Asserts that teaching conceived of as translation of complex material into plain language is actually refusal to teach. Using Lacan's psychoanalytic theory, describes teaching framed by clarity is suspect and exclusionary. States that no text speaks for itself, without context. (Author/SK)

This case study narrative of a middle school science teacher's experience of science education and commitment to promoting equity was developed collaboratively by the teacher and a university researcher. It demonstrates how this form of case study can be a way to represent teachers' practical knowledge. (SK)

Examines the relationship between education and citizenship in the quest for a moral "new world order" in two Scottish communitarian villages established by social reformer Robert Owen in the early 1800s. Draws parallels to current debates, focusing on Owen's rhetoric about justice and equality while maintaining paternalistic authority and his…

A survey of 43 Scottish open university students, aged 28-87, who were studying another language, examined extent of bilingualism; schooling in and exposure to other languages in youth; school, family, media, and travel influences on language attitudes; and motivations for language study. Social and educational legacies affecting student…

Examines how school attendance/absence is perceived in Scotland, as reflected in educational research, policy, and practices. Suggests that the largest cause of absence--medical reasons--be disaggregated and addressed, both to support the education of students whose absence is inevitable and to improve the school attendance of children whose…

A survey of 392 primary teaching students at a Scottish teacher education institution examined student stress related to student teaching experiences and to students' academic work in the college. Results indicate the importance of high expectations, uncertainty, and emotional aspects in creating stress. Practical ways to alleviate student teacher…

A survey of 100 principal teachers (department heads) and 69 assistant head teachers in 50 Scottish secondary schools examined their career identities, intentions to seek promotion, out-of-school identities, and negative attitudes toward teaching. Characteristics of "movers" (desiring promotion) and "stoppers" are discussed. (Contains 19…

Outlines Scottish national policy guidelines on "education for sustainable development" (environmental education for ages 5-14) and implications for primary schools. Describes a 2-year project in which a research team helped staff at an elementary school to articulate their own understanding of environmental education and develop whole-school…

Describes the new Scottish Parliament's first education crisis: failure of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which oversees the public examinations system, to make timely and correct awards to secondary students who sat exams. Discusses data processing problems, accountability and ministerial responsibility, communication issues,…

Traces the long-standing debate about the distinctiveness of Scottish education. Examines the development of school-based management in Scotland, differences in policy development between Scotland and England, and the power of the ongoing perception of distinctive Scottish educational values to influence implementation of school-based management…

Current British educational developments related to market forces and school choice are examined in terms of educational demand, supply side characteristics, and the regulatory structure of choice. Results from panel study interviews in England and Scotland suggest that concerns about increased inequality among secondary schools are justified,…

Presents preliminary findings of the Scottish National Evaluation of the Early Intervention Programme (EIP), which aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills in grades 1-2. Examines stakeholders' perceptions of EIP's main purpose and teachers' views of its impact on practice. Explores how "early intervention" is interpreted at the nexus between…

In Scotland, a school subject department's "performance" is determined by its "relative rating," which compares the mean grade that its candidates achieve in that subject's national examination with their mean grade in all other subjects. Analysis of 1997 Year-11 examination results demonstrates that the relative rating is completely useless as a…

Case studies provide an overview of the provision of postcompulsory vocational training leading to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). Highly diverse SVQs are offered through further-education colleges, private training organizations, public and private sector employers, and the voluntary sector. Providers had only a notional sense of…

Group interviews of Scottish students in grades 6 and 9 discussed citizenship education, learning beyond school, the learner as decision maker, and politics. Students sought to widen their opportunities to be involved in decisions about learning and school life. They adopted a moral and social interpretation of citizenship, however, and tended to…