Presents an overview of the educational system of Portugal, with emphasis on attempts to increase literacy, implementation of compulsory education, the problem of implementing national educational plans, and attempts to improve the quality of teacher education. (DB)

Before the break-up of the Soviet Union, Armenia had a highly developed and expensive education system, matching the needs of the command economy. The government is now facing an enormous challenge to sustain universal coverage and performance standards in primary-secondary education with a small fraction of the former budget, while reorienting…

Examines arguments for and against compulsory education in Great Britain. Arguments for include education for individual growth, government-sponsored child protection, the promotion of national socioeconomic growth, and ideological conformity. Arguments against are the inhibition of individual growth and the infringement of parents' and children's…

Chinese children must attend school until age 16, and education consists of elementary schools for ages 6-13 and lower middle schools for ages 13-16. While the economic planning of the national government in Beijing (China) dictates what will be emphasized, the school curriculum includes instruction in ideology, Chinese language, calligraphy, fine…

Discusses factors that have helped democratize European education. Specifically examined are compulsory education, increased geographic accessibility, socio-economic and sexual equality, and educational purpose and motivation. Also discussed is why interest in democratization of education exists in most societies around the world. (AM)

The editorial board of Forum states that, with few exceptions (immediately after the two world wars; in the period 1955-1965), the birth rate has shown a long-term decline since the late nineteenth century. This represents an unprecedented opportunity to bring about improvement in the quality of education. (KC)

The new Greek law (309/1976) extends compulsory schooling from six to nine years, with full effect from school year 1980-81. The author traces the probable major economic implications of this legislation. (Author/RK)

This paper discusses the basic education experience in the United States, England, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and Denmark. The intent of the study was to inform the Netherlands Government on questions concerning the content, duration, and curricular structure of compulsory education through an…

A number of countries, including Sweden and the UK, are considering the introduction of compulsory teacher training for higher education (HE) lecturers. This paper assesses whether such a policy is likely to achieve its aims, and the issues that may arise as the policy is implemented. The paper draws on experience with this policy in Norway,…

Taiwan's effort to provide a compulsory ninth grade education for its citizens has led to a 700 percent increase in the number of schools since 1950, reflecting a tremendous effort by the Taiwan government to provide public education, in their belief that an educated populace is the secret to a nation's success. While there is a noticeable lack of…

Examines employment possibilities and upper-secondary schools via the situation in Milan (i.e., occupational demand, secondary schools' efficiency, 'short cycle' and 'long cycle,' reentry, work experience, and rigidity of schools). (AH)

This report focuses on the compulsory education reforms introduced throughout the European Union from 1984-1994. Compulsory education that stage of education established formally by a government for the education of all children and young people, usually institutionalized on a full- or part-time basis, and compulsory for a certain number of years.…

Argues that high schools may deal with serious academic and disciplinary problems by legitimizing student withdrawal while ensuring the possibility of reentry. Contends that compulsory education without high academic standards undermines the educational system. Uses the example of George and Ira Gershwin to support an elective dropout program. (AF)

Under Allied influence following World War II, the Japanese educational system was reorganized on a 6-3-3 basis, with the first 9 years compulsory. The lower secondary curriculum established in 1947 included many compulsory subjects--Japanese, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Music, Drawing and Fine Arts, Physical Education, and Vocational…

Drawing from interviews with key-informants in planning and policy-making institutions at central and local levels, reports on 1985 education reform programs. Highlights some of the most drastic aspects of the reform and discusses specific issues in basic education, technical/vocational education, and higher education. Notes variety and…