This paper discusses the evolution of assessment for learning (AfL) across the globe with particular attention given to Western educational jurisdictions. Scholars from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States discuss prominent assessment reforms within their respective countries over the last decade.…

Inclusive rather than segregated schooling has been advocated in several significant international declarations during the past two decades. Even so children with significant intellectual disabilities are at greater risk of being excluded from mainstream education, unless particular efforts are made to support them in such settings. These children…

This paper discusses the emergence of assessment for learning (AfL) across the globe with particular attention given to Western educational jurisdictions. Authors from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, and the USA explain the genesis of AfL, its evolution and impact on school systems, and discuss current trends in policy…

This article is concerned with the extent to which the leadership of higher education is a universally positive or contingent experience. It draws on comparative data from semi-structured interviews with those in senior leadership positions in public universities in Australia, Ireland and Portugal, countries which are differently located on the…

As the industrialised world shifted to an interdependent and global society, formal schooling was quickly recognised as a major factor in achieving a knowledge society of lifelong learners capable of transforming and revitalising organisations. Teachers were encouraged to engage in learning together to improve teaching and, by extension, improve…

This paper presents a broad statistical picture of trends in Ireland during 1981-91 and the results of the first comprehensive survey of the career patterns of two cohorts of doctoral graduates and professional engineers who graduated during the 1980s. It argues that higher education expansion has not been matched by demand for graduates in the…

This collection includes a series of reports presenting the main results of a project to identify trends in continuing education and training in eight countries throughout Western Europe. The following reports are included: "Synthesis Report," by Hilary Steedman; "Belgium," by staff at the Office National de l'Emploi;…

An analysis of unemployment rates, wages, and policy initiatives for school "early leavers" in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom suggests that early withdrawal from school represents a substantial, transnational problem attributable to basic policy problems. It is noted that no policy initiatives directly address…

As part of a larger study of the European Community (EC) initiatives and their effect on higher education policies and policy-making in all member countries, this case study examines EC impact on higher education in Ireland. Ireland was chosen as a possible example of how EC will impact higher education as it is one of four countries expected to…

Changes in educational policy concerning the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Ireland, and events surrounding those changes, are chronicled. The evolution of public agencies and private organizations, including teacher associations, and their roles in effecting change are described. Pressures leading to the formal announcement in…

This document presents papers and other information from a 1-day conference that was held to address the issue of gender equity and lifelong learning in Ireland. The proceedings begin with a brief preamble, a summary of the welcome and introductions, and a summary and selected passages of the opening address by Willie O'Dea, the minister of state…

This document contains eight papers from a conference on higher education and the challenge of lifelong learning. "Lifelong Learning" (Garret Fitzgerald) explores issues related to ensuring that all adults have access to lifelong learning. "Lifelong Learning and Higher Education: The International Context" (Alan Wagner)…

Trends in funding rates, funding sources, priorities, and public policy for research in Irish universities since 1981 are examined. A revised mechanism to provide more balanced policy, strategy, and funding is recommended. (MSE)

This document contains 7 papers that evolved from 44 case studies of access to vocational guidance for people at risk of social exclusion in 5 European countries. The following papers are included: "Introduction" (Pamela Clayton); "Access to Vocational Guidance in Italy" (Silvana Greco, Marco Maiello); "Access to…

This volume constitutes an updating of a survey carried out five years ago concerning educational research policies in member states of the Council of Cultural Cooperation. Countries whose educational research policies are assessed include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Spain. For…