The rationale behind the traditional grade organization pattern of pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary is discussed, as is the trend to extend compulsory schooling later into the teenage years. The impact of these divisions and of compulsory schooling itself on equal educational opportunity is considered. (SJL)

Faced with the possibility of mandatory continuing education laws, educators can learn from the mistakes and successes of other professions. Teachers and administrators must take a leadership role in planning and participating in continuing education programs throughout their professional careers. (Author/MLF)

This study of 2430 pupils, aged 15-16, examined differences between those in favor of raising the school-leaving age and those opposed. Results showed clear social class, academic and attitudinal differences. Using a subsample, an attempt was made to identify specific advantages and disadvantages seen for "staying on." (SJL)

Gifted and talented children are exceptional and are deserving of mandated educational services. A rationale for providing services to gifted/talented children is based on examination of preference satisfaction, equity, stigma, and the effects of the availability of such services. A decision matrix compares policies across the specified criteria.…

An Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development delegation traveled to school sites in the Caribbean Islands. They discovered similarities regarding education's importance, literacy rates, school governance reforms, and an emphasis on early childhood education and professional development for teachers. Private aid to religious schools is…

Details the story of John Singer, who resisted Utah State directives regarding the education of his children for six years, and subsequently was shot to death in a confrontation with law enforcement officers in January 1979. Suggests that the State of Utah had little real concern for the Singer children but was interested only in confirming its…

Among the more relevant questions in educational research is how the governments and policy-makers in transition countries address the high educational inequality inherited from the past and what policies they develop in order to reduce the strong effects of the background family and the type of school on students' achievements, their aspirations…

Australia is currently witnessing a melding of its various education sectors and a gradual erosion of distinctions between school, vocational education and higher education. Such developments are leading toward a "seamless web" of post-compulsory education, a goal strongly articulated by governments, bureaucrats, business and educators…

This study takes a close look at the whole cycle of the 9-yr compulsory education in two communities in north China. It reveals that although there are nearly 100% enrollment and completion rates at the primary level, dropouts constitute a serious problem at the secondary level, thus rendering the 9-yr compulsory schooling an unfinished cycle.…

As the first year of the Sixteenth National People's Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as well as the first year for the new government, the year 2003 witnessed new events and new expectations in Chinese society. The universalization of compulsory education and the elimination of adult illiteracy made new advancements. Secondary…

This article reports findings from a qualitative interview study that examined the provision of integrated kindergarten education for children with disabilities from the perspectives of general education teachers implementing integrated kindergarten programs. Analysis of interviews with eight informants led to the identification of two broad…

This document presents a comparative analysis of education in Japan and the United States. The report explores differences between U.S. and Japanese culture. While the United States may be characterized by its diversity, Japanese culture is distinctive in the extent of its uniformity. Japan, moreover, has a highly centralized educational system;…

A two-week exchange lectureship at the Russian Diplomatic Academy in Moscow is described by the American exchange professor. The focus of the lectureship was the vital role which public education has played historically in shaping the United States. The lectures were designed around three main themes in American education: historic purposes…

This paper explores some of the implications of compulsory education for public and private schools and for home schooling. Data were derived from interviews conducted with approximately 120 education leaders in 15 states and with state officials in all states and U.S. territories. Following the introduction, the first part reviews compulsory…

A study investigated the feasibility of compulsory summer reading programs for students at risk in Virgina school divisions were surveyed concerning their summer school offerings. Remedial summer school enrollment statewide was analyzed. Structured interviews with staff responsible for administration of summer reading programs from 16 selected…