Provides a brief but concise overview of the historical development of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. Originally conceived as a one day, single-race event, the Games grew to the point where they represented an apotheosis of Greek culture. Discusses the role played by conflict within the city-states. (MJP)

In Uxbridge, Massachusetts, a small working-class mill town, free-market reform rhetoric has become reality. The tiny district has adopted controversial changes, such as giving vouchers to parents of Title I students, reimbursing home-schooling parents, lengthening the school day and year, adopting flexible scheduling, allowing credit for Internet…

Summarizes research findings related to brain maturation during the adolescent years and highlights implications for the middle level educator, focusing on the types of classroom activities most compatible with attention and memory. Examines possible gender differences in how adolescents learn, the effects of stress on the brain, and implications…

A survey of 330 internal medicine residency directors found two-thirds of programs had ongoing academic affiliations. Support for the arrangements was stronger in university programs than in community or other hospitals, where such affiliations were considered less equitable and mutually trusting. Experience with consortia mitigated objections to…

Higher education's response to crisis must focus on developing institutions' competitive advantage. Technology is the basis on which institutional renewal must occur. American higher education is not using technology intelligently because it is driven by teaching, not learning. Today's technology fundamentally changes the relationship between…

Discusses global, or virtual, universities and considers efforts to change the nature of higher education. Highlights include consortiums involving several countries; reasons for going global, including competition, generating new income, and increasing access to educational opportunities; meeting student needs; and improving employment…

While provincial governments in Canada are increasingly regulating public schools in the name of accountability, more parents are choosing unregulated tutoring businesses or "new sector" private schools. Reasons include a competitive edge, an emphasis on cognitive development, a more personalized environment due to small teacher-student…

Describes experiences as judges at the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition. Highlights include criteria for judging; an overview of some of the software programs; and the future of learning software, including Internet delivery, emphasis on visual and three-dimensional problem-solving environments, rich learning…

Examines the influence of a privately funded scholarship program on strategic adaptations within metropolitan public and private schools. Finds, for example, that public school administrators accelerated development of distinctive school missions, while private schools recruiting low-income students began to explore ways of adapting curricula and…

History illustrates how support for technological advancement has been essential. Congress and the administration must take the initiative together to foster a climate for alliances between government, industry, and higher education. New mechanisms permitting joint efforts to compete effectively in the world economy while protecting domestic…

Four articles report ideas for improving fund-raising techniques, beginning new initiatives, and maintaining donation momentum. They are: "At Centre Stage" (Shawn Lyons); "By Hook or By Crook" (Sherwood C. Haskins, Jr.); "Small Miracles" (C. Jeffery Wahlstrom); and "The Price of Participation" (Margaret A.…

When a college or university's identity is closely linked to its education mission, the quality of student life and the effectiveness of the educational program assumes much greater importance. The talent development view of excellence that emphasizes the educational impact of the institution on its students is discussed. (MLW)

Explores how the United States can become more competitive through better development and deployment of technology. Discusses the competitive decline and the eroding standard of living, the link between technology and productivity, the importance of manufacturing in an innovative style, and competitive resistance in the U.S. (CW)

The struggle between two highly competitive towns over the location of a new university is chronicled. The battle has involved power politics, deception, enormous egos, civic pride, and the pleasure of rivalry, and has not abated since the final site decision. Lasting effects on the university are discussed. (Author/MSE)

If dental schools are to be competitive in the current economic environment, they will need to collaborate with and become active participants in their academic health centers. The dental school can strengthen the center's competitive edge in the managed care market, strengthening the dental school's position in the center and generating new…