A discussion of higher education as a market economy focuses on the situation in Australia. First, the nature of markets in higher education is examined. Subsequently, the role of the Federal Labor party's policy since 1983 in creating the current economy is assessed. Possible future policy directions are explored. (MSE)

Proposes a science competition that stimulates student thinking and creativity in which groups of 4 students solve as many problems as possible in 30 minutes. Problems require students to make tools using only the materials provided. Provides materials in a sample tool kit, competition rules, and sample problems. (MDH)

In 1996, a voucher scheme was introduced to promote educational provision for preschool children in Scotland. Qualitative and quantitative explorations of the views of parents and providers describe the workings of the educational "market" when one of the competing sectors (public sector) had a substantial monopoly power over the others…

Explores the relative effects of cooperation with and without inter-group competition on Taiwanese students' academic achievement in science and their attitudes toward science in a computer-assisted instruction environment. Contains 23 references. (Author/ASK)

Higher education marketing is about to enter a new stage of sophistication, responsibility, and status as consumer pressure increases competition. To develop more effective marketing plans, trustees need in-depth knowledge of their institutions, understand the power of the consumer to shape higher education, and anticipate more complex and…

Five reviewers of "School Choice and Competition: Markets in the Public Interest?" (Routledge, 1998), by Philip Woods, Carl Bagley, and Ron Glatter, critique this comprehensive study of three educational quasi-markets in Great Britain. Areas such as social stratification, overall student achievement, diversity, and innovation appear to…

The superintendent of a wealthy, rural school district describes the unique context of schooling reform in Westchester County, New York. Pressures for reform coming from parents and the community lead to interschool competition and spark micropolitics that spill out into the community. Successful schools have greater autonomy and empowered…

College/university governing boards should consider various issues in determining whether to pursue athletic success: legal considerations, including coaches' salaries and compliance with Title IX provisions; potential weakening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's ability to enforce standards; the financial realities of major college…

Examines why changes in today's working conditions require lifelong learning. Maintains that combining resources of the educational sector, working environment, and the media is needed for implementing lifelong learning; however, cultural and ethical barriers to lifelong learning create challenges for educational institutions. Poses the question…

Effective principals must deal with challenges (such as local, national, and international school comparisons) arising from global changes in economics, politics, and demography. Comparative NASSP-sponsored international programs in Russia, China, Ireland, and other countries provide advantages for practicing principals and insights for aspiring…

Analysis of a Chilean voucher system shows that public schools produce higher quality education (measured in achievement test scores), after controlling for school resources and type of student enrolled. Public schools achieve higher performance with disadvantaged children; private schools produce higher scores with advantaged students. Greater…

Describes a plan to introduce and achieve a national awareness of agility (and easy entry into the world market) for Albania through the relatively stable higher-education order. Agility's four strategic principles are enriching the customer, cooperating to enhance competitiveness, organizing to master change and uncertainty, and leveraging the…

Ontario university admission data for 1983-93 were analyzed for evidence of high school grade inflation and grade-enhancement practices in response to increased competition for university admission. Results show only a moderate increase in entering grades, and suggest that grade inflation must be distinguished from changes reflecting demographic…

Let's Get Real, a competitive program in its 5th year, challenges teams of secondary students (in public, private, and home schools) to solve actual problems posed by corporate co- sponsors. Proposed solutions are presented at corporate headquarters and judged by corporate executives, scientists, and engineers. (MLH)

Describes how several schools participated in a school improvement project that helped them learn from each other in a competitive climate, noting issues influencing teachers' readiness to collaborate. It proved important to identify issues engaging with fundamental aspects of teaching and learning that were powerful enough to involve other…