This article is a commentary on Australia's involvement in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests. It provides a rationale for Australia's participation in the PISA programme, the influences of PISA involvement on education policies and practices, and considerations and implications for school leaders and education…

This viewpoint examines girls' performance in primary education in the countries that joined the Education for All Fast Track Initiative between 2002 and 2008. At the time they joined the initiative, a first group of countries (high performers) had already achieved high and equal enrollment of girls and boys. Significant progress is evident in a…

This paper argues that the current approach to educational quality formation in transnational higher education promotes educational imperialism, and that guidelines and practices should be altered to embrace context-sensitive measures of quality. The claims are sustained by findings from a study that investigated how academics understood and…

A discussion of the future of cooperation between European and Latin American universities looks at the considerable differences between higher education systems, suggests criteria and objectives for cooperation, and notes some of the existing mechanisms for cooperation. The role of the European Community is considered. (MSE)

Two reports on higher education in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are the basis for an examination of the potential and problems of higher education in developing nations in the southern hemisphere. Ways to improve higher education in these areas using north-south university cooperation are suggested. (Author/MSE)

Five sets of implementation problems of adult education are examined: (1) diffusion of organizational responsibility, (2) lack of an integrated approach, (3) aims and priorities of adult education and the lack of learner motivation, (4) resource requirements, and (5) the imposition by formal education of constraints upon adult education. (RM)

Several trends are evident in international educational cooperation in Europe: a desire for practical rather than perfunctory cooperation, and structures to facilitate it; the need to make optimum use of existing resources; and the grass-roots realization that educational cooperation can help meet specialized academic objectives. (Author/MSE)

Globalization is revitalizing comparative and international educational research. While recognizing that context matters, this process should emphasize increased collaboration between the humanities and social science research traditions; the global and the local; mainstream and specialist research communities; differing units of analysis;…

This summary explains how symposium participants attempted to examine worldwide theories of adult education and to relate these to different social, economic, cultural, and political circumstances. (SK)

A meeting held in Mauerbach, Austria, from May 10-13, 1982, to consider the role of the Associated Schools in implementing the recommendations concerning education for international understanding and peace adopted by the general conference held in Chad earlier that year is described. (RM)

A project to examine the relationship between the ideological traditions and national policies governing teacher education and the professional perspectives and practices of teachers looked at these issues in two areas, one in Britain and one in France. The project's objectives, methodology, and results are summarized. (MSE)

This article introduces a 10-article feature designed to update American and Canadian physical educators on the status of physical education and sport in their respective countries. A rationale is given for future cooperative ventures in physical education between the 2 countries. (IAH)

This issue gives information on the preparation of the fifth congress and the activities of the World Council and of various associations of comparative education. Included are minutes of organizing meetings, the theme of the congress (dependence and interdependence in education), and news from member societies. (SK)

Noting America's traditional domination of educational research topics and methods, the author looks at recent attempts to enhance collaboration with: crossnational, multinational, and international projects. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, he concludes that multinational collaboration--the sharing of techniques--currently…

The author describes differences in the number and quality of special education programs available in Latin America and suggests directions for improved delivery of special education services. The relatively high level of services provided in Costa Rica are contrasted with the minimal services available in Honduras. The training-based model in…