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For the past two centuries, higher learning has been set firmly within the bounds of the Nation State. With the rise of a "higher education space" in the European Union, a range of powerful and influential decision-making bodies are giving new meaning to the "supranational dimension" in the world of academe. In this book, some leading higher education researchers and practitioners address issues related to the relationship between higher education and the Nation State. Guy Neave takes us on a historical excursion, showing trends towards Europeanisation and de-Europeanisation in different forms in various parts of state levels of government in higher education in the United States. Alberto Amaral takes up the issue of quality assurance in the European context. Kurt De Wit and Jef Verhoeven report on recent developments concerning the interplay between higher education policies at the Nation State and supranational levels. In addition, Antonio Ruberti addresses the issue of research co-operation, and Fons van Wieringen discusses privatization in post-compulsory education in the Netherlands. (HoF/text adopted)

"Alan Sears examines education reform in relation to a broad process of cultural and economic change. His book makes the case that education reform is one aspect of a broad-ranging neo-liberal agenda that aims to push the market deeper into every aspect of our lives by eliminating or shrinking non-market alternatives. The author begins by showing that advocates of education reform have had to make the case that the current system is not working. This sets the ground for an examination of the so-called "common sense revolution," a claim that drastic change was required to redesign government policies to fit a changing world. Lean production methods are a crucial component of this changing world, and broader social and cultural change is now required to consolidate the emerging order built on the spread of these methods. Education reform is designed to recast the relations of citizenship, contributing to the cultural and social change promoted through the social policy of the lean state."--Jacket

Legal Issues of Special Education is for university faculty staff teaching courses on education law and policy. It also serves as a resource for students conducting research, government officials, and professionals in these fields. Combating discrimination on the basis of disability and special needs education is an area that is receiving increased attention from the European Commission and the Member States. This is reflected in the fact that the year 2003 has been designated the European Year of Disabled Citizens. This timely book is about raising awareness of the rights of disabled people to full equality and participation in all areas. It aims to show that disability is an issue of concern to all of us

Education policy is at the very top of the political agenda - the proclaimed top priority of the 'New Labour' government. Yet Labour has inherited a quasi-market education system and remains under the direction of reform during the coming year. This book examines new directions on issues of selection and educational opportunity, gender and racism and the question of school effectiveness and school improvements. The politics for the National Curriculum and its assessment are explored, alongside issues of lifelong learning and IT policy. The book explores the key questions of the future reform of education in contemporary Britain with contributions from the leading experts in education, education policy, politics and sociology

This book emphasises the central place that ethnographic work should have in the formulation and evaluation of education policy. Ethnographic studies contribute to a greater understanding of the process formulation, evaluation and critique. First, careful studies of policy initiatives at the local level can show the extent to which change actually occurs in practice. Second, ethnographic studies can investigate the unintended consequences as well as those planned by the policy. Third, ethnography can investigate the effects of policies in such a way that contradictions within the original policy itself are illuminated. As well as studying the effects and impact of policy, ethnography can also be useful in the formulation of new policies. The various chapters gathered together here give many examples of the ways that ethnography can trace the effects of particular policy developments and may be able to influence future policy debates. The contributors and case studies relate to several countries including the United States, Italy, England, France, Sweden and Switzerland, showing not only that ethnographic research in education is now widespread, but also increasing relevance to policy.

What are the proper aims of education in a liberal democracy? The essayists in this volume bring philosophical, political, and legal reflection to bear on the practical questions of how education should be changed for the 21st century.