Managerialism is an ideology with two distinct claims: (1) efficient management can solve almost any problem; and (2) practices that are appropriate for the conduct of private-sector enterprises can also be applied to the public sector (Rees, 1995). This paper examines these claims in relation to education as a public service. Specifically, the…

This paper states that the future of California's community colleges is being reshaped by two inevitable trends. First, as California enjoys an economic renaissance, the digital economy and global marketplace are breaking traditional ties between geography, jobs, and wealth. For many, this new economy will require skills that do not exist now, for…

Criticizes the current notion of defining students as "consumers" of education. Argues that this metaphor encourages a passive sense of entitlement in place of the hard work, discipline, and engagement that is necessary for learning to occur. Maintains that student are "producers" of their own knowledge. (MJP)

Describes a classroom exercise designed to illustrate the economic aspects of common ownership, individual ownership, government regulation and to examine how these relate to conservation. The exercise involves the incremental distribution (via a turkey baster) of water between buckets marked "now" and "future." Different rules replicate different…

Sharply criticizes current free market practices especially in light of the globalization of capitalism. Maintains that a laissez-faire approach to the allocation of resources and consumer choices is no longer relevant in a world defined by an increasing disparity between rich and poor. (MJP)

Compares the role of post-compulsory technical education in less developed countries and in developed market economies. Argues that England, by displacing education with skill accreditation, has turned the student into an object of economic policy. Mexico remains focused on a crude program designed to "modernize" the "ignorant"…

Combines a global, national, and local perspective to study the effects of educational changes over the last 20 years on the relationships among head teachers, teachers, and parents in France. Examines the impact of five kinds of transformations--decentralization, marketization, accountability, managerialism, and professionalism--on definitions of…

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…

Evidence from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 suggests that teacher ratings are influenced by student characteristics such as race and ethnicity, family background, gender, and school sector. This article examines why the influence of race and ethnicity seems most pronounced in public schools, compared with Catholic and…

The introduction of Total Quality Management into the classroom is often driven by corporate, rather than student, interests. Corporations'"raison d'etre" is to maximize profit for their investors. If educators look at students and see only future employees, they distort learning by reducing it to fiscal terms and ignore what children…

Arizona allows charters to be granted by local school boards, the state board of education, or gubernatorially appointed boards. Regulatory loopholes allow multiple campuses, private school conversions, and outside-of-district charters. Market-based choice depends on political support, a strong state government, and enormous parental and teacher…

Summarizes the most important economic factors that have had an impact upon kindergartens in Kazakhstan in recent years. Provides city-specific data detailing the effects of the collapse of communism and the rise of market-oriented economic reform on kindergarten closures. Discusses policy responses to declining enrollments and school closures.…

Characterizes economist John Maynard Keynes as immoral, decadent, and short sighted. Criticizes his economic theories for manifesting these same qualities and claims that these theories hold predominant sway over high school economics education. Mentions several supposedly biased passages from textbooks but provides no examples. (MJP)

A study of Chinese and U.S. business students' perceptions of their education identified differences that have significant implications for China's efforts to move from a centrally planned to a socialist market economy. Five scales (creativity, usefulness, interaction, effort, and focus) showed significant differences between the young people in…

As the conservative restoration movement gains power in the educational arena, public schooling itself has come under attack. This book analyzes current educational debates and critiques the rightist proposals for change. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to cultural politics and education, and addresses hegemonic cultures. Chapter 2 examines…