This article examines key lessons learned by Russia while developing national assessment system in education. It shows that reforms are more likely to succeed backed with sustained political support, clearly defined goals or priorities, gradual introduction, and open discussion with stakeholders. [This article was translated by Lucy Gunderson.]

In many countries in both the Mediterranean region and the European Union (EU), interest in the quality of, and improvements to, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems has increased progressively in recent years. The main reason underlying this interest is a growing awareness of the key role played by education and training…

Focusing on some significant events of 1971 relating to the use and management of natural resources, this report points out that environmental concern is coming of age. Government activities, congressional messages and action, major court cases, and citizen action are reviewed in the light of growing public acceptance of environmental quality as…

To maximize freedom from personal and political conflicts of interest, decentralized mechanisms of federal program evaluations are needed. Block grants mean that state legislatures and governors will become more responsible for oversight of funds. Three proposals are presented for helping the states deal with these increased evaluation…

Describes a statewide project in South Dakota to wire its elementary and secondary school classrooms for distance education courses. Discusses the use of minimum-security inmates from state prisons to do the wiring; the rural environment; the governor's role; upgrading the electrical infrastructure; security concerns; political issues; inmate…

This report documents five objectives for the Canadian post-secondary education system: (1) quality; (2) access for all qualified applicants; (3) differentiation (diversity of educational opportunity); (4) accountability; and (5) responsiveness to changing student and labor market requirements. The report also discusses the changing political…