Discusses child welfare within the context of social contract theory, developed by Hume, Locke, and Rousseau, and covenant theory, namely, the insistence upon the intergenerational and communal bases of life chances. The two theories are compared and contrasted, and eight regulative principles of political covenant are proposed to benefit the…

Examines the policy context in which private education has emerged in post-Mao China. Uses three case studies of private schools/colleges to explore how intellectuals and educators in the Pearl River Delta (Guangdong province) have persevered to assert their academic independence, offer a new agenda for education, and redefine the private-public…

Recalls a conflict in an Australian high school where a student committee on social justice was blocked from displaying a poster discussing homophobic attitudes. Uses this incident for a broader discussion of hegemony, school culture, and how social justice initiatives threaten that hegemony. Identifies various restricting school strategies. (MJP)

Three case studies of changes in civics education, social studies, and liberal studies (emphasizing critical thinking about controversial issues) demonstrate that Hong Kong's political transition to Chinese sovereignty has significantly affected the intended curriculum but not the implemented curriculum, which has been strongly influenced by…

Describes the background of Nevada's university and community college system, relating its struggles with the community, politics, and funding. Discusses the founding of Great Basin College in Elko County. Describes the development of college governance policies and institutional missions, touching on vocational programs, distance education, and…

Presents an account of the philosophical strategies used by the Catholic Church in Ireland to cope with modernizing forces in education. Examines the ways that the Church conscripted and adapted educational reforms that challenged neither the primacy of the Church or the dominant culture. (MJP)

Posits a shaky future for religious schools in Hong Kong after its reunion with communist China in 1997. Although religious schooling enjoys a long history of popular support, education in Hong Kong is clearly recognized as a government responsibility. Includes a history of religious schools in Hong Kong. (MJP)

Case study of a poor, rural Pennsylvania school district's experience with the Reading First initiative illustrates how the No Child Left Behind Act confines districts to a few federally prescribed, "scientifically proven" curricula that ignore local conditions. Sanctioned schools are negatively labeled but receive inadequate funding,…

In post-apartheid South Africa, a lack of adequate resources and political expertise obstructed implementation of a new outcomes-based curriculum. A policy review committee subsequently made sweeping recommendations for implementation. The experience highlights the need to determine the role of education and what schools can realistically…

This article reassesses the contribution of the Plowden Report (1967) to educational thinking in the United Kingdom. It discusses how the report was scapegoated by politicians advocating a performance-led approach and suggests the report, which advocated a holistic, child-centered educational approach, has much to contribute to present educational…

Reports findings from a Shanghai (China) region survey assessing college faculty views on conditions and trends in Chinese education. Identifies professors' chief concerns: financial support, governmental action rather than propaganda, and sound policy formation. Related professors' understanding that educational reform is linked to national…

Examines U.S. educational research policy since the 1960s in conjunction with author's directorship of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Discusses federal education laboratories created in 1965. Reviews the OECD's 1969 evaluation of federal research and development programs. Contends U.S. research policy suffers…

Describes examples drawn mostly from urban areas that required the building of coalitions between schools and communities to create a new, more democratic context for curriculum development. Cited are the nationwide Vocational Education Project, the Southern Coalition for Educational Equity, and the "Rethinking Schools" progressive newsletter in…

Comments made by 11 governors concerning higher education in their "State of the State" addresses to state legislatures are presented. Statements include those of Terry Branstad, Carroll Campbell, Robert Casey, Steve Cowper, Mario Cuomo, Edward DiPrete, George Mickelson, Rose Mofford, Stan Stephens, James Thompson, and John Waihee. (MSE)

Eleven papers on developments in middle school education (grades seven through nine) in England, West Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Belgium are presented. Topics include comprehensive education for 11 to 16 year olds, mathematics, political issues, accessibility, curricula, school evaluation, and the view of the United States. (TJH)