Presents a brief history of teacher education in Great Britain and ways that academic study and practical experience evolved into reflective teaching. Notes that the relective model rests on the basic assumption that teachers have autonomy in their decision making. Claims the Education Reform Act of 1988 is an attack on professional autonomy. (NL)

Discusses the diminished influence of research on educational policy, and explores how science is confronting educational policy issues in relation to adult education. Analyzes the key concepts of vocational educational policy; namely, the function of further education, vocational education, and general and political education. Concludes with a…

Explores what it means to do research intended to be relevant for public policy. Argues against perception of policy research as politically neutral technical exercise. Discusses political implications of methodology. Discusses research examples to illustrate point. Discusses implications for how research might be used in political process.…

Notes the need for political development courses, but points out the lack of agreement about scope and methodologies. Explores the theoretical and substantive problems in construction of such courses for the 1990s. Discusses attempts to identify a core subject matter, stating that the broader range of theory and subject has freshened discourse on…

In any other country, "competitiveness" would be called national development. Higher education's best contribution to national economic development should be to supply a higher quality education product, and in greater quantity, regardless of dollars and demand. (MSE)

President George Bush's gathering of governors and cabinet members to discuss education brought together leaders of each party to establish goals for education but has also been criticized for its use for politics rather than impact. (MSE)

A broad description and critique of assessment activities in colleges and universities is presented. The ideals of assessment are discussed along with organizational realities that temper and restrain them. Suggested strategies for practicing assessment that reduces perils and enhances contributions are provided. (MLW)

Discusses Canada's Public Advisory Council on Information Highway Policy (PACIHP) project, including attempts to involve the online community in policy making, the techniques used, the response, and the impact; and the Canadian regulatory and political environment. Thoughts are presented on the future of computer mediated communication and its…

Early steps in the higher education reform process in the Slovak Republic since 1989 are outlined, difficulties are noted, and suggestions for possible forms of encouragement are listed. Suggestions focus on international cooperation, particularly within the European Community, interinstitutional collaboration, and internal reforms in governance,…

The article reviews school finance litigation since the early 1970s, focusing on federal litigation and state litigation (equal protection claims, state education clauses, and recent litigation). Observations regarding trends and issues as well as the judicial role in school finance reform during the remainder of the 1990s are presented. (SM)

Examines the micropolitics within Delaware's RE:Learning project schools. Describes four teacher factions (the enthusiastic vanguard, cautious observers, sleepy cynics, and outspoken opponents) that typically emerged, persisted, and sniped at each other. Explores each faction's traits, sketches factions' interactions within steering committees,…

Goals, content, methods, and outcomes of adult education differ according to state policy and characteristics of the political regime. In the 1980s, Mexico represented a "corporatist" state undertaking an incremental approach to literacy provision for purposes of political legitimation and social integration, while Nicaragua represented…

This discussion of the need to keep young and talented teachers in teaching describes two projects in which a teacher took risks to create innovative learning activities for gifted intermediate grade students. Characteristics of the young, talented, and motivated teacher at risk of "crucifixion" are outlined. Risk reduction strategies are offered.…

Educational diversification allowed and encouraged by pluralism is the opposite of diversity due to segregation. The education of Israeli non-Jews, administered by the Ministry of the Interior, is segregated. Jewish theocracy justifies the discrimination post hoc. The Israeli educational system abuses religion as a means for systematically…

Suggests that the educational system in the United States needs to undergo significant reform. Specifically, education should be viewed not only as a means to an end that teaches basic skills for employment but also as a process that enhances social development and self-actualization. (MDM)