This article focuses on the interplay between institutional arrangements, family strategies, and market devices in the transition to higher education (HE) in France with a view to documenting both persistent features of the French 'conservative' educational regime and recent changes, in particular those related to neo-liberal influences. Using a…

Analyzes the problems of providing mass higher education in Sweden, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. Describes selective admissions mechanisms introduced into each country's open system of higher education, and offers social, economic, and political explanations for their failure. Includes 13 references. (SV)

Since the Haby Act of 1975, French authorities have been endeavoring to create a nationwide educational system that is socially just, meets the needs of all children and teenagers while allowing for different capacities and circumstances, maintains France's traditionally high standards, and produces a happy, dynamic, and prosperous society. (BRR)

Examines recent attempts to restructure French secondary schooling in order to provide equal opportunity and more relevant curriculum. Discusses some impediments to these reforms, particularly the opposition of teachers and their unions. (SJL)

Compares the beliefs, goals, and teaching methods of French and English elementary school teachers working in areas of disadvantage to illuminate how teachers in the two countries resolve the dilemmas involved in providing equal educational opportunities to all children. Research before and after recent educational reforms indicates the central…

Explores alternative arrangements for adult access to higher education in England and Wales, France, and Germany, and examines the impact of such arrangements on the relationship between the state and higher education. Draws on Weiler's theory of compensatory legitimation to explain why the noise about such policy innovations is louder than the…

Background for understanding the experience of Muslim immigrant students in French schools. Discusses the philosophy of equal education as equal access to the same knowledge (defined exclusively by the state and teachers); lack of teacher accountability; examination-based selection; and church-state separation. Describes government responses to…