Curriculum reform was high on the agenda of South Africa's post-apartheid governments. Yet as time passed, the initial reforms were seen as increasingly problematic, especially when pedagogical realities met policy priorities. There was reluctance on the part of policymakers to give up what was seen as the democratic imperative behind the reforms.…

In Australia, school-based curriculum development (SBCD) encountered significant problems during the 1970s because of insufficient teacher preparation, unchanging school structures, and conservative community expectations. This article examines SBCD as a 1990s policy option and places it within a professionally oriented context. Because of equity…

Outlines the study of a curriculum development project, analyzing the decision-making processes involved in each phase and raising questions about the general process of curriculum development. (MD)

A discussion of the policy context shaping Australian curriculum reform focuses on three key elements: the economy, educational costs, and the integration of education and youth policies. A trend toward a more instrumentalist approach to curriculum is identified, and some challenges facing the education enterprise in the future are discussed. (MSE)

Evaluates the Early Literacy Inservice Course (ELIC) supported by the Australian Basic Learning in Primary Schools (BLIPS) program. Assesses ELIC and identifies a number of general issues about literacy programs. Focuses on improving standards of literacy and teacher quality through inservice activities. (KO)