Describes the origin, development, and operation of a New Mexico citizen's action group in its efforts to prevent air and water pollution. Concludes that nongovernmental groups can play an important role in educating citizens and shaping public policy. (CFR)

Investigates the validity and reliability of performance assessments using data from over 300 fifth and sixth graders. Results demonstrate the gap between the reality of measurement through performance assessments and the political rhetoric that would institute these assessments in a national examination system in the immediate future. (SLD)

Recent changes in New Zealand educational administration are empowering parents to seek integration into mainstream classrooms for their children with disabilities. These changes include an emerging economic model of schools, the establishment of the right of all children to education in state schools, and recognition of the rights of Maori…

Demonstrates that the literature on the Scandinavian welfare state incorporates gender as a central concept for both measurement and evaluation. Argues that the Scandinavian case lends itself to a variety of European and non-European comparative courses. Provides several specific suggestions for integrating this material into broader courses. (MJP)

Describes the higher education reform discussion in Austria which led to major system reorganization in 1993. It is noted that a previous academic oligarchy played a central role because a high proportion of university faculty also served in the parliament. Research on higher education played little part in reform because few studies were…

Examines one of the least understood institutions of U.S. politics, the Electoral College. Discusses the historical circumstances resulting in its creation as well as the current structure and membership. Provides arguments for and against continuation of the Electoral College. (MJP)

Criticizes the presidential primary process as possibly leading to the destruction of the two-party system. Claims that the current process limits the competition to the rich and famous, enhances the worst aspects of campaigning, and evaluates candidates purely on their political skills. Briefly discusses some reform proposals. (MJP)

This paper describes the effect of cultural context on the content of kindergarten curriculum in Poland, chronicling the historical changes from Communist to post-Soviet, capitalist cultures. Soviet cultural influence on early childhood education from 1945 to 1989 is described as affecting a single obligatory curriculum, strict government control,…

This book explores the meaning, necessity, and benefits of multicultural education for students from all cultural backgrounds. The constant and complex interplay and interactions among personal, social, political, and educational factors in exploring the success or failure of students in schools and the benefits of multicultural education are…

The use of performance based evaluation on a national scale with 7-year-olds in the United Kingdom is described, and the impact of national assessment on teaching practice and implications of this type of assessment are considered. The national assessment program in the United Kingdom started in earnest in 1991 when all 7-year-olds were assessed…

This document articulates the directives of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in achieving its major goal of providing citizens with equal opportunity for access to a college education. Based on the policy directives of the AASCU Board of Directors and the recommendations of the Council of State Representatives, the…

One of a series of units designed to acquaint secondary school students with business issues, this packet focuses on the decisions facing American companies doing business in South Africa. Teacher and student materials are provided in separate sections. The teacher's guide presents an overview, objectives, five detailed lesson plans, suggested…

This paper traces the development of research concerning effective schools and provides a critical, synthesizing overview of various research strands. Strands of research included are self-concept, teacher expectations, democratic-authoritarian leadership, various uses of the term "school climate," input-output production models (with…

Numerous factors influencing health status and health care in Mexico are reviewed in this paper. Part I covers socioeconomic influences including agricultural and land tenure patterns, oil production, population growth rate, and the extent of poverty. Part II discusses the political environment, emphasizing the effects of politics on strategies…

Self-regulation within higher education is discussed in 10 chapters. Topics include: self-regulation and institutional relations, academic inquiry and integrity, the American Council on Education's Office on Self-Regulation Initiatives, the relationship between the public and private educational sectors, equity and quality issues, and the…