This report describes a low-cost, adaptable methodology for assessment of basic learning competencies (BLCs) in diverse cultural contexts. Following the introduction, section 2 provides a policy framework and covers priority populations; policy and assessment needs; challenges for policy-driven assessments; and questions policymakers might have.…

The public sector in Finland faces tasks and challenges in promoting science, technology, and innovations in conditions of global change. Sustainable economic, social, and cultural development will continue to demand comprehensive development of the innovation system based on solid cooperation between the public and private sectors in the country.…

This publication presents case studies of two sites--one with and one without a history of involvement in Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL)-funded training programs. Case study 1, "Partnership, Flexibility, and Experience: Key Elements in Successful Training" (Jenny McGuirk), investigates a food processing company in New South Wales…

Begun in Israel in 1960, the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program is a family support, parent-focused, early childhood literacy program. This book compiles 17 evaluation studies of the program, from researchers and practitioners in 7 countries. The studies are organized around five themes: exploring theoretical…

As a result of rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT), dramatic changes are taking place in approaches to teaching and learning in university and school classrooms. These changes offer new opportunities to explore entirely new methods of instruction in teacher education. ICT provides alternatives to conventional…

The move to providing flexible delivery of university subjects and courses urged by government policy raises a number of issues for support staff. Whatever "flexible learning" might mean, there are hardware, software, training and attitudinal issues which are central to the work of support staff. This paper will address some of the…

This paper describes the results of our efforts with regard to the design and implementation of an educational digital video library using MPEG-4 and the Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL). The aim of our work is to integrate MPEG-4 encoding, full text indexing, high-resolution streaming, and SMIL, not only for delivering on-line…

This book, which is intended as a practical guide to functional literacy at the grassroots level, addresses a range of issues encountered by literacy workers when mobilizing, planning, teaching, supervising, and evaluating adult literacy programs. The following topics are discussed: adult literacy, literacy teachers, and literacy work; the many…

This book contains essays about a specific and local reform, the Oxford Internship Scheme, which was developed and implemented by a partnership between Oxford University (England) and the local education authority in Oxfordshire. The internship program represents a commitment to the school-based training of teachers and, in some ways, is analogous…

A 1993-97 study researched the evolution of Intermediate and Advanced General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) in Britain. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 225 centers; 5,100 GNVQ students were surveyed individually. Findings indicated that, of the 5 original and 10 added GNVQ subjects, GNVQ programs were…

This implementation guide provides systems and providers of vocational education and training (VET) and related organizations with guidance in using Australia's National Women's Vocational Education and Training Strategy. Part 1 describes the nature of the strategy and presents a visual summary. Part 2 discusses the impetus for the strategy and…

This report presents final proposals of five transition groups that gave shape to the recommendations of the Australian National Training Authority Ministerial Council relating to bringing training providers and their clients more closely together. Section 2 discusses simplifying processes and structures, through national structures, closer…

A study examined employers' views regarding factors facilitating and obstructing the success of school-to-work transition programs (SWT) programs and ways of facilitating public and private sector participation in SWT programs for Florida's noncollege-bound youth. A literature review and multiple case studies of established youth apprenticeship…

A British project explored ways further education colleges could help meet training needs of small businesses, specifically the small plant and tool hire industry. The industry's leading organization, the Hire Association of Europe (HAE), provided a list of members; responsibility for making contact rested with the colleges. The most effective…

In the Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 school governing bodies are mandated to manage the funds of schools. The Act also provides guidelines for the school governing body and the principal on their roles and responsibilities in managing the finances of the school. However, some members of school governing bodies and principals either have little…