Primary differences between U.S. and Canadian use of General Educational Development Tests are as follows: Canada developed French version and uses metrics in math tests; some provinces use grade-level certification, not used in the U.S.; Canadian-content social studies test was developed; most provinces/territories set uniform pass levels; and…

The recent history of the Israeli educational system, particularly its trend toward decentralization, is used to test some common assumptions about the need for centralization to achieve control in times of fiscal constraint, need for improvement, and non-implementation of central policies. (MSE)

The history and demise of the following two educational agencies are discussed: the Schools Council for Curriculum and Examinations of England and Wales and the National Council for Innovation in Education of Norway. (RM)

The author describes some of the processes and findings of her doctoral study of the issue of centralization v decentralization in Hawaii's government and schools from 1950-70. (SJL)

A historical review of antidemocratic social thinking since 1885 and its educational consequences: compulsory education managed by a central bureaucracy rather than by individuals in local communities, and a gradual "narrowing" of the definition of democracy through state-regulated mind control by schools. (SAS)

In the early twentieth century, supervisors began to move toward increasing professionalism in their positions. In the late nineteenth century, supervision was characterized by bureaucratic methods in a centralized school management system. Research reveals that after the turn of the century, there was a concerted effort by supervisors to…

Faculty development in Mexico may have raised teacher productivity, but it has not enabled universities to make the radical changes necessary to improve society. The active involvement of professors is required in the analysis and solution of problems in their communities prior to their participation in modifications of the university. (Author/MLW)

The effect that the university has upon its region and the issue of regional control of higher education are examined. A definition of regional development is offered and regional planning, relevant research, cultural mobilization, and the Jacobin university are described. (Author/MLW)

Analyzes the role of higher education in China and Taiwan as an agent of both political socialization and economic modernization in the context of economic and social transformations, 1949-95. Examines how cultural traditions, a national belief system, nation building, and foreign relations help maintain a 200-year-old tension between…

The author examines reasons why, historically and currently, a great deal of controversy in Italian education focuses on the provision of textbooks. He discusses such issues as single national textbooks, participation in selection, effects on teaching methods, provision of class libraries, and the requirement that parents pay for textbooks. (SJL)

This report provides a review of Bulgaria's history as it relates to library collections, and describes the current state of preservation activities at key institutions. The discussion includes: the political history of Bulgaria and its library collections; the Soviet state and its aftermath; economic constraints; decentralization of Bulgaria's…

Historically, participation in school affairs gave rural people a working knowledge of how democracy functioned. In the late 19th century, power shifted from the voice of the many to the voice of a few, as "expert" opinion increasingly influenced state legislators, governors, and national political leaders. The push to consolidate…

Examines political, social, cultural, and economic variables that historically have contributed to rural resistance to educational reform. Discusses various roles of schools in the rural community. Demonstrates that the seeds of current debates on issues such as local versus national control of school reform are in the past. Contains 44…

Analyzes the struggle to create a federal department of education in the 1920s. Details proponents' arguments in favor of efficiency, national control, and cultural homogeneity. Contends that opponents organized against further expansion of federal power. Places the debate within the larger context of progressivism and nativism. (CH)

The restoration of academic and intellectual quality in higher education is considered in regard to educational reforms, the undergraduate curriculum, organized out-of-class life, faculty and college teaching, academic leadership, centralized/decentralized organization, accreditation, governance, and graduate education. It is suggested that in…