Two documents analyzing the current international situation of higher education are discussed. One, by the World Bank, presents universities, especially public universities, as part of the current problem; the other, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, views them as providing solutions. Political and…

The origins, changes, and trends in institutional structures within secondary education in Central and Eastern Europe are examined and compared for 14 countries. Issues discussed include formulation of government policies, compulsory school attendance, articulation with elementary and lower secondary education, transition from compulsory education…

Some higher education institutions have involved external constituencies (including public schools, private business and industry, state or federal agencies, and social service and nonprofit organizations) in developing and funding creative public service programs. Such partnerships provide a prime opportunity for an institution to increase its…

Examines concerns expressed by home-schooling parents in the context of guidelines of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education and the Association for Childhood Education International. Connects guidelines to recent literature to suggest effective strategies for meeting parental needs and responding to the diverse responsibilities of…

Discusses increased advocacy for community participation in education. Points out that policies often fail to differentiate between different types of communities. Recognizes that community knowledge bases and motives for supporting education can differ from the governments. Stresses the need for policies to account for diversity of circumstances.…

Examines the efforts of an elementary private school principal to create a motivating school climate. Discusses four ecological principles: (1) the development of activities that recognize individuality and demand involvement and adaptation; (2) the expansion of resources to the whole school community; (3) the interdependence of activities at each…

A British national study of the university research enterprise in 1995-96 assessed the impact of a 1992 change in higher education policy to restructure the entire higher education system. The study investigated impact at the system, institution, unit, and individual levels, in the areas of research policy and strategy, structures, and processes.…

Discussion of the controversy over freshman composition course requirements looks at the origins and evolution of such courses in American higher education, philosophy underlying rhetoric instruction, criticisms of freshman English courses, the writing-across-the-curriculum movement, attitudes about mechanical correctness in writing instruction,…

Examines the ways in which African Americans link personal stories with biblical and heritage stories to decide future life directions. Maintains that these activities help people develop a spirituality of hope and restore relational contexts for storytelling and story listening in an age where these contexts have disappeared. (MJP)

Observes the pitfalls and possibilities of using feature films as educational tools for religious exploration. Praises film for its ability to synthesize a number of cultural, moral, and narrative elements. Lists several simplistic and reductionist approaches to be avoided. (MJP)

Offers guidelines for administering college computing services, including recommendations for setting up the administrative structure, staffing, budgeting, defining the job functions of responsible administrators, involving faculty, managing equipment and services, coordinating computing needs, and preparing for the future. (GFW)

Presents an institutional analysis of UNESCO's historical role in literacy education. Explains politics of international institutions. Describes how a series of concepts of literacy evolved, not through theoretical discussion, but by political compromise among superpowers. Describes UNESCO as limited by political priorities of economic and social…

Compares the effectiveness of public and private schools by analyzing trends in enrollments, organization, and graduation and college entrance. Policymakers need to address the growing public willingness to consider private alternatives in education. (BJV)

Describes the activities of a program designed to ensure cohesive development of UNESCO's work in the areas of scientific and technical information, documentation, libraries, and archives. The discussion covers the aims and objectives of the program, activities in various geographic areas, and an evaluation of the program. (CLB)

Asserts that there has been growing interest in the last three decades in public education and its relationship to democracy. Discusses the development and importance of schools established by the Society of the Sacred Heart in frontier Saint Louis. Concludes that these schools pushed the limits of universal education. (ACM)