Describes the aims of the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative and the past accomplishments and future aims of the Youth Training Scheme. Also discusses the new Training Standards Advisory Service, role of trade unions, and future needs. (CT)

The American labor movement and labor groups from other developed nations have recognized the interdependence of the world's economies. Discussed are the AFL-CIO's support for labor in the Soviet Union, policies of developing nations to reduce inflation and the resulting worldwide recession, U.S. auto industry problems, and maintaining labor…

The similarities and differences of administrative and educational structure, government role, history, and union role in Australian and U.S. college mergers are outlined and discussed in terms of their implications for current Australian organizational changes. The impact of mergers on individuals is seen as the most salient consideration. (MSE)

Reviews the findings of "A Nation at Risk" and evaluates how reform areas will affect collective bargaining. Presents ways to carry out educational reform and preserve collective bargaining. (MD)

Teacher collective bargaining is expected to have negative consequences for educational reform measures such as merit pay because the union's function is to advance the compensation and benefits of its constituency. The author maintains that the public sector union is a de facto political party formed to influence public policy. (MLF)

Reviews the 1984 annual conference of the American Federal of Teachers (AFT). Some issues members discussed are teacher evaluations (in relation to merit pay), teacher training, and education reform. Includes an interview with the AFT president. (MD)

Four separate but overlapping power centers in French universities are described and discussed: the state authority (minister), faculty, political and trade unions, and students. Confrontations between these powers have characterized French higher education in the last 15 years, and they have been at the root of the concept of autonomy. (MSE)

England is bringing education and work sectors together through government coordinating agencies and Industrial Training Boards to ensure national economic survival. American adaptation of the English model requires careful thought and some experimentation. The community college would play a key role in such a new structure. (Author/JDS)

High-quality early childhood education programs provide young children with experiences that promote healthy cognitive and social development and the basis for thriving in school. Over the past 20 years, states have made strides in terms of their attention to and provision of early childhood education. While 20 years ago, only about 10 states…

There are almost 3,000 charter schools operating in the United States. In Arizona about 500 charters enroll about 74,000 students. The question of whether charter schools "work" is, therefore, of considerable interest to policymakers and the public nationally and in Arizona. To charter school proponents, the fact that charters exist is…

This study examines the teaching conditions of educators working in charter schools, exploring the involvement of teachers' unions and associations. Data came from a literature review, a teacher survey, and five case studies in various types of charter schools. Results from the literature review indicate that: state charter statutes are…

This report gives a brief account of the history and policies of teacher organizations in the United States. It provides profiles of several local, state, and national independent education organizations, notes the services they offer for teachers, and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. The first two sections on the National Education…

This book contains 16 units with 1 to 6 lessons per unit. A wide range of subject areas regarding workers and organized labor are addressed with lessons for both primary and secondary education levels. Though the focus is predominantly on grades 1-6, the curriculum can be modified to apply to various grade levels. Unit titles include: (1) "Child…

This report presents information and statistical data on higher education faculty contracts and bargaining agents in the U.S. The report lists, for each institution of higher education, the bargaining agent, unit size, year current agent was elected, initial contract date, number of campuses, and contract expiration date. The report also lists…

Commonwealth College was the longest lived and most notorious of the resident labor colleges operating during the 1920s-30s. Founded in 1923 at NewLlano Cooperative Colony in Louisiana, the school was modeled on the self-maintenance characteristics of an abortive pre-war experiment in social education: Ruskin College. Disputes over priorities with…