This lecture will revisit nineteenth and twentieth century education policy and politics in the light of the experiences and struggles of a (nowadays) virtually unknown educator activist. Beautiful, tireless, courageous and principled, socialist school teacher Mary Bridges Adams (1855-1939) gave up her life for the Cause. Encouraged by William…

The authors discuss the need to balance the unique history of Russian higher education, preserving and developing those areas in which the country has traditionally excelled and competed successfully at the international level, with the country's signatory acceptance of the Bologna Agreement for European educational integration. While apprehensive…

Accomplishing the tasks spelled out in the 1999 Bologna Declaration requires reforming the structures of higher education in the countries of Europe to bring them into closer harmony, while preserving fundamental values and traditions in education that have been formed in each country. The author discusses fundamental differences between the…

In this paper, the authors analyze the existing higher education policies in the Russian Federation and discuss the implications of current reforms for the future of the higher education sector and those involved in it. The authors' analytical framework was based on the work of Olssen, Codd, and O'Neill (2004), outlining the major tenets of the…

According to John Holt, "It makes no sense to waste effort on school reform, because the school is absolutely unreformable; those who still harbor any illusions in this regard remind one of people who try to bail water out of a boat full of holes." This author, however, attempts to refute Holt's thesis, claiming that the main question…

Reviews two books that seek to define the nature and direction of Russian educational reform: "School Reform between 'yesterday' and 'tomorrow'" (Eduard D. Dneprov, Russian Minister of Education, 1990-92) and "Russia: Education in the Transition" (Stephen P. Heyneman of the World Bank). Criticizes their unrealistic assumptions…

Review of educational reforms in Russia under Yeltsin shows the progress of decentralization, development of alternative schools, and a trend toward educational "apartheid" based on social status and ability to pay. (SK)

According to Education Minister Edward Dneprov, the Russian Republic's education policy has two major pillars--democratization and "humanitization" (stressing the humanities and a truly child-centered curriculum). A market economy is not incompatible with humanistic aims, but it is not the driving force behind them. The flagging economy…

Asks questions about the reorganization of Russian society, including, how can educational systems contribute to national consensus building? and how prepared is Russia's system to make such a contribution? Concludes that despite considerable efforts by educators, the Russian educational system is in jeopardy and cannot contribute effectively to…

Changes in educational research in the last years of the Soviet Union occurred because research could no longer serve as a branch of total planning in an engineered society. Researchers floundered when faced with new forms of political authority and social relations, but then addressed new questions of teaching and learning. This process may have…

At the turn of the twenty-first century a paradigm shift in economic development is taking place in the world. This is reflected in the transition to what goes by the name of the new economy. Given birth by the information and communications revolution, this economy is developing under the conditions of globalization and competition while…

Maintains that free-market economics have spread to Russian education and other sectors of life. Reports on a 1993 sociological study of schools that reveals substantial changes in both the educational process and in educator thinking. Analyzes the findings and recommends assistance to teachers. (CFR)

History and legal status of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in Russian universities is traced from the eighteenth century. Conditions under which the universities currently function are described, recent legislation is reviewed, and the situation of St. Petersburg State University is specifically addressed. It is concluded that while…

Recommends building Russia's educational system into a bulwark against corrupting foreign influences. Maintains that Russian culture and society are under siege from internal tensions and external influences. Advocates a vigorous policy of cultural heritage education coordinated with positive socialization. (MJP)

Maintains that the Russian educational system is going through an era of uncertainty. Asserts that one source of this uncertainty is the multitude of interpretations regarding the content and structure of the national educational system. Provides recommendations to create a sociocultural educational environment that fosters individual development.…