Describes the difficulties facing local education authorities (LEA) during the revolutionary period in British education. Illustrates that the role of the LEA has changed by exploring various definitions of LEAs proposed by the Audit Commission, the Conservative Government's White Paper "Self Government for Schools," and the White Paper…

Examines views of the role of knowledge in educational policies of countries of the Mercosul (the common market of South America's southern cone) and the influence of two international aid organizations with conflicting views (productivity-oriented goals versus cultural diversity and equity concerns). Discusses Brazilian national curricular…

Expounds why and how music education at the preschool level has developed in Denmark and whether it should be a part of a formal national curriculum. Addresses the role of legislation in this process and the major schools of thought in music instruction as a context for understanding the development of this curriculum. (CMK)

According to the DfES Standards website, the Key Stage 3 National Strategy is part of the Government's agenda for transforming secondary education. It is a whole school improvement strategy which aims to provide "a platform for professional development across the school through its emphasis on teaching and learning"; and to foster…

In Sweden most of the young children are in preschool from early years. The government has taken responsibility by introducing different reforms such as child allowance, maternity leave, access to preschool for all children etc. Preschool (in Sweden for children aged 1-5 years and preschool class for 6 years old) is, since 1998, the first step in…

The school is part of the surrounding society and reflects prevailing values and developments in that society. Changes in the pupils, in their living environments and in the community as a whole require sensitivity on the part of the teacher and a readiness to attempt to predict the future from the point of view of the pupils. The professionalism…

In post-Mao China, wide-ranging reform programmes have affected almost every sphere of life. History education has been no exception, and in addition to attempts to revise teaching, learning and assessment methods, there have been preliminary forays into textbook pluralism and gradual devolution of curriculum development. History education…

This paper analyses some changing aspects of learning and "cultures of learning" in China: these are related to meeting the needs of Chinese learners studying in higher education in the UK. We use the term "cultures of learning" to draw attention to the socio-cultural aspects of key practices, expectations and interpretations…

The content and assessment of the curriculum is under discussion in many educational systems. Because the curriculum is a product of authority relationships, the role and position of several actors executing the authority relationships in the education system are under question as well. Traditionally, inspectorates, as part of the authority…

Both the United States and England initiated ambitious standards-based education reform to eliminate large gaps between their highest and lowest achievers. England appears to be ahead, having started in 1988 with a national curriculum, tests, and performance tables. The United States' No Child Left Behind Act began rewriting state rules in 2002…

Technology education (TE) in Taiwan is implemented in elementary, junior high, senior high, and comprehensive high schools. Since 2001, the new curriculum syllabus for grades 1-9 reflects the call for educational reform in such areas as articulation, integration, and flexibility of reform. The national curriculum for grades 10-12 is being revised;…

Norway and Sweden have similar histories within the field of early childhood education and similar traditions of state financial support for children. Recently, both countries adopted national preschool plans for children ages 1 to 5 years old. When comparing the two plans, the first noticeable difference is that the Norwegian approach gives…

Discusses changes in the methods of earth science fieldwork brought about by the introduction of the National Curriculum to UK schools. Teachers have traditionally described and interpreted geology for pupils. Teachers now need accessible, safe sites close to schools. The sites must allow pupils to identify problems for themselves and solve them…

Japan's Central Council on Education was established in 1987 and charged with recommending changes in the national curriculum. Expected changes within the next five years include reducing the school week to five days, introducing a program for gifted and talented students, providing more full-time counselors, improving and integrating…

Presents a reminiscence of science as an exciting and enjoyable area of the curriculum. Expresses the concern that pressures of the National Curriculum and overload may be forcing teachers into a knowledge-based subject to the detriment of the development of science process skills and attitudes. Makes a plea to get back to the reminiscence of…