Sociocultural, economic, and philosophical trends involving the "baby boom" generation of the 1940s are discussed in relation to both educational relevance and the growing interest in vocational education in nontraditional settings. (LH)

Examines quantitative changes in French higher education since the mid-1980s, focusing on vocational tracks. Looks at sources of this change in educational policy and the demographic and social influences on demand. Highlights the impact of this growth on equality of opportunity, particularly among traditionally disadvantaged populations, and on…

Predicted enrollment growth at four-year colleges in some states has not occurred. Trends complicating projection include increase in high school students taking college courses and progressing quickly; community college demand among older students; federal aid and tax changes; growth of distance learning; state and federal welfare program…

As nurse practitioners increasingly move into practice areas once reserved for primary-care physicians, and as medical schools move more toward general practice and primary care, medical and nursing students are competing for a limited number of slots in which they can receive on-the-job clinical instruction. With professional boundaries…

A model of state policymaking affecting private higher education involves three constructs of policy posture: laissez faire; central planning; and market competition. Relationships of the policies and postures to state characteristics and policy outcome proxies are explored, and policy implications are drawn. The analysis suggests that…

Examines the change in black attitudes towards a greater acceptance of school vouchers, charter schools, and other reforms that offer alternatives to the dismal prospects inherent in attending urban public schools. Describes examples of the school choice movement in action and discusses the reasons blacks have begun embracing it. (GR)

Over 500 of the 60,000 students at Northern Virginia Community College already have doctorates, but are seeking job-specific training. Some are enhancing current skills and some are changing careers for personal or economic reasons. Proliferation of high-technology companies in the area has influenced this trend. About 15% of the college's…

China's private schools, colleges, and technical institutes overwhelmingly are autonomous entrepreneurial institutions that respond to unmet educational demands by selling marketable skills for a profit. Although comprising less than 4% of the country's schools, they demonstrate the market's growing strength in China's socialist society: adoption…

Among 450 high school seniors surveyed in Lambayeque province, Peru, 68% planned to apply for university admission, despite a low rate of acceptance. Students had unrealistic expectations of future employment benefits derived from higher education, and rural students and those from less educated families had less realistic attitudes than their…

This article compares higher education and health care affordability, discussing overall expenditures, the role of government, the impact on private business, social values, institutional confidence, and demand factors. It argues that, although college affordability is a serious problem, it will not dominate future public policy debates to the…

The impact on higher education equity and diversity of Australia's recent shift from elite to mass higher education is assessed. Among the issues discussed are institutional role and autonomy, changes in regulation, market forces in higher education, and competition among institutions. (MSE)

Examines the relevance and contribution of universities to national development in economic, sociocultural, and political dimensions. Discusses rates of return, employment, vocational curricula, equality, and ideology. Concludes that a major problem in developing nations is ambivalence of universities stemming from their international and national…

Discusses options for the financing of postcompulsory education. Describes developing and developed nations where a funding crisis has resulted from an increased demand for education when new technologies require ever more highly trained workers. Includes discussion of public versus private funding, business contributions, international…

A discussion of Botswana higher education looks at the relationship between higher education and labor force participation and types of higher education programs available, A study of 102 University of Botswana graduates examined perceived job-relevance of their undergraduate training and pursuit of graduate or on-the-job training. (MSE)

In response to demand, an institute for specialized French language instruction in Moscow has increased its offerings of business French. The demand appears to come from four groups: economists; technical professionals; language specialists; and government officials. This interest has caused a rethinking of instructional approach and methods. (MSE)