The student diversity in universities in Aotearoa (New Zealand) challenges these institutions to attain more equitable outcomes particularly for indigenous groups and ethnic minorities. In New Zealand, current Government policies favour strategies aimed at increasing the academic achievement of Maori and Pasifika communities and offer financial…

Equal opportunity for women was last examined by the New York State Board of Regents in 1972. This document contains two papers: (1) a policy paper "Equal Opportunity for Women" prepared by the Regents reaffirming their commitment to gender equity by proposing an action plan; and (2) a background paper, "Equity for Women in the…

In Robinson V. Cahill, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously affirmed a trial court invalidation of the state's school finance statute on the basis of the "thorough and efficient" education clause of the state constitution. This article reviews this case in detail, its genesis, its legal theories, its constitutional guidelines, and…

A chronicle of efforts at educational finance reform in Michigan in which the state judiciary initially ruled that the deductible-millage system was unconstitutional in Milliken V Green later dismissed the case, but in the process stimulated the legislature to move toward reform. (EH)

An historical account is given of movements toward educational finance reform in Texas, culminating in the Rodriquez v. San Antonio Independent School District case and its aftermath. The role of political pressures applied by various interest groups is traced and the prospects for future reform assessed. (EH)

Describes the origins, grievances, and strategies of the educational excellence movement that Ron Edmonds helped to catalyze. Sees the movement as decentralized, led by lay people and concerned with higher standards for all. Argues that the movement is fueled by public discontent of the past two decades. (RDN)

Examines allegations of discrimination (against Jews), bias (against rural students), and corruption (favoring the rich and well-connected) in the admissions practices of Soviet universities. (CMG)

Considers the status of equal educational opportunity in the United Kingdom as a whole, and in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Racial, ethnic, and class discrimination are also discussed, as are the effects of education budget cuts. (CMG)

This paper examines the impact of England's specialist school program on secondary school admissions, discussing the early impact of policies intended to create specialist schools on school composition. Specialist schools are given extra resources to develop best practices in one of four areas of expertise: arts, technology, sports, and language.…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores different perspectives on tracking in schools, the difference between equity and equality, whether equity is the enemy of excellence, and how all can be treated equally if some people are more intelligent than others. Specific articles include: (1) "Inequity in Equity: How 'Equity' Can…

This paper discusses the relationship between the political intentions of South Africa's educational policy and its educational outcomes, suggesting that the more learner-centered the curriculum and the lower the socioeconomic status of its recipients, the less likely it is to achieve its goal of social equity. The paper considers the proper…

Schools are socializing agents, acting in addition to the family to maintain gender bias. Historically, schools were intended to channel young men out of the family into the public sphere. It is in the schools that sex role separation occurs through the separation of spheres in which tasks and abilities are valued. (FG)

Argues that although certain assumptions underlie those who have received affirmative action, these programs have produced many important successes. Examines the ironic polarizing effect of affirmative action and discusses how affirmative action should not be confused with diversity. Highlights the importance of diversity and its role in higher…

Examines German policies concerning its "temporary" foreign guest-workers, particularly Turkish immigrants and their German-born children. Discusses legal, social, and cultural difficulties in obtaining citizenship and educational opportunities for aliens in Germany. Compares the German monoethnic ideal with Australian efforts to…