Economic development calls for the modernization of high-school education, which is hindered by the inertia of the current hierarchical system of schooling. An analysis of statistical data that describe the dynamics of structural changes in the economy and investment in public education showed a demand for the implementation of extracurricular…

Contends that the high quality of the probability sampling used by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is due, in large part, to procedures developed by IEA's first statistical consultant, Gilbert Peaker. Concludes that the Peaker process is a first-class sample design. (CFR)

Asserts that educational policymakers must measure student achievement and school system performance accurately to help provide skills demanded by society. Contends that many international surveys either fail to provide adequate and precise answers to the intended research questions or provide inaccurate and faulty results. (CFR)

Identifies socioeducational research problems in Latin America, relating them to colonialism's legacy. Contends confusion over development goals impairs setting research priorities; reliance on Western research paradigms impedes developing indigenous models; and, for research to have impact on education, decision makers must have more access to…

Analyzes education and comparative education as intellectual disciplines, stressing learning over teaching. Traces changes in comparative education research policies, citing the influence of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Suggests African comparative education research should use alternative…

Asserts that the scattered rural populations of Latin America and Mexico make it difficult to offer primary education to all school-age children. Describes a project in which community classes make it possible for children to attend schools without leaving their village. (CFR)

Analyzes Latin American educational research phases--the artisan and industrial. During the artisan phase (1950s-early 1970s), university scholars conducted isolated projects with limited access to information. Research centers, government supports, and information networks characterize the industrial period (post-mid 1970s). Argues information…

Considers comparative education's relevance to Asian educational development, recommending ways to improve the effectiveness and research base of comparative education. Examines Asia's diversity and comparative education's role in solving common problems. Highlights the Asian and Pacific Programme of Educational Innovations for Development (APEID)…

Examines comparative education's status in India in college curricula and as an educational research topic. Argues that comparative education receives scant attention, referring to surveys that show almost nonexistent numbers of doctoral dissertations in comparative education at two Indian universities and that show the paucity of comparative…

Considers perestroika's impact on educational research in Poland. Finds perestroika has allowed researchers to more fully explore crucial social/educational problems. Points out that government control of research funding could still have censoring effects. Advocates widespread media dissemination of research findings. (CH)

Discusses why Japan has participated in the international cooperative studies sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Asserts that Japanese educators want to compare not only content acquisition but also measures of cognitive learning. (CFR)

Contends that, although surveys of international achievement have been of interest to the U.S. educational community, these studies are now receiving attention among policymakers. Asserts that significant changes are occurring in world economy and that international achievement comparisons are receiving coverage in the U.S. media. (CFR)

Uses three methods to analyze the intended curriculum in countries participating in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Explains the use of Topic Trace Mapping as a tool to examine the issue of depth versus breadth in the curriculum. Includes three figures illustrating the results of Topic Trace Mapping. (CFR)

Explores implications for national and international action of several educational research studies on the linkages between poverty and limited educational opportunities. Suggests that valuable information is available in rarely read research reports. Describes different research studies on positive discrimination programs for poor schools,…

Describes procedures needed to analyze large-scale databases. Presents two examples of how French educational researchers have utilized data from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) studies of mathematics and reading literacy. Includes one table and three figures illustrating these techniques. (CFR)