Explains why the transition economies experienced sharp decline after the breakup of the former Soviet Union. Offers some personal accounts and comments on prospects for future development in Central and Eastern Europe. Notes how people in these countries view the transition to market economies. (DSK)

Economics is an applied social science whose technical formulations are embedded in a political, social, historical, and cultural matrix. It is the responsibility of educators to understand and to keep abreast of the nation's changing political economy. (IW)

Describes two books of curriculum materials published by the National Council on Economic Education regarding the Central and East European transition economies: (1) "Economies in Transition: Command to Market" (1997); and (2) "From Plan to Market: Teaching Ideas for Social Studies, Economics, and Business Classes" (1997). (DSK)

This student activity book and teacher's guide address specific economic terms and concepts correlated to specific student learning objectives. The concepts presented are those essential to any student developing a basic understanding of economics. Each lesson follows a specific format with a basic core of information, comprehension questions,…

Explains the leadership role taken by the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) in running programs in the transition economies to prepare classroom teachers and teacher educators for teaching the basics of how market economies work. Describes training, curriculum development, and exchange programs conducted by NCEE. (DSK)

Discusses changes in educational governance and environment that have developed alongside political and economic changes in Sweden. Describes how both government and education have become less centralized and have adopted more democratic principles. Concludes that more attention is being given to cooperation and communication among teachers and…

This report presents the proceedings and the background material of a conference representing the culmination of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) work in the area of human resource development. The proceedings include (1) the opening statements of the OECD Secretary-General and the Conference Chairman; (2) an…

The California Postsecondary Education Commission is currently producing a series of policy briefs examining the nexus between workforce development and postsecondary education. The research question "How does California's postsecondary education system contribute to the needs of the state's economy and its future?" will serve as the…

Reviews the National Survey of American Economic Literacy and asserts that U.S. citizens and students show significant and serious deficiencies in knowledge of economics and the economy. Provides suggestions for improving course content and instructional strategies. Includes a list of teacher resources. (CFR)

Innovations, Educational Testing Service (ETS's) corporate magazine, provides information on educational assessment for educators, school leaders, researchers and policymakers around the world. Each issue focuses on a particular theme in assessment. This issue explores the question, "What makes a great teacher?" Articles in this issue…

Presented are a synthesis and analysis of proceedings from the conference which reassessed precollege needs in economic education. Two major questions addressed by the group are identified. First, is there sufficient research information to guide precollege economic education development? If not, what areas should be investigated more completely?…

This paper examines the changing nature of metroregions and their schools. It discusses the influence of global neo-liberalism and resistance on processes of social differentiation through case studies of Chicago metroregion communities and schools. Using spatial theory, the paper argues that while the restructuring of metroregions creates…

A concise framework of basic concepts and generalizations for teaching economics for K-12 students is presented. The guide summarizes the basic structure and substance of economics and lists and describes economic concepts. Standard guidelines are provided to help school systems integrate economics into their on-going courses of study. Designed to…