We build upon and examine critically the framework for analysing accountability set forth in the World Bank's World Development Report 2004 (WDR04) through a review of selected literature studying accountability-focused reforms in three Latin American countries--Brazil, Colombia and Chile. We examine the successes and pitfalls of the three…

Contends that, although educational improvement policies in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s achieved quantitative goals, structural deficiencies blocked efforts to make education equitably available throughout society. Concludes that cumulative partial innovations seem to be more successful than attempts at massive change. (CFR)

A report on second language instruction in elementary schools outlines the state of the art and makes policy and program and offers recommendations. An introductory section discusses the rationale for foreign language instruction at all levels and particularly in elementary schools, emphasizing the value of early and prolonged exposure to language…