Neo-liberal policies and programs regarding higher education operate to fulfill either one of two main goals. The first is the privatization of public education. The second objective is the creation of an "iron cage" of economic rationality and standardization, which functions to regulate the production of human capital in the public education…

One of the most dramatic developments within higher education in recent years has been the rapid expansion of the "international trade" in education services. Universities and colleges have, of course, always been international in scope. Students and faculty have for centuries crossed international borders as part of their academic…

In the United Kingdom, the shift to competitive private-market models for early childhood education and day care services has created a chaotic system detrimental to young children's welfare. In contrast, many European countries, particularly Scandinavian countries, support a model based on entitlement for children and have expanded day care…

Countries with good education systems have good health and transportation systems and equitable access to health care and public services. One must look at education in terms of inputs, not production or outputs. When healthy, well-fed, well-housed children enter an education system that provides transportation and access to books, dictionaries,…

An education futurist discusses who are the consumers of Canada's education and training system, what individuals need from Canada's formal education and training system, how consumers might characterize a preferred system of education and training, what a consumer-based education and training system would look like, and what a knowledge-based…

Research findings in England suggest that increased competition among schools, if combined with performance management, may enhance schools' efficiency. But, to prevent greater inequality in access to good quality state education, care must be taken with the regulations governing school admissions and the incentives for schools to admit and retain…

School choice is a market-driven reform in which schools compete for students. Discusses characteristics of choice and lessons drawn from the international experience: increased segregation, unimproved learning, low participation, parental criteria, inequity, lack of options, administrative emphasis on management, and right-wing support. Describes…

Trends fostered by globalization have increased pressures for school choice in westernized nations. A review of international research indicates that policies that increase school choice can balance the tensions inherent in simultaneously educating for diversity and social cohesion, but only if carefully designed and monitored. Civil society must…