Reviewing educational and economic development efforts in Third World countries, the author concludes that vocational education is not the solution. A combination of nonformal education and technology training, with related literacy training, would be more effective in improving the quality of life. (SK)

The expansion of school-based team functions is considered in terms of their use in providing consultation and technical assistance to instructional staff as well as for enhancing the functioning of the school as an organization. The functions range from the child to the school psychological services unit and reflect a systems orientation.…

The practical usefulness of H. S. Bhola's models for planned change is questioned through speculations on problems that would have arisen if the models had been applied in arranging an Inter-American Development Bank technical assistance project in Barbados. (PP)

The author reacts to the World Bank's 1980 Education Sector Policy Paper, considering such issues as definitions, strategic directions, loan policies, and monitoring. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank Paper and aid to educational development in Third World nations. (SJL)

One practitioner's experience in setting up on-the-job training in Saudi Arabia is described, including training materials, cultural environment, and the Saudi work ethic. In a related article, off-duty life for Americans is discussed, including dress for women and men, cultural aspects, and entertainment. (CT)

Major differences between European and Latin American universities are examined, and resulting differences in motivations and restrictions regarding cooperative programs are discussed. It is concluded that, although Latin American institutions stand to gain from educational and technical assistance of European institutions, they be prepared to be…

There has long been a power struggle between techies and teachers over classroom computer desktops. IT personnel tend to believe allowing "inept" educators to have unfettered access to their computer's hard drive is an open invitation for trouble. Conversely, teachers often perceive tech support to be "uncaring" adversaries standing in the way of…

This paper reviews the role played by the Title I (now Chapter 1) Evaluation Technical Assistance Centers in providing technical assistance to state and local agencies. It presents (1) a legistative history; (2) the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) activities under Title I; (3) an evaluation of the TACs; (4) the legislative changes enacted by the…

Because negative stereotypes have direct implications for social scientists' functioning and inclusion on multidisciplinary teams working in international development, rural sociologists should be aware of these stereotypes, identify their sources and modes of perpetuation, and utilize strategies to dispel unflattering characterizations.…

Although the number of people in developing nations who are too poor to provide themselves with an adequate diet is rising, this is not reason to assume that such poverty is inevitable. Strategies that foster economic growth and include poor people in the growth process can be found in countries with such diverse political and economic systems as…

The Texas Metro Network (TMN) is an informal group of Head Start Directors and Executive Directors organized for the purposes of improving the delivery of training and technical assistance and for assisting communication between large scale Head Start programs in the metropolitan areas of Texas. In pursuit of these aims, each member unit of the…

The role of external agents in educational knowledge utilization, the factors affecting agent impact, and future research needs comprise the topics of this literature review. Based on existing definitions, the author identifies the external agent as an individual or group outside the client system whose objective is to help the clients enhance…

Explores the link between the management of fiscal retrenchment and the need for more effective schools. Describes school improvement strategies based on the school effectiveness research and on past experience with educational change programs. A final section discusses the potential role of these strategies in the larger context of educational…

Examines the extent to which the modern educational systems operating in the Third World reinforce dependency. Raises questions about foreign aid to education (i.e., capital and technical assistance), language and training, and the way dependency is reproduced and perpetuated in education. Offers suggestions for increasing educational relevance.…

Contains suggestions for designing a program for developing small scale enterprise managers or promotion staff: define the problem, identify the weaknesses, identify the best method of assistance, hire suitable consultants, identify the best source of financial support, and ensure that the program is effectively implemented and evaluated. (CT)