Examines origins and potential effects of liberalizing reforms in Japanese secondary education in light of British experiences with policies such as local school management and school choice. Argues that Japanese reform involves necessary diversification of curriculum and pedagogic practices, but administrative shifts toward deregulation and…

This paper, based upon the author's research in Japan during 1976-77, discusses the pressures for shaping the socialization of Japanese adolescents and secondary schools to meet the requirements of high school and college entrance examinations, which are a common source of chronic anxiety for students, parents, and teachers. (Author/KC)

Describes the People's Republic of China system of enrollment in the post-Mao period, and analyzes the effects these new admission policies have had on social background distribution of Chinese university students, the changing patterns of authority, and the effects of the enrollment policy on admission of women. (Author/AH)

Weak states such as India and Kenya may seek to maintain or enhance their legitimacy by expanding access to higher education regardless of manpower needs or scarcity of financial resources. Three common strategies are increasing higher education enrollments, maintaining low fees and high subsidies for postsecondary students, and supporting a…

The notion of "Shido" (comprehensive social involvement of the teacher in guiding the student) explains how Japanese educational system incorporates, without conflict, apparently contradictory elements: egalitarian group focus in elementary school and student stratification by ability and socioeconomic status in high school. Focuses on…

Examines international trends in selection for higher education, as well as school-leaving examinations and university access in South Africa. Discusses tensions between educational quality and equity related to access. Describes equitable admissions criteria instituted at the University of the Western Cape, and some dilemmas encountered by…

Assesses developments in Chinese vocational education since 1976 and between 1949 and 1976; defines terminology; profiles secondary vocational education alternatives, including secondary specialized schools, workers' training schools, agricultural/vocational high schools, vocational (technical) schools, apprenticeship training, and continuation…

Discusses the attempt, during China's Cultural Revolution (1968-1976), to sever links between school performance, often dependent on social class, and admission to higher education and resulting upward mobility. Most students then felt it useless to study because success or failure at school work had no bearing on their future. (MH)

Premodern Chinese education emphasized an intricate system of examinations used by the government to select its officials from among the "shih" (scholars). A dual tract educational system existed: state and some private schools for examination bound scholars, and private schools for others fortunate enough to receive some education. (MH)

Chinese history is outlined, modern developments briefly described and compared to events in Japan, and the development of the formal education system covered. Universalized educational opportunity and hierarchies in the school system are discussed as well as the school system in general and teacher education programs. (MH)