Examines aspects of European day care that differentiate it from day care services on other continents, focusing on differences between child development and schooling, the distinction between infants and preschoolers, the place of family settings, professional versus parent perspectives, parents involvement, cultural diversity, decentralization,…

Policy concerning faculty training and development in Estonian universities is examined, looking at current practices in comparison with those of the former Soviet Union. It is argued that since democratization there is little effort and some resistance to faculty renewal, despite new labels given to academic qualifications. University…

Provides an overview of the problems and attitudes concerning educational financing of public education in Russia. Maintains that market mechanisms alone will be inadequate to meet the educational needs of all strata of society. The main burden of spending must be borne by the state. (MJP)

The Estonian Minister of Education discusses recent higher education trends and developments in Central and Eastern European countries, including the growth of institutional autonomy, expansion of educational opportunity, financial issues and privatization, balancing of academic and vocational education needs, part-time and continuing education,…

This literature review, while not comprehensive, is aimed at informing the Strengthening Local Education Capacity project under way in Indonesia. Strategies that strengthen educational capacities at the school and local levels were reviewed, followed by strategies for local governance. Two school governance models, public choice and public…

This digest examines some of the literature on entrepreneurial arrangements within academic institutions--arrangements that often mirror the conflicted town/gown attitude between small cities and the institutions of higher education located within their limits. The main reason cited for the involvement of higher education institutions in…

Discusses general problems of educational pluralism in the nations of central and eastern Europe. Asserts that, contrary to many western Europeans, the nations of central and eastern Europe are very different from one another in politics, economics, and education. Reviews developments in Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. (CFR)

This report examines the strengths and weaknesses of educational and career guidance in seven Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) countries. Chapter 1 defines educational and career guidance as embracing three key elements: educational, career, and personal/social guidance. Described in chapter 2 is the role of educational and career…

Prior to 1985, the British Columbia (Canada) community colleges relied heavily on institutional seat purchases (direct funding) to support ongoing vocational programs and, to a lesser extent, to implement new training programs. With the introduction of the Canada Job Strategy in 1985, many of the seat purchases were reduced in favor of indirect…

Discusses Russian political and economic changes and the impact on public education. Questions whether the emphasis on teaching ideas and new instructional methods is better than the work experience programs under the Soviet educational system. Concludes that the nation must maintain the labor training of students within school programs. (CFR)

This collection of essays examines efforts by groups and lobbyists to move education from the public to the private sector. There are 14 papers in 7 sections: The first section, "Introduction," includes: (1) "Studying Privatization in Education" (Henry M. Levin) and (2) "Educational Vouchers and the Media" (Lee D.…

Three trends in Central American higher education are examined in historical context: (1) inertia from lack of mobility, bureaucracy, and corporate influence; (2) elitism as a response to budgetary constraints; and (3) attempts to increase responsiveness to educational needs and demands. Issues examined include earlier attempts at change, slow…

Presents a World Bank policy paper on vocational and technical education and training. Reviews the performance of vocational and technical education in both developed and developing nations. Provides four recommendations for donors who might wish to assist countries in meeting skill needs. (CFR)

Education in both England and the United States has undergone a profound change over the last two decades as part of neo-liberal and neoconservative political reforms. The reforms have been characterized by efforts to standardize the curriculum, to implement standardized tests in order to hold students, teachers, and schools accountable, to…

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…