This article presents a comparative analysis of the determinants of early school leaving (ESL) at the country level. We decompose ESL rates into two components: a "primary" rate reflecting unqualified school leaving from initial education, and a second component accounting for early school leavers who participate in training programmes.…

In Europe, the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes in higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET) are on the agenda, aiming to create a European educational area. Acknowledging important differences between countries, we compare the evolving relationship between HE and VET. We ask whether and how these two distinct…

This article argues that, despite globalisation forces, national education and training systems have kept their particularities. Policies of convergence, enhanced by supranational organisations such as the European Commission, have not yet led to a homogenisation of national education and training systems. The latter are still influenced by the…

The European trend toward transition education--programs designed by governments to ease the transition between compulsory education and work--is analyzed, including the variety of programs underway, differences between transition and other school-based education, administrative issues, and assessment of qualifications and certification. (MSE)

Examines reasons behind 1980s separation of higher and vocational education sectors in Finland and the directions of recent policy controlling student flow. Looks at the changing student market and student expectations about the practical versus theoretical orientations of the two sectors. Argues that the "different but equal" policy is…

Three parties in the present Finnish educational debate are identified: those who argue that the government lacks a clear comprehensive view of educational policy; those who defend the results of social democratic policy; and those who argue for economic competitiveness as the main goal of education. (MLW)

A review of vocational education trends in Western Europe and Japan covers the following: curriculum and program structure, alternatives, cooperative education, on-the-job training, enrollments, admission, curriculum content, skills other than strictly occupational, mechanisms for curriculum development, and efficiency of training. (MSE)

The Welsh approach to comparing educational standards and occupational qualifications is described. The approach identifies a core of occupational competencies and skills underlying training and employment in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, particularly in the motor industry. Origins, economic and educational context, and…

A discussion of Scotland's new modular approach to vocational education and certification, providing training modules in both secondary and higher education institutions, looks at problems created, particularly in the secondary education system. Unified academic/vocational or dual-track systems are considered as alternatives to the current…

Five reasons, all rooted in Victorian values, are given for liberal education historically having more prestige than vocational education in the United Kingdom. Proposed reform strategies include revival of technical secondary schools; reform of technological universities, including deemphasis of liberal arts; and increased resources for…

A discussion of the precarious balance between general and vocational education in the Netherlands looks at some characteristics of the Dutch educational system, enrollment trends, and individual benefits of each kind of education. It is concluded that status and opportunities provided by general vs. vocational education vary by discipline. (MSE)

Recent reforms in vocational education in Sweden and Finland reflect economic, academic, and practical concerns common to many countries today. Two issues of particular interest are continuity of vocational training after late secondary school and establishment of parity between vocational and general education. (MSE)