Maintains that the Jewish Holocaust is now part of the history curriculum for 11- to 14-year-old students in England and Wales. Argues that teachers need to know how children in this age group perceive culture and identity. Reports on a study of 72 students and discusses the policy implications of the findings. (CFR)

An eighth-grade teacher implemented several Total Quality Management methods in his social studies (civics) class in the middle of the academic school year. Using diagrams, he taught students ways to organize their work, generate ideas, and solve problems. Using student involvement, he developed ways to help students solve their homework problem.…

Discusses philosophy and practices of Jewish education. Contends that Judaism provides a tolerant approach toward other cultural groups that could be a model for British moral and spiritual education. Asserts that a feeling of belonging to a group that has a past, present, and future helps children strive to be decent and moral. (CFR)

Asserts that the introduction of the term "critical studies" to British art education reflects art educators' views that the practice of art alone is insufficient to gain a full experience and coincides with a political will to return to traditional forms of content and knowledge. (CFR)

Introduces a six-article symposium on interdisciplinary art education. Maintains that the specialization of modern societies presents a barrier between the arts and an interdisciplinary approach to arts education. Previews five articles that follow in the symposium. (CFR)

Discusses the historical and contemporary relationships between global competition and education. Compares similarities between educational initiatives following the launch of Sputnik and those of the Goals 2000 program. Provides examples to encourage students to think about the new world order in social studies classrooms. (CFR)

Reports on a reevaluation study of the effects of high school vocational education on students' odds of being unemployed and students' occupational attainment. Finds that vocational education inhibits the likelihood of attending college and finding subsequent professional/managerial employment, but reduces the risk of unemployment. (CFR)

A survey of 1,234 McGill University (Canada) students (entrants, graduates, alumni, and voluntary withdrawals) in a management continuing education program investigated the anticipated benefits in career development, fulfillment of imposed requirements, personal development, networking, attainment of knowledge, and personal fulfillment.…

Examines factors associated with persistence to a second term for 796 first time, two-year college students. Demographic variables correlated with low persistence were taking nondegree courses only, enrolling part time, working full time, and being over age 40. The only academic factor related to low persistence was a first term grade point…

Investigates how the high demand for academic performance in the French school system corresponds to optimal student development. Finds the experience for students less stressful than expected. Clarifies results through analysis of students' opinions. Concludes that educational ideas and systems are heavily dependent on social context and,…

Presents a case study of the development of a statewide distance learning system in North Dakota for elementary and secondary education as well as higher education. Initial planning and goal setting is described; computer, video, and data networks are explained; implementation plans are discussed; and organizational design is considered. (LRW)

Discussion of FLES (foreign languages in elementary schools) programs in the United States looks at their history, current status within and outside the United States, important FLES issues (long-range planning, teacher qualifications and recruitment, delivery models, mandated programs, research needs, teaching methods) and importance to the…

Reports on a study of 135 Russian and 279 U.S. teachers on the importance of 11 broad educational goals. Finds that U.S. teachers were most committed to basic skills development and critical thinking. Finds that Russian teachers were most supportive of interpersonal understanding, human relations, and ethical well-being. (CFR)

Asked 3,200 Peruvian graduating secondary students to explain their choice concerning whether to attend college. Reveals human capital theory's limited applicability, showing only wealthier urban boys used cost effectiveness in their decision. Relates the heterogeneity of higher education demand factors to inherent limits in Latin American…

Critiques the Bush Administration's "America 2000" education initiative, in particular the call for national testing as a major tool for student assessment and education reform. Discusses the difficulty of designing accurate instruments, the drain on resources for other needs, and the ineffectiveness of testing as an agent for reform.…