This article presents critical commentary on the relationship between wider policy in Ireland for children, and the practice of social workers and social care workers who work with children on the ground level. An overview of the current policy context for children is achieved through a focused commentary on the literature. This operates around…

A Special Issue of the "Journal of Philosophy of Education" in November 2012 explored key aspects of the relationship between philosophy of education and educational policy in the UK. The contributions were generally critical of policy developments in recent decades, highlighting important shortcomings and arguing for more…

Understanding the factors that encourage young people to become active agents in their own learning is critical. Positive psychology is one lens that can be used to investigate the factors that facilitate a student's sense of agency and active school engagement. In the second edition of this groundbreaking handbook, the editors draw together the…

This newsletter, published five times a year, features articles on issues of concern to adult, family, and youth literacy practitioners, as well as recommended resources, announcements, and teaching strategies. This issue includes: (1) LAC [Literacy Assistance Center] Hits the International Stage (Elyse Barbell); (2) RAENing [Regional Adult…

Education leaders are re-examining acceptable use policies in light of the increasing use of highly mobile information technologies. While acceptable use policies were developed to manage and control behaviour, a digital citizenship policy takes a more comprehensive approach by recognizing the important role of education in preparing digital…

The importance of the "learner voice" is again a concern throughout the learning and skills sector, and turning the rhetoric into some kind of meaningful reality has become a renewed challenge. The concern to be responsive to "learner and learning experience" can be seen across developments in information, advice and guidance…

Although much research has focussed on how various educational policy initiatives have attempted to improve problems of social exclusion, little research has systematically examined, categorised and synthesised the types of leadership in schools that might assist improving social inclusion. Given the importance of school leadership in New Labour…

This book is a report of a systematic study based on interviews with 120 school principals that addresses questions about the utilization of knowledge from social research. It offers evidence that challenges allegations about the "awful reputation" of educational research and its supposed lack of impact. The Untested Accusation: (1)…

Discusses the formative elements of modern science in Japan, examining the feudalistic influence and impact of national events on policy formation and program direction. Also analyzes the cultural and social factors that have changed Japan's approach to science and technology. (ML)

Compares and contrasts the Canadian federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP) and the Environmental Assessment Act of Ontario, two different approaches to evaluating potential environmental consequences of proposed projects. Indicates that the federal process is flexible but vulnerable to inconsistency/compromise; and that…

A seminar was held to exchange experiences from participants on maintenance issues and attempt to define a common approach to the formulation of adequate and realistic maintenance policies and strategies. This paper discusses the major themes and conclusions from the seminar whose topics were structured around the knowledge of building stock,…

The relationship between policy formation and research is explored. Three theories accounting for the non-utilization of research, ways in which research is utilized by administrators, and situational factors influencing use are covered. Implications for future action within an increasingly political framework are presented. (SW)

The article describes the whole school approach to special education provision in British primary schools. Schools are encouraged to develop a policy document covering such aspects as general aims, staff roles, assessment and record keeping, curriculum, working with parents, staff development, and policy review. (DB)

The study sought to design a strategic planning model to be utilized in the Student Development Department at Winnipeg Bible College in Otterbourne, Manitoba. The objective of the project was to assimilate all processes of departmental planning into one comprehensive, systematic construct. Procedures involved: the collection and categorization of…

The model for analyzing the funding system used by the United Kingdom's Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council (PCFC) is described, focusing on the mechanisms through which tuition policy is developed. It is concluded that a linear programing approach is useful in analyzing the impact of funding policy on institutions. (MSE)