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.…

A study described social and gender equality in vocational education, particularly in commercial education, and in working life in Finland. It reflected on educational equality in Finland as a factor in the reforms of vocational education carried out in the 1980s and 1990s and on the link between educational equality/inequality and educational…

Addresses the major criticism leveled against the philosophical basis of the community college, i.e., that community colleges promote the economic and social status quo in numerous ways. Suggests ways for community college leaders to respond. (AYC)

This comparison deals with the impact of federal or regional control on certain aspects of educational provision, using case studies of Canada and Brazil. Despite the disparate situations of the two countries, both are affected by the inability of national governments to deal effectively with some educational needs. (TJH)

Since 1954, the force of law has been required to achieve much of America's school desegregation. Though "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas" (1954) provided a legal basis for equal education, many inequalities still exist. In order to fulfill "Brown"'s mandate, the education community must accept its leadership…

Compares access to higher education in Great Britain with other nations in Europe, in North America, and Australia. Concludes that Britain is behind Germany and Sweden but continues to make progress. Includes a table comparing college graduation rates in 20 nations. (CFR)

Reviews the recent history of racial tension at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst following a 1991 hearing sponsored by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. It is argued that approaches to multicultural education at the university have been a sham and have actually furthered inequality. (SLD)

Presents an overview of areas related to preparing educators for diversity that have particular significance or unique implications for special education. Issues addressed include special-education eligibility determination, instructional methodology, parental involvement, culturally diverse special educators, and educational equity. (CR)

Describes the conditions that prompted the filing of a federal lawsuit on behalf of students attending high-minority schools in New York State alleging that the state's education system violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Examines the academic achievement of children in high- versus low-minority schools, noting educational policies,…

Questions related to underrepresented groups' access to postsecondary education and their experiences while in college are fundamental to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunities for all students. Some researchers have viewed community colleges as important in giving access to students who might not have the academic ability for the…

A voucher system of schooling would destroy the few democratic gains made in public education in recent years, worsen inequalities that already permeate education, and block opportunities for meaningful reform. Articles included in this special issue are: (1) an introduction, "Why We Are Publishing False Choices" ("Rethinking…

This paper reviews the literature and case law related to the issue of sexual harassment of females and specifically focuses on the adolescent female in the public middle school setting. The controversial thesis statement the researcher explored was: "sexual harassment is a manifestation of the ubiquitous power imbalance between men and women…

This paper discusses gender discrimination with regard to educational opportunity and outcomes in India. Although official statements promoting equity indicate awareness of the imbalances in this area, solutions, it is argued, lie not only in propagating new equitable educational practices but in political decisions that take into account existing…

There are grounds for concern about testing's relationship to the law because where a constitutional issue is involved, the burden of proof of need for the test immediately shifts to educators. Throughout the history of testing in this country, the courts have often intervened to assure that students, while they are in school, are free from…

The National Education Association Council on Human Relations annual conference on civil and human rights in education provides a forum for teachers, principals, superintendents, and representatives of government agencies, civil rights organizations, and community groups to exchange views about controversial educational issues. The 1974 theme,…