This paper was originally developed for the workshop, the Secondary Science Education for Development, and examines the factors shaping educational policy in developing nations. Four sections include: (1) a discussion of two different approaches to the formation of science education policy; (2) an elaboration of the dimensions of the policy context for science education in developing countries; (3) the examination of specific issues in depth; and (4) concluding remarks. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)