The private sector is playing an increasingly important role in financing and providing educational services in many countries. (Often the term "private sector" encompasses households' out-of-pocket expenses rather than describing for-profit or not-for-profit sectors.) Private sector development has not arisen primarily through public…

This report provides an overview of the economics of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia and on the changes and policy development in VET over the past decade. The book is organized in seven chapters, with the first chapter providing an overview of the scope, background, and changes of VET in Australia during the 1990s, as well as…

This report is an attempt to layout an analytical framework for understanding the challenges of developing a lifelong learning system in developing countries. Chapter 1, "The Knowledge Economy and the Changing Needs of the Labor Market" focuses on the role of education and training in helping build an educated and skilled populace to…

This document contains seven papers examining the implications of proposed major reforms to the United Kingdom's post-16 sector. "The New Learning Market--Overview" (Caroline Mager) argues for balancing market-driven and planning-driven approaches to planning post-16 education. "Education and Training as a Learning Market"…

The financing of vocational education and training (VET) in the Netherlands was examined through an analysis of the following: economic, political, legal and administrative context of financing of the VET system; public and private funding of initial and continuing VET; funding of training for unemployed individuals; and the future of VET…

A review of research literature relating to vocational education and training (VET) in non-metropolitan Australia identified issues which differentially impact metropolitan and non-metropolitan Australia and research needs. Findings indicated non-metropolitan Australia is diverse in terms of population density, educational experiences of the…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This October 8, 2004 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Game for Anything" (Ruggill, Judd Ethan; Neelakantan, Shailaja); (2)…

Over the last several years the author conducted 126 interviews and held four focus groups with academic staff, administrators and others associated with Australian universities, about the problems and challenges they believed faced the system of tertiary education. Widespread concern and pessimism pervaded the interviews about the future of…

Using three determinants of equity--disparity, wealth neutrality, and sufficiency--this study examines public school financing in four Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick) to find whether equity as defined in the United States has been achieved and what the state role has been. (JW)

School governance reform in post-apartheid South Africa aimed to democratize schooling while accommodating diverse school histories of underdevelopment or self-management. Analysis of relevant legislation shows the reform was structured to allow representative democracy and partnerships. But two recent studies suggest that governance reforms have…

South Africa's political system has deprived blacks of voting rights and educational access. Recent educational reforms have been hampered by education's continued alignment with political ideologies. Since many are severely hurting from conflict in their communities and schools, mediation programs are sorely needed, along with leadership and…

Educators have long recognized the negative pedagogical effects of the strong centralization, curricular uniformity, and fragmentation that characterizes Israel's equity-driven education system. A recent experiment with site-based management at nine elementary schools may increase teacher and parental involvement, improve school climate, and…

This report, which is intended for government officials, educators, and others interested in using technology in educational programs for adults, examines the effects of modern technologies on the accessibility, outcomes, and costs of adult learning programs. It draws on conclusions of previous Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI)…

The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) developed a series of recommendations in response to the British government consultation paper "The Learning Age: A Renaissance for a New Britain." The recommendations addressed the following areas: individual learning revolution; investing in learning; learning at work; realizing the learning…

This report is based on the first international education indicators produced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The 16 indicators were chosen to take advantage of data available in "Education at a Glance," the most up-to-date set of international educational indicators. Indicators are grouped into…