Japan produces more technicians and engineers than the U.S. as a result of higher standards for high school graduation and college entrance, highly effective teacher inservice training, and public support for science and technology. However, the reliance on imitation and rote learning remains a weakness in the Japanese educational system. (WD)

Like the U.S., Germany is finding it difficult to integrate ethnic minorities into its society. The resulting "social erosion" is most apparent in German schools. (WD)

In the Soviet Union, all education is administered by the central government and key teachers and administrators are members of the Communist Party. From an early age, the minds of Soviet children are shaped according to strict guidelines. (Author/WD)

Israel faces the difficult task of integrating some half a million Israeli Arabs into the society. Distrust, resentment, and educational inequalities make this a monumental task. (Author/WD)

Thailand must direct its educational efforts towards socioeconomic and political development and, to this end, is focusing on basic literacy. Continuing education is also an important strategy for achieving the goal of "education for life." (Author/WD)

Despite similar problems, Australia has instituted several educational practices that contrast sharply with those in the U.S. (WD)

Australia's external degree programs have managed to maintain high standards for graduate degrees through residential and weekend schools, teaming of visiting or part-time faculty with regular full-time faculty members, faculty-wide approval of grades, direct supervision, strict admission standards, and rigorous programs. (Author/WD)

The most important finding of the new Coleman report is that, after family background is taken into account, there remains significant variation in student achievement, which can be related to differing educational policies. (Author/WD)

Describes the conditions leading up to passage of Proposition 2 1/2 and how the Natick public school district adapted to a 15 percent reduction in its budget. (WD)

Describes statutory limitations on taxation or spending adopted in eight states and the effects on educational programs. (WD)

Just five years ago the National Diffusion Network seemed moribund, but it has survived to become the most important force in staff development of teachers nationwide. (Author)

A post-mortem examination of the new social studies, its successes, and its failures. (Author/WD)

Argues for the importance of emphasizing the study of history in the social studies curriculum and discusses principles, founded on respect for academic subjects for revitalizing the social studies program. (Author/WD)

The authors take issue with Mary Anne Raywid's article on public alternative schools in the April 1981 "Kappan." Specifically, they address the "myths" concerning student veto power, evaluation, impetus for developing alternative schools, and the effects of federal money. (WD)

A response to Nathan and Kohl's article in the same issue. States that the three authors are in basic agreement about public alternative schools, but may have differing approaches to history. (Author/WD)