Public schooling in the 19th century cultivated in students a shared sense of identity as citizens with a common culture. However, posits David Labaree, U.S. schools are less effective than they used to be at serving this purpose, making their value to the nation-state open to questioning. Labaree considers three common functions that public…

Why didn't China celebrate its stunning PISA performance? Why does Singapore blame its education for its inability to cultivate creative and entrepreneurial talents? Why don't the world's top scorers in international tests have the same level of entrepreneurial activities and capabilities? This essay uncovers the inconsistency between academic…

In contrast to much of this year's frightening economic news, many states are investing in initiatives to strengthen local economies. This article describes how several states are improving education and training so they match business needs and the labor pool.

Thailand must direct its educational efforts towards socioeconomic and political development and, to this end, is focusing on basic literacy. Continuing education is also an important strategy for achieving the goal of "education for life." (Author/WD)

As the global economy expands, emerging nations are finding that focusing on universal primary education is not sufficient, Mr. Levine argues. They are increasingly coming to see the value of investing in early care and education as well.

Beginning each January, governors summarize accomplishments, present challenges, and propose solutions. As one might expect, a certain amount of rhetoric accompanies the listing of accomplishments. But when that rhetoric is stripped away, patterns of gubernatorial focus can be seen. Some of these patterns might be linked to common state…

The author discusses how cooperative partnerships between school and parents promote student achievement and have the potential to help resolve the crisis in educational productivity. (MD)

An estimated 110 million children between the ages of 6 and 11--60 percent of them girls--will not see the inside of a classroom this year, and another 150 million are likely to drop out before completing primary school. Yet this is a disease with a known cure. We know what tools are needed and what models are proven to work. We also know that the…

The appraisal of community action is the focus of this report on the establishment of 14 community centers in Kentucky. (MF)

With the new Perkins Act, the federal government has forged a powerful tool for restructuring schools. By integrating academic and vocational education, teaching all aspects of an industry, and creating links to community economic development, schools can truly become more inclusive and democratic institutions. Includes six references. (MLH)

Describes the Committee for Economic Development; its interest in education; its conviction that carefully designed, high quality education will enhance the nation's economic development; and its reasons for recommending educational reform from the bottom up, emphasizing liberal education, and urging funding of enriched preschool experience for…

Argues that only when educators understand the mutual interaction of the educational system and the economy, join local and state coalitions to address the underlying issues producing the current fiscal crisis, and work for local control can economic conditions affecting the schools change and allow educational quality to improve. (Author/PGD)