Discussions of ways that teachers should change emphasize the need for a better curriculum, instructional method, or organization for learning that will improve student outcomes. However, models of teacher change recognize that teachers must "buy into" the change or school improvement process. (MW)

Describes statewide results on minimum competency testing (MCT) programs newly implemented in Texas, and discusses initial efforts to predict the impact of a specific statewide MCT program on retention and graduation in Houston. Suggests that the new MCT requirements, by discouraging high risk students who previously might have stayed in school,…

Describes the impact on the dropout problem of the Boston Compact, a collaboration between universities, businesses, labor unions, cultural organizations, and Boston Public School. Reviews "The Dropout Prevention and Reentry Proposal," a long-range plan developed in 1986 by a task force of school and community people, and the program…

Summarizes the historical background, planning, and implementation of a School-Based Management/Shared Decision Making (SBM/SDM) program in Dade County (Florida). Highlights interim evaluation findings and recommendations. (FMW)

Analyzes state performance incentive programs in California, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Findings suggest that incentive programs vary in effectiveness, indicating that program design is critical to success, and that most of the programs do not have high monetary costs. (FMW)

Analysis of a state-wide survey and in-depth interviews with 15 home school families in Oregon reveals that the impetus for home schooling may be tied to the effects of contemporary culture on personal belief. Characteristics of religious and New Age home school families are discussed. (BJV)

The reactions of the following people to the home school research in this issue are discussed: (1) a home school parent-teacher; (2) a home school organization leader and his son; and (3) a public school teacher. The respondents found the research a valuable lens through which to view their practice. (BJV)

Analyzes educational reform reports issued in the 1980s. Discusses the lack of interest in issues of equal access to higher education in the better publicized reports, but identifies a group of papers discussing the repercussions of ignoring equality issues for Blacks and Hispanics. (FMW)

Discusses the decline in judicial attempts to mandate racial integration in postsecondary education. Analyzes recent Supreme Court affirmative action rulings to determine the limits of voluntary race-conscious initiatives designed to increase minority access and success in higher education. (FMW)

This article summarizes findings and implications of recent reports on education. The following three guidelines should influence future educational planning: (1) well-educated teachers and effective instruction are basic to good school systems; (2) administrators play a crucial role; and (3) actors in the educational establishment must recognize…

Policies governing education of ethnic groups in Malaysia favor the Malays, in part to compensate them for disadvantages suffered under British rule. Strong sanctions are used to discourage protest by other ethnic groups. (Author)

Analyzes the intergroup relations in Japanese society and Japan's educational system. Challenges the view that Japan is a homogeneous society by presenting the various forms of discrimination against Koreans, Ainu, and the burakumin. Suggests that despite ostracism and isolation, groups can affect public policy and achieve social advancement. (SA)

Examines educational provisions for ethnic and racial groups in Australia, comprised primarily of the aborigines and the migrants or non-English speaking immigrants. Discussion of the official policies of "self determination" and "multiculturalism" emphasizes the important differences between the two and the considerations…

Focuses on the education of migrant workers' children originating primarily from Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Yugoslavia. Discusses problems of how to unite integration and cultural identity as educational core values. Presents the educational response at the Federal Republic level and the Laender (State) level. (SA)

Discusses Canada's problems in searching for a national identity and the controversy of the Federal policy of multiculturalism. Presents its objectives within a bilingual framework and the contradictions involved. Suggests a workable model involving assimilation conditioned by regional or local circumstances, useful also as a development strategy.…