In an open-ended questionnaire examination of school politics from a teacher's viewpoint, 276 teachers described the control-oriented and protective political strategies of principals. The use of control-manipulative political behaviors by some principals had serious negative effects on teacher involvement and performance and undermined…

Lowering of academic standards and distraction with the 1992 Olympics and advent of the European Community are causing concern about the future of education in general and French second language education in particular in Spain. Intensification of language instruction is recommended. (MSE)

Based on time-series data, found that growth in enrollment rates in French elementary schools, 1837-81, was related to urbanization and spending by local village councils and was not related to central government action or changing economic demands. Nationwide economic and political processes confronted highly variable local conditions influenced…

Describes recent educational changes in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary, from total uniformity under former totalitarian regimes to ideological pluralism, free selection of curriculum and textbooks, elimination of the state monopoly in elementary and secondary education, loosening of the uniform school structure, and reduction of…

Discusses philanthropy and President Bush's America 2000 education reform package, suggesting its focus on the economic imperative of education is insufficient regarding U.S. ethical, social, and spiritual challenges. It notes philanthropy must calibrate its efforts to widen the discourse of reform and reinvigorate a sense of community in U.S.…

This commentary examines the political rhetoric evident in the education reform movement. Specifically, the paper questions what becomes of children with disabilities when schools feel pressure to improve standardized test scores and questions why educators are not included in the task forces of the National Governors' Association initiative on…

If outcomes-based education is the darling of education reformers, it is the devil to conservative parents, taxpayer groups, and legislators who oppose it. Despite some initial successes in several states, critics charge that the states pushing OBE have no evidence that it works. Costs are another factor. So far, the ultraconservatives are…

A dramatic, carefully planned, and well-timed campaign will convince voters to vote "yes" on school bonds. Outlines a 10-step program that will ensure winning at the polls. (MLF)

In "Kinsey," a fired superintendent claimed a violation of free expression and association rights by his employing board of education. Examines similar cases and contends that public defiance or disloyalty by a principal or superintendent exceeds the tacit limits of intra-administrative disagreement. (108 footnotes) (MLF)

Explores the possible intersections between postmodern theory and educational change. Attacks recent backlashes against postmodernism as counterproductive. Describes today's students as inhabitants of a border region between modernism and postmodern culture, as seen in recent films about adolescents. Relates such a view to pedagogical change. (HB)

Analysis of school bond elections in South Dakota and in South Carolina reveal some common patterns that can help school leaders conduct a successful campaign. Key recommendations include the following: (1) assemble a diverse community task force; (2) focus on "yes" voters; (3) plan early and stress personal contact; (4) bring in expert…

This paper argues that the quality evaluation trend in European higher education reflects the state's effort to gain greater control over higher education. First, performance indicators are imposed, and then this technical form of evaluation is used to steer the higher education system toward the labor market. (MSE)

The performance funding approach mandated by the Texas state legislature and devised by the higher education coordinating board to appropriate resources to colleges and universities is explained, and the responses of institutions to it are discussed. Focus is on problems encountered and lessons learned. (MSE)

A collection of papers discusses preservice teacher education in Belgium, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Finland, and the United States, focusing on teacher professionalization and noting the politics of education in each country. (SM)

Compares the actors and ideologies that have shaped national educational policy on school choice, particularly the 1988 Education Reform Act in England and the America 2000 Excellence in Education Act in the United States. Explains how the focus of recent national education reforms shifted from access and efficiency to demand for free markets and…