Investigates the influence of attending public, Catholic, or independent secondary schools on students' choices to take mathematics courses. Finds that private school students took more advanced mathematics courses; however, finds that Catholic schools influence students' choices strongly and that they have the most equitable social distribution…

In this century all industrialized countries have experienced an increase in their populations' educational attainments. Researchers have wondered if this coincides with increased equality of educational opportunities. Data on the French population show only small changes in the pattern of association between origins and educational certification.…

Uses a survey of educational attainment in urban Taiwan to explore the effects of ability grouping. Argues that because of the nature of educational institutionalization in Taiwan (universal basic education, a national curriculum, entrance examinations governing access to postcompulsory schooling) tracking reduces rather than accentuates the…

Asserts that both efficiency and equity have been used as rationales for governmental support of postsecondary vocational education, but research has been hampered by inadequate data. Finds that postsecondary vocational education has positive effects on individual economic outcomes, but these effects are not found in all target groups. (CFR)

Analyzes data from the 1988 National Educational Longitudinal Study, which suggests that school policies and practices can reduce or exacerbate learning differences among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Results indicated that schools organized around a communal mission with more holistic assessment fared better than…

Analyzes findings from a 3-year study of 10 racially mixed schools that decided to reduce ability grouping. Discovers that decentralized decision making and local control inhibit systemic reform because the micropolitics of autonomous schools will act as an obstructionist influence. (MJP)

Describes the rise of the opportunity-to-learn movement and criticizes how the movement's standards have been conceptualized to date. Argues that these standards disregard the in-school factors--curricular and instructional differentiation and racial and class segregation--and the extra-school factors--home environments and educational…

Compares three critical transitions at the end of elementary school and during secondary education prior to and after educational reform in the Netherlands. Concludes that the educational reform efforts promoted more equal educational opportunities by increased student participation. (CFR)

Analyzes unique within district variations in spending and achievement among urban public elementary schools (n=89). Reveals considerable disparities in spending linked to local patterns of racial and class stratification and concentration. Shows how these local driven inequalities have consequences for achievement in reading, writing,…

Discusses sociological contributions to understanding black and white inequality in education. Outlines political, cultural, and ideological perspectives on black-white inequality that guide empirical research about access to schooling, educational opportunities in schools, and outcomes of schooling. Relates these perspectives to educational…

Investigates the relationship between educational attainment and curriculum reform in Scotland's secondary schools. In the mid-1980s Scotland attempted to reduce social and educational stratification by simultaneously changing their curriculum and opening it to all students. Details the changes and presents statistical information showing the…

Reviews the research on access to and persistence within higher education among women, minorities, older, and part-time students. Discovers that, although participation among these groups has risen dramatically since 1960, enrollment among blacks and Latinos dropped during the 1980s. Discusses causes and implications of these developments. (MJP)

Case studies showed that inequality between women and men is a very general feature of the Australian secondary school system. New approaches to the reform of sex inequalities in education are proposed. (RM)

Questions the theory of counter selection which holds that quotas implemented after the Communist seizure of power in Hungary reduced educational inequalities based on class of origin. Maintains that social status and class-based inequalities were reproduced through the efforts of cadre administrators and professionals. (MJP)

Discusses concepts of social agency, cultural mediation, and constitutive action for understanding inequality in schools. Describes the sociolinguistic argument about the structure of language, the interpretive school, and the demands of capitalism. Urges transcending the macro-micro or structure-agency dualism by demonstrating the situated…