Compares approaches to curriculum specialization in secondary education in New Zealand and England stating that increased specialization has taken different forms and scopes in these two countries. Identifies three dimensions that have affected curriculum specialization in both countries: (1) opportunity; (2) source of impetus; and (3) support.…

Discusses children's age and academic performance within the school year. Reveals early differences show disadvantage among the youngest in the year groups. Attributes this difference to biology or individual psychology. Argues there is no explanation for why the youngest are disadvantaged in some countries but not in others. (CAJ)

Summarizes various stakeholder surveys and factor analyses that attempt to delineate transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Points out that employer skill requirements may vary among countries and these differences may not always be cultural, but are related to different uses of terminology…

Distinguishes social capital from societal cohesion. Argues that education acts in different ways for each. Develops a distributional model showing the relationship between equality of educational outcomes and various measures of social cohesion. Discusses theories explaining country trends and variations in educational inequality and social…