The eight chapters of this theme issue examine how educational problems of minorities are often generated by the policy decisions that countries make. They analyze several educational systems to investigate the differences between official definitions of minority populations and how these populations define themselves, and they explore the need…

The eight chapters of this theme issue report on analyses of civics education in 17 secondary schools in 6 countries. The analyses focused on national policies on civic education, the impact of these policies on the school curriculum, and the implementation of these policies in school practices. Overall, studies suggest that schools are…

This special issue provides a comparative review and analysis of early childhood education and care policies in several countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The five chapters contain cross-national research reviews and scholarly examinations, illustrated with detailed country case studies. (SLD)

Describes the development of a 10-day interfaculty leadership training course for higher education administrators in Sweden in the context of the deregulation and decentralization introduced in 1993. Discusses implications for strategic management in higher education, focusing on social identity, leadership acceptance, leadership training, and…

An analytical report on educational policy in Zimbabwe, three associated commentaries, and a concluding summary describe ways in which the findings of educational research can be translated into policy in a developing nation. The emphases are on student achievement and equitable allocation of resources. (SLD)

The six articles of this theme issue relate the history of empirical research in education to its sociohistorical background, examining the proposition that the rise of empirical research in education was linked to complex factors such as the rise of positivism in the 19th century or the institutional growth of an educational market. (SLD)

The introductory chapter of this theme issue considers alternative policies for the finance, control, and delivery of basic education in developing countries. Agency of delivery, source of funding, and prevalence of subsidies are emphasized. Seven subsequent chapters present reactions to proposed policies and strategies, with international…

The eight chapters of this issue focus on the uses, issues, and implications of national and international indicators of educational performance. They explore progress in using indicators to inform policy decisions and describe the progress of selected countries in developing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting indicators of educational…

The seven chapters of this theme issue explore current developments in research into educational accountability. State educational performance reporting policies, resource allocation for accountability, and educational reforms in Canada, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are discussed. The final chapters consider accountability policy research. (SLD)

Seven chapters exhibit some of the viewpoints occurring in discussions of educational restructuring or redesign. Most of the writers assert that schools cannot meet growth and quality requirements if they continue to operate within the framework of existing operating practices. Dramatic systemwide delivery improvements must be demanded. (SLD)

The seven chapters of this special issue identify research issues related to sex differences and mathematics achievement in an international context and consider some possible explanations, including neuropsychological differences, learning strategies, and attitudes. Recommendations are made for educational policy, curriculum development, and…

The six chapters of this special issue focus on how and why educational research is, or is not, used by its intended audiences of policymakers, practitioners, and other educational researchers. Texts that accept the more traditional notions of research knowledge precede the more radical visions in this collection. (SLD)