This paper outlines, from the perspective of three school principals, the complexities involved in implementing a curriculum innovation, "4MAT," begun in Ontario in 1984. Curriculum project considerations include: leadership skills necessary; importance of support systems for principals; role of research; role of the principal; project…

The role played by the state government in Victoria, Australia, in public education changed considerably when the Labour Party took office in the early 1980s. Seeking to redress social imbalances and inequities, the government sought broad decentralization of decision making in education, with an increased role for teachers, parents, and students.…

North York defines Special Needs Schools as those in communities characterized by a higher than average percentage of: children under 15 years of age, one parent families, women in the labor force, people whose mother tongue is not English, multiple family housing, or family mobility. During the fall of 1982 the Special Needs Evaluation Committee…

Perspectives on higher education in Taiwan are presented, based in part on the views of a sample of Chinese scholars. After briefly reviewing the origins of Chinese higher education, attention is directed at the current system. The nine layers in the contemporary educational structure in Taiwan are identified. Chinese students seeking college…

Discusses findings based on studies of lower secondary school aged children in Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Compares and contrasts the curriculum, school organization, teacher roles, and student achievement problems in these countries. Offers perspectives on what is needed for comprehensive lower secondary schooling.…

The nature of direct and indirect effects of local management of schools (school-based management) on learning outcomes for students has remained elusive. The findings from a 5-year longitudinal study of the "Schools of the Future" reform in Victoria, Australia, are reported in this paper. The Victoria system is the largest public school…

The impact of the government-ordered reorganization of colleges of education in England and Wales since 1972 is examined in terms of the characteristics of students and the courses they were studying between 1972 and 1976. (JMF)

A study of Jerusalem schools used three statistical procedures to assess teachers' perceived policy alignment among three organizational levels (teachers, schools, and the Israel Ministry of Education). Results show close connections between teachers' own policies and those they impute to schools but not those imputed to the IMOE. Findings support…

Questions what attributes and approaches are most effective and essential for a primary school to achieve their mission. Identifies three attributes: (1) success (defined here as establishing the primary mission as the successful development of the child); (2) wonder (referring to techniques that inspire this response); and (3) confidence. (MJP)

Report of a study from Israel that reveals that SBM positively affects teachers' commitment to the profession and students' academic achievement, and negatively affects their commitment to the school and students' social well-being. Further, teachers' autonomy remained unchanged after SBM was introduced. (Contains 4 figures, a questionnaire, and…

The U.S. and the Soviet Union face serious problems in trying to reform their education systems. Both countries need to prepare students for productive participation in the world economy, while also addressing significant internal priorities (minority group needs, educator demands as professionals, and changes in educational technology). Includes…

Discusses the history, characteristics, and purposes of the "ecole maternelle," the French system of free public preschool education for two- to five-year-old children. Focuses on the classes for two year olds, and particularly their enrollment levels, schedules, and links with day care. Describes research on the classes. (BB)

The Dutch binary system of higher education and trends toward increased vocationalism are discussed. The article notes the governmental policy to encourage the technical and natural sciences and explores new relationships between the university and higher vocational education sectors. A policy of parity in resources with clear distinction of the…

Examines the underlying philosophy of the corporate model in public education and the reform initiatives coming from this model. Focuses on the reform in New Zealand because it is an example of near complete implementation of this model. Explores different aspects of the New Zealand experiment. (CMK)

Public concern about the quality of leadership in society and the quality of education have fueled the demand for educational reform, particularly in secondary schools. This paper presents preliminary findings of doctoral research that investigated how leadership is experienced and understood by students, parents, teachers, and administrators in…