Since its creation in 1958, the European Social Fund (ESF) has played a major role in supporting the development of vocational training in the Member States. However, compared to other, more recently launched, EU programmes and initiatives in the area of education and training, the ESF has not made a significant contribution to the debate about…

Over the past decade higher education reforms in most European countries have been oriented towards creating a European Higher Education Area which is envisaged in the "Bologna Declaration." Based on an illustration of a variety of difficulties encountered higher education institutions in a wide range of participating countries, this…

The policy of "two exemptions and one subsidy" (TEOS), which is a "popular sentiment" project, has brought life to the western region's rural education and light to impoverished families. In addition to launching the battle for the "two basics" in the western region, the overall popularization of distance education…

Comparative education's traditional focus on studies across regions and countries is incomplete and unbalanced, failing to consider state, district, school, classroom, and individual differences. A broader conceptualization uses multilevel analysis as a more comprehensive research model that integrates insights from single-level approaches. (SK)

After finishing the task of basically eliminating illiteracy, educators in the Jilin province in northeast China have concentrated on a comprehensive program of cultural and technical education to consolidate literacy gains and contribute to the modernization of the country. (SK)

Constraints on university contributions to regional economic development include linear model of knowledge flow and ranking of science above technology, quasi-autonomous rather than collective goals of university staff, and lack of evaluation of incentives for innovation in systems of recognition and reward. (SK)

Discusses issues related to the public disclosure of documentary information produced by accreditation. Argues that accreditation documents would not be informative or useful to the general public, and their disclosure would have ill effects on the accreditation process. (DMM)

The Northern Territory is a semi-autonomous region in the north of Australia. It is one of three Territories and six States that constitute the Commonwealth of Australia. The mainland States and Territories all maintain separate education systems, responsible to the Minister for Education in each State or Territory. In the Northern Territory's…

This publication provides materials from a hearing to learn about the regional curriculum needs and priorities. Chapter I is an introduction that presents information on the hearing and on the organization of the National Network for Curriculum Coordination in Vocational and Technical Education. Chapter II is a summary of testimony received from…

Organizational theory provides background for discussion of the origins and early history of a system of regional colleges in Israel in the context of an emerging postsecondary system. It is argued that terms used to define legitimacy, as well as who defines it, are crucial issues in the institutionalization of educational organizations. (MSE)

The relationship between vocational education/training (VET) and economic growth is complex. In less-advantaged regions with low skill levels, employers may adopt strategies accommodating low skills, creating a vicious circle. A more proactive strategy may be hindered by the new VET system in Britain. (SK)

Describes the Appalachian Regional Commission's work with regard to vocational education in the region, the economic investment, and the new economic freedom that education is bringing to its residents. (JOW)

Questions whether regional accrediting associations should use different eligibility criteria and/or policies for multipurpose and single-purpose colleges. Sees a diverse membership having a positive impact on evaluating, maintaining, and enhancing quality. (DMM)

Argues that institutional accreditation looks at the entire entity, whereas specialized accreditation treats particular programs/disciplines. Contends that regional accreditation is not appropriate for judging institutions that offer basically one program, responding to common arguments for doing so. (DMM)

Geography is alive and well in non-government schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) but many believe that its rigour has been compromised through being incorporated into Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) for delivery in government primary and secondary schools. SOSE is one of eight Key Learning Areas (KLAs) that make up the…