Argues, speculatively, that Scotland has an emerging institutional education structure for students of less-than-average ability, aged 14 to 18. Proposes the new structure would do much to undermine the ideal that the comprehensive school is the natural way for a democracy to order the postprimary schooling of a given area. (JHZ)

Data on post-16 transitions from the 1985 Scottish Young Peoples Survey and from the England and Wales Youth Cohort Study reveal several differences reflecting institutional differences between the two systems. Data also reveal sociological similarities. Those who develop policy initiatives at a British level must respect both similarities and…

Compares the work of two advisory committees: the Sixth Scottish Advisory Council on Education which produced the 1947 report, "Secondary Education," and the Committee Appointed to Survey Secondary Education in New South Wales (Australia), which produced the "Wyndham Report" in 1957. Concludes that the committee's relationship…

A Scottish council commissioned a study to inform development of policy concerning ability grouping, timetabling, and other practices related to the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Although the researchers became aware that the council expected a report supportive of their policies, the data supported the view that the key to…

Reassesses reformist "Report on Secondary Education" (1947) and ensuing effects on Scottish Education Department (SED) policies. Examines roles of administrators, teachers, and postwar values in Scotland's failure to realize report's calls for educational equality. Concludes that report, although energizing, was isolated in time and…

Reports on educational activities in the Scottish Parliament for Fall-Winter 2000-01. Discusses efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Scottish Qualifications Authority's failure to deliver timely and accurate examination results; recommendations to increase student financial support for further and higher education and thereby widen access; and…