The development of world-class universities is high on the policy agenda of governments across the globe. China's 985 Project is among the earliest national initiatives to concentrate research funding to build world-class universities. Ten years after it was initiated, the project has enabled selected institutions to improve their research and…

Background: Statistics are critical in holding governments accountable for the well-being of citizens with disability. International initiatives are underway to improve the quality of disability statistics, but meaningful ID data is exceptionally rare. Method: The status of ID data was evaluated in a review of 12 national statistical systems.…

Discusses the government policy issues that led to the decision to actively involve the Department of Commerce in the acquisition and dissemination of foreign scientific and technical information (particularly Japanese information), and describes the department's efforts to fulfill this mission. (nine references) (CLB)

The United States has no systematic procedure to help secondary students transition from school to employment. That lack most adversely affects poor and minority students. The article examines successful school to work transitioning in Japan and Germany and notes that businesses and governments must recognize their responsibilities in preparing…

Because of revisions made in the content of history textbooks, Japan has been accused of attempting to rewrite history as part of a larger conspiracy to brainwash students and to rearm the nation. Discussed are the legal authority of the national government to screen and approve textbooks and international reactions. (RM)

The U.S. must have the patience and courage to continue to build its research and development infrastructure and to reward innovation in a time of tight federal budgets, pressing international problems, and uncertainty in the private sector about the near-term economic outlook. Trade barriers must be removed also. (MLW)

Between 1980 and 1986 federal support for education fell by 11 percent and number of disadvantaged students grew to 20 percent. In 1986 federal support for children had fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Evaluates congressional turnaround that began to increase federal support. U.S. business leaders expressed concern over U.S. educational…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This March 12, 2004 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Fewer Stem Cells Available, NIH Says" (Brainard, Jeffrey); (2)…