Summarizes a study of 30 headteachers that examined how British primary schools collaborated and how changes associated with local school management affected their relations with each other. Identifies competition for pupils as the main reason for deteriorating relations. The local education authority's declining role should spur principals to…

This paper describes the 1992 Physics Olympiad Training Camp and the students who attended it. It focuses on student comments about their interest in physics, the challenges offered by the training camp, how camp participants are selected to attend the International Physics Olympiad, and the competition process. (JDD)

By offering admission to more students than ever and introducing tuition plans attractive to middle-income families, many colleges have larger first-year classes. Poor job prospects are boosting enrollments, and recession is driving students to look for education bargains. However, the trend does not apply to all groups or institutions. (MSE)

Although college trustees have traditionally had limited interest in institutional financial aid policy, they should increase their awareness in this area. As competition for students intensifies and federal and state aid policies change, governing boards must realign policies with institutional mission. Merit awards are used increasingly to…

Explores the relationship between student achievement and degree of concentration in educational markets. Administrators facing increased competition for students and their associated subsidies might be expected to behave differently than those in noncompetitive situations. This paper shows that increases in degree of market concentration lead to…

At least one private college, Bennington College (Vermont), has cut tuition, as part of a larger restructuring project. More may follow suit, in hopes of attracting more students. Guidelines to help institutions determine whether such a strategy could be cost effective for them are offered. (MSE)

A model of regional competition among universities in the United Kingdom is proposed, from which a number of indexes of relative competitiveness are derived. The model is applied to data from groups of neighboring universities and then extended to other aspects of higher education and the economy in general. (Author/MSE)

To compete more effectively in the global economy, the U.S. must reorganize the way people work in stores, factories, and elsewhere. Two factors hinder production of a highly educated work force: lack of a clear standard of achievement and insufficient student motivation. A new educational performance standard (Certificate of Initial Mastery) is…

The rift between academic and vocational education has been magnified by the physical isolation of vocational facilities. Vocational educators must abandon their apologetic soapboxes to help parents and students realize the vocational nature of almost all education. Dialogue is essential. Teachers must assume responsibility for educating all…

In preparation for the awarding of an international prize, a foundation reviewed the situation of higher education in Europe and developed a model for assessing higher education policy and practice. The resulting model and conclusions concerning effective strategies for change in higher education are reported. (MSE)

Presents the vendor's perspective on how libraries choose and evaluate a vendor's performance. Characteristics of vendors are described, including being profit-oriented, market-driven, and highly competitive; issues in the three basic areas of service, price, and automation are discussed; and the influence of personality is considered. (LRW)

Discusses the advantages of using the stock market to add new dimensions to social studies classes. Suggests that changes in society will make knowledge of financial markets essential for students. Includes two lesson plans with handouts that use the Disney company and changes in the operation of the stock market to capture student interest. (DK)

Academic competitions are discussed as a means of motivating underachieving gifted students. Particularly recommended is the U.S. Academic Decathlon which forms teams based on grade point averages. Two case studies illustrate the program's value. The paper also considers the program's benefits for high achieving students and the role of team…

Discussed is a study called "Gaining New Ground--Technology Priorities for America's Future" produced by the Council on Competitiveness. Highlights of the report are presented. Potential influence on federal technology policy is assessed. (CW)

Competition and government regulation in the Netherlands' and U.S. higher education systems are compared, and policy options to inject competitive dynamics into a highly regulated system are discussed. Policy options include demand-oriented policies (e.g., price changes, enrollment limits) and supply-oriented policies (e.g., institutional autonomy…