Describes recently introduced legislation that attempts to radically change the French education system. Explains that these changes are most keenly felt at the elementary level where the whole curriculum is moving toward a child-centered approach. (DDR)

Focuses on the effects of the British National Curriculum and the SATs on teaching and changes in how poetry is examined. States that some teachers view these changes as having a detrimental effect on student poetry experiences, while others see a positive advantage in the changes. (CMK)

Presents a brief history of teacher education in Great Britain and ways that academic study and practical experience evolved into reflective teaching. Notes that the relective model rests on the basic assumption that teachers have autonomy in their decision making. Claims the Education Reform Act of 1988 is an attack on professional autonomy. (NL)

Issues involved in adapting Britain's National Curriculum for students with special educational needs are discussed. Outlined are the official position on modification and disapplication of the curriculum, the lack of adequate guidance in this area, the need to distinguish between modifications and disapplications, and possible patterns of…

Some of the projects designed to increase girls' uptake of physics are surveyed and some aspects of teaching physics in a girl-friendly way are presented. Possible reasons for the underrepresentation of girls in high school physics are discussed. The Girls into Science and Technology (GIST) and the Girls' Education in Mathematics, Science and…

Article examines the processes of forming and implementing the British physical education (PE) national curriculum and presents the essential elements of the curriculum, discussing the effects of the national curriculum on British PE to date, and noting possible implications for PE in the United States. (SM)

Suggests that dissatisfaction with the chemistry curriculum is not a new phenomenon and that there appears to be a 30-year cycle of change. Recommends the use of a clear set of goals that would provide more exciting and relevant chemistry for all. (DDR)

Describes the "Structures" mathematics program, designed to help primary teachers learn mathematics through play and to achieve goals of the Mathematics strand within Canada's Common Curriculum. Presents grade 3 learning outcomes that are cross-referenced to each mathematics learning strand, patterning and algebra, geometry and spatial…

A former board member of a New Zealand primary school describes the country's political climate as radical economic libertarian; contract bidding among schools will soon be required. Elementary schools are child-centered and multicultural, operate year-round, involve the board and community, follow a national curriculum, and have overworked,…

Describes a survey of the views of students, teachers, advisers, and inspectors on school science at key stages 3 and 4 (11-16 year-olds) in the United Kingdom. Finds a mismatch between the intended purposes of the Science National Curriculum and supporting documentation, and its translation into classroom practice. (Author/WRM)

Focuses on the struggle that occurred within the Association for Science Education (ASE) between 1976 and 1981 as it formulated its policy for school science education. Addresses policy and the ASE's inability to respond quickly to changes in education, such as science education for all. (CMK)

Examines the impact of reductionist discourses of the market upon the management and delivery of teacher education drawing on observations in England, Wales, and Australia. Discusses the rise of the reductionist fallacy and the pressures placed on educational middle-management by the state. (CMK)

Discusses the new National Curriculum in England in relation to the government's policies aimed at raising academic standards. The new Unified Framework does have the potential to raise the achievement of all students if it is implemented carefully. (SLD)

Describes the pressures exerted on Hong Kong students by the examination system, discussing the historical background, function, and nature of examinations in Hong Kong and explaining that the Chinese examination experience is different from the contemporary emphasis on examination in North American schools. Writings by Hong Kong students and…

Summarizes in chronological order the main issues that have been considered in defining primary English (elementary school English) in the United Kingdom as a subject. Discusses the English subject knowledge considered necessary, over time, for teachers to know. Concludes that primary English, when compared with other subjects, is a special case:…