Inspired by Fulcher's (2012) data-driven approach to language assessment literacy (LAL), I introduce learners' voices as a way to better understand teachers' LAL. I also incorporate learnings from recent literature on child development regarding research with children to suggest that we consider assessment with learners in LAL and language…

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of 2006 has been in effect in China for a decade since 31 August 2008. This treaty impacts the rights of persons with disabilities in China in different ways, especially with regard to the public understanding of disability and accessibility for social inclusion. This article…

The theme of the "Outline of the National Mid- to Long-Term Plan for Education Reform and Development (2010-2020)" is building a nation rich in human resources, its primary thread is promoting the scientific development of education, and its soul is reform and innovation. The important concepts and policy innovations of the National…

This paper scrutinizes decentralization of education with reference to some countries around the world. We consider discussion on decentralization to be complex, critical and broad question in the contemporary education planning, administration and politics of education reforms. Even though the debate on and implementation of decentralization…

Each issue of this annual newsletter focuses on a particular area of Kettering's research. The 2015 issue focuses on a yearlong review of Kettering's research over time. This issue contains the following articles that address this review: (1) How Kettering Discovered Democracy (David Mathews); (2) Key Events in KF History (Collette McDonough); (3)…

This paper tells the story of what must be done to make teaching in Illinois look more like the ever-evolving careers available in today's most innovative industries. This report was developed in collaboration with Advance Illinois' Educator Advisory Council (EAC)--a group of award-winning teachers who have been recognized for moving Illinois…

This article describes and reflects on a novel course developed at China Agricultural University to introduce Community-Based Natural Resource Management at the postgraduate level. This course, part of a larger educational renewal initiative addressing the current reform of China's higher education system, was developed through a participatory…

Describes the residents' committee in China as a form of neighborhood organization that acts as a linking mechanism between the bureaucracy and ordinary citizens. Argues that the residents' committee can reflect community problems and needs to policymakers and, conversely, help the grassroots government explain or implement public policies. (CH)

Schools need effective systems for supporting teachers in meeting students' individual needs and responding to school-wide problems. The Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) model is a school-based problem-solving group that supports teachers by analyzing student, classroom, or school problems and creating alternative strategies for resolving those…

In 1985, the Chinese Mainland introduced a policy of decentralization in order to help facilitate the spread of basic education. By looking specifically at the developmental experiences of Shanghai and Shenzhen, we can gain an in depth understanding of the specific circumstances incurred under new education reforms. While undergoing…

Argues that democratisation, localization, and national identity are indivisible in Taiwan. Explains that social pressure groups, teachers, and parents are empowered in policy making processes, while the power of school officials to respond to these groups is limited. Discusses the role of school curriculum in promoting ethnic cultures and…

This issue focuses on several efforts in maternal and child health education and environmental sanitation throughout the world in which bridges between technical content and participatory education have been built successfully. The following articles are included: "Editorial" (David Kahler, Bonnie Mullinix); "Women's Health…