Discusses issues relating to the education and training of information professionals. The topics covered include the various options available to professionals seeking updated skills; the role of formal education in unifying the information profession; the qualifications sought by information industry employers; and the status of international…

The "new ruthless economy of globalization" has spawned a culture of performance in education characterized by increased demand for accountability through high stakes testing, and decreased funding. Effects include loss of teacher autonomy, focus on teaching to the test, proliferation of commercial cramming schools, increased external…

Proposes a model for rural education based on the progressive practices of a rural school in Israel in the early 1900s. Desirable characteristics of rural education are organized into four innovative educational models: education for work (including agricultural education); community education; social-ideological education; and curricular autonomy…

A study examined views of five adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instructors of immigrants to Canada concerning their autonomy over curricular decisions, including classroom activities, curriculum guidelines, linguistic elements, teaching materials, needs assessment, assessment of learner proficiency, professional development, staff…

This article draws on a case study of a school-university partnership negotiation to focus on the discursive practices at work. Two questions form the central focus of this article. Firstly, how do different discourses function in educational partnership negotiations? This highlights observations about which discourses are evident in individuals'…

A compelling body of research shows that when students are part of smaller and more intimate learning communities, they are more successful. The latest research demonstrates that small schools, particularly schools of choice, have a measurably positive impact on inner-city students, especially those from minority and low-income families. The…

This summary report presents an integration of findings on teachers' perceptions of their working conditions, based on survey and interview data from special educators in six large urban school districts. Emphasis is on perceptions of problems related to job design, the highly interrelated set of structures, systems, and processes intended to…

This paper considers the implementation of Student Performance Standards (SPS) in Queensland, Australia, and their implications for teacher education. Student testing procedures in various Australian states and territories are described. A theoretical framework, grounded in Australian educational history, is elaborated for understanding the…

Conceptions of principal change facilitator style (PCFS) and bureaucratic and professional role orientations (BPROs) are used to explore the construct of teacher receptivity to change (TRC) and the relationships among teacher perceptions of PCFS and their perceptions of receptivity to change. Part I of the study analyzed and refined the…

This essay, the first in a series about the priorities of the professoriate, offers a vision of the new American scholar. The first part of the essay examines the numerous activities that surround faculty work and how they relate, in a changing external environment, to the role of the scholar. The stage is set by defining how higher education…

Suggests that, over the last 15 years, management issues of teachers and other professionals have become increasingly similar. Uses examples and practice from the work of teachers, doctors, and the police in the United Kingdom to identify and discuss theses issues. Includes several charts showing organizational goals and objectives. (MJP)

Describes and illustrates the interaction between personal, policy, and organizational factors that influence teachers' decisions regarding content and teaching methods. Specifically questions how this information might be used in determining the efficacy of educational reforms. Includes verbatim comments from teachers and a sample of interview…

A survey of 85 rural and metro academics at two Australian universities found that rural faculty experienced more autonomy, cross-disciplinary stimulation, and connection to community. Rural disadvantages included professional isolation, fewer opportunities for research and advancement, and metropolitan management structures. Most of those with…

Considers perestroika's impact on educational research in Poland. Finds perestroika has allowed researchers to more fully explore crucial social/educational problems. Points out that government control of research funding could still have censoring effects. Advocates widespread media dissemination of research findings. (CH)

Suggests teachers' role in educational reform is small because most of their time is spent in the classroom. Educational policy made by administrators, legislators, and publishers, leaves teachers powerless and frustrated. Calls for process allowing teachers to work in parallel with decision makers. (TES)