This paper (1) defines "quality education"; (2) examines choices for improving primary education in developing countries; (3) describes the processes of change and decision making; (4) identifies the historical, economic, political, and social contexts within which these decisions are made; and (5) proposes ways to improve educational decision…

Presents an overview of the educational system of the Bedouin Arab minority in southern Israel. Inequities between the Jewish and Arab schools include (1) inadequate school facilities; (2) an insufficient number of qualified teachers and administrators; and (3) an unacceptably high student-to-teacher ratio. A clear reform policy for Bedouin Arab…

Higher education in Australia and the Netherlands illustrates two international trends: restructuring toward systems of fewer, larger institutions; and government tendencies to continue setting broad policies while decentralizing other responsibilities to institutions. Success in restructuring is attributed to the interaction of public policy and…

In 1984, Soviet educational reforms increased the number of vocational secondary schools, introduced pupils to vocational education at an earlier age, and strengthened vertical integration between local enterprises and schools. Unintended consequences may be occupational rigidity, course offerings based on obsolete manpower needs, and…

During the 1980s, Latin America saw increased national debt levels and disproportionate reductions in public educational expenditures. Significant changes in the distribution of education budgets were neither equitable nor efficient. Needed reforms are unlikely, given the nature of political decision making. Contains 55 references and data on 20…

Evaluating Chinese publications about rural education and needed reforms presents several problems: political limits on educational debate; paucity of statistical data and reference citations; and complex ideological statements. Examination of nine journal and newspaper articles reveals that they cautiously endorse rural education reforms within…

Reviews the limited research on the nature of refugees' educational demand and opportunities in various countries, international and local resources for refugee education, the politics of international aid, the influence of expectations for resettlement versus repatriation, and training of teachers and other refugee community workers. Contains 79…

Since 1984, a dynamic headmaster has transformed economically disadvantaged Bhekuzulu High School into the best Black school in South Africa, using educational strategies that raise academic standards, emphasize pride in Zulu identity, teach about apartheid and students' role in its destruction, and adapt educational technology to Zulu…

Examines modes of competition for entry to selective Japanese universities using data on graduates from five high schools. Describes four models of selection modes, with "contest mobility" and "tournament mobility" corresponding to myths about U.S. and Japanese selection processes. Connects such myths to different national beliefs about success…

Examines major reform proposals involving greater integration of Soviet higher education and the economy, improvements to curricula and teacher-student ratios, and more stringent assessments of teachers and students. Gauges official reactions by comparing draft and final texts of reform guidelines. Reports skeptical survey responses of students…

Examines the social corporatism model of policy formation as it has contributed to various cycles of Norwegian educational reform since the mid-1800s. Concludes that, although corporatism is a tool of social control, it also provides a feasible mechanism for revolutionary policy formation. Contains 39 references. (SV)

Examines German policies concerning its "temporary" foreign guest-workers, particularly Turkish immigrants and their German-born children. Discusses legal, social, and cultural difficulties in obtaining citizenship and educational opportunities for aliens in Germany. Compares the German monoethnic ideal with Australian efforts to encourage…

Examines characteristics and roles of trainers from 25 diverse British companies engaged in on-the-job training programs for young people, particularly dropouts. Discusses management strategies and training for trainers. Compares trainer characteristics and training of trainers in the United Kingdom, France, and Greece. Contains 15 references. (SV)

Describes the education system of the Portuguese colony Macau against a backdrop of the impending Chinese takeover. Focuses on school organization, student enrollment, educational funding, educational administration, and teacher education. Makes comparisons with Hong Kong and other East Asian colonies. Contains 14 references. (SV)

Reviews the literature on the multiple-shift school day in various countries. Notes the paucity of research available. Examines financial savings, academic achievement, instructional time, extracurricular activities, and discipline problems. Concludes that multiple shifts can lower costs without greatly reducing educational quality. Contains 27…