The government of Quebec looks to the province's French-language universities for several contributions in strengthening the position of the French Canadian language and culture in Quebec. The enrollments in these universities have increased in the past fifteen years, and French-language universities are expected to educate and train increasing…

The purpose of this case study is to provide a description and an interpretation of the process by which State-level policy decisions are made for the public schools of Georgia. The report begins with brief treatments of the socioeconomic environment and political culture in which education takes place. State governmental arrangements for public…

This case study deals with the process of educational policy formulation at the State level for public elementary and secondary schools in New York. The social, economic, and political context is described since it provides a backdrop from which to view the structure of State government and education. The enduring pattern of State educational…

The history of education in the Netherlands, including the political and administrative framework of educational policy, the relation between education and the labor market, and current trends, is discussed. Teacher education, educational planning, and participation by educators and noneducators in the schools through committees are also examined.…

Considers issues of school choice and school autonomy. Parents, society as a whole, and the educator team of each school should have a lead role in answering the basic questions about schooling. Examples from schools in other countries illustrate some new approaches to school autonomy. (SLD)

Critiques action research from a feminist theoretical perspective, identifying a duality between mainstream and antisexist action research. Argues mainstream researchers' rational distancing fosters self-deception among researchers about what action research can achieve and how it operates. Posits emotional engagement characteristic to antisexist…

Discusses the blurring of boundaries between state and private education system that has occurred since 1979 in Britain. Notes that the system has always maintained degrees of support for private and state-supported education. Investigates the social and political influences involved in the implementation of school vouchers and the 1988…

One of a series of studies related to the Delphi research project: "Policy Instruments for Higher Education in the Western Europe of the Future", this paper presents interviews by a Dutch researcher with 15 authorities on U.S. higher education and the written contributions of two other experts: M. Peterson, E. Hines, M. Gade, G. Rhoades,…

A systems model for the study of state higher education policy is adapted to reflect structural relationships within and among key units of government and organizations informally involved in the policy-making process, as well as more fluid political and economic contextual elements that mediate and shape the interaction between them. The model is…

This book synthesizes research evidence to demonstrate that 1) class size is strongly related to pupil achievement; 2) smaller classes are more conducive to improved pupil performance than larger classes; 3) smaller classes provide more opportunities to adapt learning programs to individual needs; 4) pupils in smaller classes have more interest in…

Within the context of the reauthorization of the Vocational Education Act of 1963, as amended, the predominant issues for vocational education in the eighties will be refined into policies. Central issues related to reauthorization and to the larger picture of the future of vocational education can be generally grouped into four broad categories:…

This monograph studies the policy-making process of public schools at the elementary and secondary levels. Variables include legislative bodies and courts at the local, State, and national levels and special interest groups (e.g., labor unions and religious bodies, professional educators, and qualified voters). Public expectations have contributed…

This report examines Wisconsin's demographic, social, economic, and political characteristics; and focuses in particular on the structural features of education and government at the State level to provide additional understanding of the context of the State policymaking system. Discussed are four issue areas that illustrate the State policy…

The essay discusses the relationship among schools, the federal government, and American society in an attempt to heighten awareness that positive cultural, political, and economic influences are necessary for educational excellence and world leadership. The essay is presented in two parts. Part I proposes that American national educational policy…

Examines changes in the positions and concerns of South African sociologists of education as they move from an oppositional status to a more ambiguous space. These sociologists now face the prospect of choosing between criticism and reconstructive efforts. Reviews themes and issues related to this conflict. (MJP)