The authors explore some current models and theories of adult education and give their interpretation of how they can and should be applied in the future. The learning society has always been our goal, but we have not been willing to abandon our principal obstacle--schooling--to achieve it. (Author/AJ)

The existence of compulsory school attendance at the secondary level may help to assure school attendance for some students, but it does little to assure that any will learn. Both the laws requiring attendance and the basic high school programs offered in most states must be remodeled. Arizona's system provides a good example. Although Arizona's…

Profiles the current trend of parents' choosing to educate their children at home. Provides data on the numbers and motivations of such parents and examines the surrounding legal issues. Challenges the premise of compulsory schooling on the basis of achievement data that document the superior performance of home-schooled children. (KH)

Reviewing public education versus private education concerns, the author outlines the dangers of privatization and presents a strong argument for strengthening public education. (MD)

A 15-year study of Amish schools in the United States and Canada found that the number of Amish schools has grown dramatically from 1940 through the present. The Amish provide formal schooling only up to the eighth grade, after which adolescents are engaged in mastering a trade before entering into adulthood. The Amish once supported public…

From time to time during the past 100 years individuals or organizations have suggested, or seriously proposed, the establishment of a Federal department of education. Immediately after the Civil War the early advocates, led by Henry Barnard, almost succeeded in their plan. In 1867 a bill creating a department of education, introduced into the…

Focuses on the extent of the power of the State to enforce a system of compulsory education contrary to the wishes of the parent. (Author)

Discusses factors that have helped democratize European education. Specifically examined are compulsory education, increased geographic accessibility, socio-economic and sexual equality, and educational purpose and motivation. Also discussed is why interest in democratization of education exists in most societies around the world. (AM)

Discusses how the histories of people, ideas, and concepts can be useful for the improvement of education today. Examples of historical analyses of curriculum development, compulsory education, vocational education, and teachers' roles are included. Historical studies comparing stated educational goals to actual outcomes are discussed. (AM)

Examines the role of the working class in the expansion of the American public school system from 1870 to 1900. In contrast to progressive and recent revisionist theory, the nature and limits of social conflict is identified as the key to explaining the growth of public education in the United States. (Author/RH)

With the change to comprehensive schools in Sweden completed, the author considers how education will be restructured in the future both at the compulsory and the post-compulsory levels. (SJL)

Describes a study involving the distribution of a questionnaire to 30 nurses in northern Illinois to determine the extent of their participation in voluntary continuing education and to determine their attitudes toward mandatory continuing education. (WL)

Describes changes at the three levels of the Soviet educational system (primary, basic, and secondary) brought about by Perestroika. The basic level offers a compulsive general studies program while a differentiated secondary curriculum offers more electives. Discusses the teacher's role and the establishment of public governing councils. (SLM)

Outlines China's 1985 educational reforms, and the political and economic factors behind them. Examines the impact on the school system, on higher education, and on teachers of reforms such as nine years' compulsory education, rapid introduction of technical and vocational training, and greater institutional autonomy. Contains 37 references. (SV)

Discusses issues surrounding the development of mass compulsory schooling and explores the possible development of a theoretical framework for analyzing the effects of such schooling. Concludes that compulsory attendance laws make little difference in rates of school attendance. Rather, social conditions create the environment in which laws become…