The debate about national assessment in education is in its infancy in New Zealand. It is recognized that the requirements of assessment for national monitoring may conflict with assessment of a formative nature within the schools because of differing requirements for the numbers of students assessed, the type of assessment advisable, and the…

People working in the area of early childhood, either as practitioners or as advocates, are often faced with the task of trying to make sense of federal and state policies. Adopting the approach that an historical perspective is necessary in order to understand the social context in which change or attempted change occurs, this paper presents a…

After three decades of diverse and intense immigration accompanied by a range of well intentioned initiatives by the Australian government to meet the needs of immigrants, there remain unsolved problems. An Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs evaluation (1982) found major achievements in establishing intensive programs of English…

Policies formulated by the Board of Education in Queensland, Australia regarding multicultural education are presented in this document. A review of population statistics and immigration projections established the need for multicultural education. The retention and promotion of cultural diversity among various ethnic groups is considered the…

The Australian colleges of advanced education have been developed since the mid-1960's mainly on the initiative of the federal government to create a separate sector of higher education parallel to the universities. They illustrate "academic drift," a process whereby non-university institutions aspire to become more like universities,…

The economic function of science to perform research and to educate and train others for technological innovation in Australia is discussed. The generation of wealth, focus of public debate, and political decision making on research policy are also considered. (MSE)

The postsecondary education policymaking process in Australia, rather than being goal-oriented and rational, is a series of adjustments to existing policy dictated by political expediency, often over many years and changes of government and leading to decisions reflecting unstable origins. This committee's broad influences illustrate this process.…

Discussion of illiteracy in Australia: (1) statistical evidence on the incidence of adult illiteracy, (2) explanations for illiteracy, and (3) possible solutions to combat illiteracy. (ABM)

This paper on the 21st century information environment begins with a section that discusses the impact of e-commerce over the next ten years. The second section addresses government focus areas, including ensuring a telecommunications infrastructure, developing the IT (information technology) industry, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship,…

Traces the development and implementation of environmental education in Australia during the 1970s, focusing on the role of the Curriculum Development Center, the Australian Environmental Education Program proposal, a 1974 national survey, the Environmental Education Project, and future implications. (DC)

Stressing the importance of comparing the experiences of indigeneous people throughout the world, this article reviews history of British aboriginal relations in New Zealand and Australia, thus shedding a new perspective on Indian affairs in North America. (Author/ DS)

The legislated merger of two Australian Colleges of Advanced Education, Armidale and Northern Rivers, and the University of New England is viewed from the perspective of a staff member. The legislation, expectations, and superficial and structural changes are examined, and implications for the country's higher education system are discussed. (MSE)

The article raises misgivings toward recent proposals to require standardized literacy testing for 10- to 14-year-olds in Australia. Three other papers on the dangers and possibilities of literacy assessment are reviewed. It is concluded that the teacher parent partnership and learning are threatened by an increased government role in assessment.…

Describes multiculturalism in Australian education as an approach that affirms, values, and promotes social, educational, and economic benefits derived from a productive use of Australia's rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Multiculturalism in Australia can be understood as a demographic description of society, as a social philosophy, and as…

Identifies administrative, ethical, and pedagogical issues raised by policies which encourage the commercialization of the academic research enterprise, with particular reference to Australian higher education. Provides examples of recent government initiatives which encourage cooperation between universities and industry. Discusses issues related…