Presents a feminist analysis of how decentralized decision-making policies are reflected at the local level in four countries: Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, and Israel. These examples indicate that management practices tend to be more modernist than postmodernist, and often have highly inequitable effects for female teachers. Contains 63…

Uses Peru to exemplify the debate taking place in South and Central American countries with large populations of indigenous people. Questions whether an interculturality based in apolitical calls for dialog and respect for cultural and linguistic plurality can meet the needs of indigenous peoples and their daily confrontations with oppressive and…

Analyses some of the difficulties involved in implementing the recently approved Basic Education Program for primary and secondary education in Sierra Leone. Discusses issues such as funding, training, and retention of teachers, curriculum reform, language development, equipment and supplies, and evaluation. Concludes that political stability is…

The author acknowledges the value of postmodernist thought in opening up a new understanding of the educational process, but finds that postmodernism raises difficulties when one attempts to deal with the differences and interactions between cultures. He argues that the comparative studies should be based on a balance between relativism and…

Presents the findings of a survey of high school students on their attitudes toward English, Filipino, and their home language. Notes that two-thirds of the population do not have English or Filipino as their first language. Concludes that Filipinos can be literate in their first language and still be fluent in Filipino. Contains 27 references.…

Describes the role played by people's movements and nongovernmental organizations, including educational programs, in empowering citizens and combating injustice in the Philippines. The authors argue that this type of education can play an important role in challenging the materialist vision of progress and awakening people to deeper values.…

Examines how the flourishing market economy and the policy of decentralization have affected the development of China's higher education, specifically the movement away from relying solely on public schools. Rather, private and minban educational institutions are becoming more popular in the new socialist market system. Concludes with a discussion…

Focuses on the contribution of action research to teachers' inservice education at elementary schools in the Rio de Janeiro local system of education, linking thought and action. The development of this action research has brought to light ethical, scientific, and political questions in the school system. Contains 15 references. (AMA)

Analyzes the educational implications of the "no-comparison message" that is present in almost all of the publicity material produced by New Zealand-based agencies working in the area of aid and development. Calls for a radical reorientation of the messages being promoted and actions undertaken. Contains 20 references. (AMA)

Focuses on a recent study conducted on the incidence of illiteracy in specific disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka. Indicates that in the present era of technological advancement, lack of literacy will continue to affect the life-chances of people in these communities. Policy issues are also discussed. Contains 20 references and 11 tables. (AMA)

Discusses the practice of grade repetition in French schools, indicating that repetition is not beneficial to the pupil concerned. Notes that countries that have abandoned grade repetition have not suffered a lowering of educational standards, nor have they incurred extra costs, and describes ways to achieve this end. Contains 11 references. (EMH)

Explores the positive impact of the non-formal education programme (NFPE) of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) in the achievement of basic education for rural Bangladeshi children. Assesses three groups with different educational experiences: (1) children who attended BRAC's NFPE, (2) those attending formal school, and (3) children…

Tests the proposition that family and personal factors, in combination with school characteristics, contribute to the academic progress of Quechua school children. Finds that family background and nutritional history are not as important in shaping educational progress as initially envisioned, but that duration of schooling is an important factor…

Finds that, in comparing secondary education in different countries, two main systems are apparent: "sponsored mobility" and "competitive mobility." States that Brazil, in its recent history, has moved from sponsored to competitive mobility. Explores some of the lessons learned during this process and examines their implications for the future.…

Provides an overview of recent changes in the tertiary sector in New Zealand, and considers possible futures for higher education. Pays special attention to three themes: emergence of the "perpetually choosing student," potential changes in conditions of work for academics, and reconfiguration of academic priorities in the age of the market.…