Papers presented at a symposium on Europe's less commonly taught languages include the following: "The Necessity of Dialogue" (Marcel de Greve); "Socio- and Psycholinguistic Interference in Teaching Foreign Languages" (Penka Ilieva-Baltova); "Satellite Television, National Television, and Video in Teaching/Learning Less…

To examine the accuracy of myths of state higher education finance trends, this study used data from 50 states to explore recent patterns in funding allocation, state policies, and system characteristics. Data were gathered through development of a database on state system characteristics and trends and through two surveys sent to state higher…

The national policies on preparing youth for the work force in the United States and Finland were compared through a retrospective review of past policy decisions. Qualitative data were gathered by analyzing key policy documents and by conducting focus group interviews with reform stakeholders within three Finnish experimental school divisions and…

Approximately 4,000 randomly selected Oregon employers were surveyed regarding their training practices and work organization. More than 43% of employers surveyed responded. Among the key survey findings were the following: most Oregon employers initially recruit locally; applicants for jobs in high performance organizations are often rejected…

In 1992, questionnaires regarding the training and work organization practices were mailed to a random sample of 4,000 Oregon employers, and focus groups were held with 100 Oregon managers/employers. The main findings from the completed questionnaires (43% response rate) were as follows: most Oregon employers do not plan for training or treat it…

This report documents the depth of the crisis affecting higher education systems throughout the developing world and shows how developing countries can achieve the goals of greater efficiency, quality, and equity in higher education. A review of country experiences suggests four key directions for reform. First, reform programs should encourage…

A discussion of Chinese- and English-medium instruction in Hong Kong schools, particularly at the levels of secondary and higher education, focuses on recent recommendations for improved instruction and articulation. The discussion is presented in two parts. The first presents the response of the University of Hong Kong's Language Centre to the…

The Connecticut State Council on Vocational-Technical Education made recommendations to improve education that would help students prepare for the work force. The council evaluated the following: its belief statement; the Connecticut economy; the state's ability to support technical jobs; and education and training for work in Connecticut,…

Twelve corporate and political leaders met at a forum to discuss educational reform, particularly education for disadvantaged populations and corporate involvement in such reform. Participants opened by discussing issues surrounding on-site child care, during which participants considered the need for these services and the demography of current…

Twenty of America's foremost leaders from business, education, and government met to develop a strategy for assisting the country's disadvantaged children and to send an action plan to President Bush for consideration at his education summit. The meeting's goal was to format active and practical models for the following basic ideas developed at an…

A 1996 South African law vested elementary/secondary school governing bodies with formation of school policy concerning both language(s) used for instruction and those selected for second-language study. The study reported here investigated the perceptions of language teachers, principals, and governing body members on language policy, policy…

Four papers on linguistic theory and language research include: "Language Policy, Language Education, and Language Rights: Indigenous, Immigrant, and International Perspectives" (Nancy H. Hornberger), a discussion of how language policy and language education serve as vehicles for promoting the vitality, versatility, and stability of…

A survey of state policies and practices regarding child care that was conducted prior to most states' implementation of the Family Support Act is reported. The report summarizes the findings of that survey and provides information from other recent studies. State child care roles and responsibilities are assessed in four main areas: (1) states as…

Language role and language policy in education in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are discussed. First, the history of language policy since the turn of the century is chronicled briefly. The present policy of requiring initial literacy education in English is described and its critics cited, and current proposals to provide literacy education in each…

The Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO) allows 11th and 12th grade public school students to attend Minnesota postsecondary institutions at state expense. Students receive high school credit for courses successfully completed and may apply for postsecondary credit for the same courses when entering college after high school graduation.…