achieved senior management positions. Describes their experiences and identifies the themes, strategies, and institutional structures. Finds that many institutions failed to implement policies and strategies that address underrepresented groups.…

The provisions in Australia's 1993 Higher Education Budget Statement regarding equity, diversity, and educational quality are examined. The discussion draws on current models of governance of public and private systems to examine ways in which the federal government has imposed accountability mechanisms on institutions. (Author/MSE)

The paper identifies the background of the policy on education in the European Community, discussing the professional and political responsibilities of teachers in relation to the problem of knowledge acquisition in a multicultural setting. The paper also examines the implications of multiculturalism for teacher education programs. (SM)

Discusses social change and educational realities in South Africa, noting the relatively poor qualifications of black teachers. The paper also examines South African teacher training models and presents teacher training models suitable for developing countries. (SM)

The University of California Board of Regents' decision to end racial preferences in hiring, contracting, and admissions represents the most dramatic scaling-back of affirmative action policy in American higher education. The highly controversial decision is accompanied by a policy of increased outreach to low-income and otherwise disadvantaged…

Examines a number of theoretical issues in the provision of education and care for preschool children in the United Kingdom, focusing on the ideology of child care, the psychology of child development, and definitions of education and care. Argues that present services are too rigid and outdated, uncoordinated, and inequitable. (MDM)

Discusses the controversy surrounding the National Standards for World History and the National Standards for United States History. Maintains that people are finding out how unjust the criticism of the History Standards is. Includes supportive quotes about the standards from teachers and historians. (CFR)

Discusses issues related to federal funding of school arts programs. Outlines the role of art in a democratic society. Concludes that arts cannot be taught and teachers should encourage students to create and accept unique art forms. (CFR)

"Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools" describes the contrasts between rich and poor schools located within a few miles of each other. The author, Jonathan Kozol, claims that contrasts are due to inequitable funding; he would abolish the property tax and replace it with equitable funding for every child deriving from a…

Presents ideas addressed at a discussion of the changing culture of the university attended by 17 academics from diverse disciplines, who have recently spoken or written against the "politically correct" academic trends. Discussion, based on the transcript, considers why democratic institutions were being undermined in the name of…

Discusses educational reform, and argues that little had been accomplished in the past decade because of general complacency. Discusses lack of incentive to change. Proposes 10 essential elements of a reformed education system that parallel the "American 2000" strategy. Argues that the current political climate is ready for change. (JB)