An analysis of the way Italy has responded to the changing demands that society places on higher education begins with the enrollment boom of the early 1960s and traces the public debate to the present. (MSE)

The French Revolution had profound and long-term effects for Africans, both in Africa and throughout the Western hemisphere. Revolutionary leaders not only opposed the emancipation of slaves in French territories but supported an intensified slave trade, sparking numerous rebellions. French exploitation of Africans extended well into the twentieth…

Discusses the following aspects of educational evaluation: (1) structural changes; (2) conceptual changes; (3) mixed methods and unraveling consensus; (4) utilization of findings; (5) the role of values; and (6) the role of politics. Discusses how evaluation moved from monolithic to pluralistic, reflecting the change from consensus to pluralism in…

Provides a lesson plan on the Great Depression in which students examine the social, economic, and political events of the period through a study of radio broadcasting. Describes an activity in which students research the era and create a radio broadcast. Outlines activity guidelines, radio language, and evaluation methods. (RW)

Analyzes four concepts contributing to U.S. involvement in Vietnam: (1) security; (2) ideology; (3) economics; and (4) domestic political considerations. Examines reasons why the United States lost the war; reviews combat conditions; and discusses the public attitudes toward the war. (LS)

Presents a method for teaching about the 1970s and provides an overview of the decade analyzing major events. Presents the underlying tone of the time period showing how different political, economic, and social events affected society's spirit, attitudes, and moods. (LS)

Stresses the idea that students today must understand the importance of the political, economic, and social process that were prevalent in the postbellum South if they are to understand the subsequent events of the twentieth century. Discusses a number of works that will provide background information of this nature. (KO)

This paper compares and contrasts American and Australian special education, noting the overlap in general issues such as federal/state government role, legal/judicial involvement, identification practices, funding, mainstreaming, and parent advocacy. Specific policies and practices which have evolved along separate paths due to historical,…

Curricular changes in Romania's higher education system precipitated by the abruptly altered political situation and new decision-making processes are examined. Need for change existed because of political outdatedness of some disciplines, faculty frustration over poor research-curriculum connections, long-standing curricular immobility, and need…

This examination of the New American Schools Development Corporation initiative in Bensenville (Illinois) details the controversy over the reform effort and argues that factors such as school governance, local control, and school finance played major roles in determining program outcomes. The importance of political influences in reform efforts is…

Broad proposals for reform of higher education in Hungary are outlined. It is argued that the change needed is so great that neither higher education nor government can accomplish it independently; instead, limited and controlled conflicts between the interest of higher education and those of society must precipitate action. (MSE)

A survey of approximately 150 Moscow (Russia) university students investigated cheating behavior and attitudes. Results indicated that most students cheated and justified cheating by finding fault with the educational system. It is suggested these attitudes are also linked to the overall structure of the Soviet system, and that Perestroika…

Outlines a concept of political virtue, and consequently of civic education, that attempts to give both criticism and emotional engagement their due importance. Educational implications of the concept are explored in relation to the development of a sense of history among students. (SLD)

Herrnstein and Murray's "The Bell Curve" claims that IQ is hereditary and that African Americans consistently score 15 points lower than other racial groups. Coolly received by academics, the book is being warmly embraced by Republican politicians endorsing fiscal austerity and social mean-spiritedness. The book rationalizes a…

Due to massive reform initiatives, American states have become major policy makers for public schools. Examines, from a state and a political-influence perspective, the causes, processes, and consequences of the decade-long "education excellence" movement. Places events in historical context, draws upon research findings, and applies an…