Education & Pedagogy

Analyzes three public controversies related to California's Proposition 227: English as endangered language versus students' right to appropriate education, bilingual education versus structured English immersion, and local control and professional volition versus state-mandated English-only education. Outlines an advocacy framework applicable to student diversity and bilingual education and encompassing issues identification, defensibility, and teacher leadership. (Contains 35 references.) (SV)

Traces the history and development of the education system of Myanmar. Discusses the need to use disaggregated data in examining Myanmar education because national figures may mask regional differences that are crucial to the planning process. Describes the findings of a national education sector study, and stresses the importance of regional networks and educational partnerships. (SLD)

Describes the structure and governance of the education system of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and outlines the major issues and constraints that will operate on the development of education over the next decade. Government plans for the development of education include planned funding inputs managed through loan and donor-funded projects. (SLD)

Examines the dilemma of audience and voice in education, connecting the golden era of American educational historiography to the education reforms of the 1960s-70s, then discussing recent developments in the areas of people of color, history and policy, higher education, and gender-based history. Suggests ways that history might be connected to current educational research issues. (SM)

Drawing on insights from Albanian teacher educators and government representatives, this paper examines processes of change and types of reform (modernization, structural, and systemic reform) in Albania. It also discusses the initial implementation of one of the reforms, which was directed at the balance and role of school experiences, analyzing differences in its implementation for primary and secondary teacher training. (SM)

In response to the expense and unreliability of radio and telephone communications, the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education and Training undertook a trial of satellite technology to deliver interactive lessons to elementary students in remote areas. The Gilat satellite system developed in Israel is described, including equipment, operations, and outcomes of a previous trial in Western Australia. (SV)

Case studies of nine Alberta charter schools examined the role of charter schools in educational reform. The real promise of charter schools resides less in fostering innovation and efficiency in public education, and more in providing parental school choice and addressing diverse values and goals of education. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/TD)

In focus groups 10 graduates of a distance education master's in nursing program discussed the degree's impact on their careers and the importance of personal support in completing the program. Distance education enabled them to remain based in their communities, improving access to health care and raising community awareness of the role of advanced practice nurses. (SK)

Explains that the right to education is not mentioned in the Constitution of the United States as a fundamental right, discussing whether the United States needs a right to education. Examines how such a right could be established through either modification of the Constitution or by becoming a right by social discernment. (SM)

Explores differences and similarities in various European national histories, politics, and traditions regarding gender relationships within and outside teacher education that affect school and college practice, discussing: the feminization of teaching and teacher education; the European Union's impact; the extent to which gender is a discourse in European teacher education; and theoretical and strategic approaches necessary to strengthen gender's influence. (SM)

Explores the contours of the current policy debate in Germany over higher education reform and the issues it raises for an anthropological understanding of higher education in late capitalist societies. Argues that reform proposals aim at the rehierarchization of higher education and utilizes a case study to illustrate the implications of rehierarchization. (CMK)

Examines the implementation process of Education and the Arts (1985), a major Australian federal arts education policy, using the Synthesis Model of Implementation Process. Finds that overall the Education and the Arts (1985) policy was unsuccessful in achieving its desired outcomes. Discusses the results. (CMK)

Considers the state of the urban public education system in Chicago (Illinois). Addresses the effects of demographic and economic changes, the role of Benjamin Coppage Willis as superintendent of the Chicago schools, and the effects of inequality and plans for desegregation. (CMK)

Discusses the complexity facing South African researchers in higher education as they try to overcome the heritage of the old, fragmented higher education system. Necessary paradigm shifts are identified, as are focus areas for improving the quality of South African higher education research at both national and institutional levels. (DB)

A survey of special education or transition coordinators across South Carolina found that half the school districts employed one or more paraprofessionals to assist students with disabilities in occupational education classes. Only one-third of districts reported providing training, though almost all respondents felt that training was needed especially in job coaching, behavior management, and knowledge about disabilities. (Contains references.) (DB)