Fundamental educational reform is one of the central elements of the social transformation taking place in the former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In this volume selected experts and eye witnesses of the radical change taking place in the region provide detailed and graphic presentation of the problems and controversies surrounding reform. They explore how the educational systems have responded to the collapse, and they explain the source of new models, ideas, and values on the part of educational policy makers, researchers and teachers. A focus of attention is the values crisis among the youth. The authors explore the values the socialist systems attempted to convey, the manner in which the youth have responded to the collapse, and the possible sources of new values and ideals.

Written by scholars and professionals from such organizations as the Council of Europe and the European Community, this volume provides a comprehensive examination of education throughout Europe. The particularities of national educational systems are of necessity within its purview, but overall organization of the volume reflects such thematic and regional concerns as the impact of social and economic integration on education, the modification of educational structures and curricula following the demise of communism in Eastern Europe, degree equivalency, the financing of educational change, privatization, the impact of migration and immigration, national concerns, intercultural education, and multiculturalism. The volume's experts discuss European education's common heritage and the distinct national traditions it preserves. They deal with the interpretations of European education systems put forward in the shape of educational theories or reform-oriented programs, policies, and ideologies, as well as with the social actors, forces, and movements that have fuelled reform. The book's chapters also address the challenges European education has to face as a consequence of processes of change occurring at multiple levels: at the levels of cultural values, socio-political reconstruction, intercultural migration, supra-national integration, and ongoing global interconnection.

After the breakdown of socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, the role of education systems in preparing students for the "real world" changed. Though young people were freed from coercive state institutions, the shift to capitalism made the transition from school to work much more precarious and increased inequality in early career outcomes. This volume provides the first large-scale analysis of the impact social transformation has had on young people in their transition from school to work in Central and Eastern European countries. Written by local experts, the book examines the process for those entering the workforce under socialism, during the turbulent transformation years, in the early 2000s, and today. It considers both the risks and opportunities that have emerged, and reveals how they are distributed across social groups. Only by studying these changes can we better understand the long-term impact of socialism and post-socialist transformation on the problems young people in this part of the world are facing today.

In Volume III, as in Volumes I and II, the classic topics of reading are included--from vocabulary and comprehension to reading instruction in the classroom--and, in addition, each contributor was asked to include a brief history that chronicles the legacies within each of the volume's many topics. However, on the whole, Volume III is not about tradition. Rather, it explores the verges of reading research between the time Volume II was published in 1991 and the research conducted after this date. The editors identified two broad themes as representing the myriad of verges that have emerged since Volumes I and II were published: (1) broadening the definition of reading, and (2) broadening the reading research program. The particulars of these new themes and topics are addressed.

With contributions from international authors, this text demonstrates that education systems, and what it is to be educated, are in transition and that societies and economies are changing dramatically. The contributors explore expanding university systems, financial responsibilities and curricula.

Learn about the many economical and political changes in Central and Eastern Europe to stay on top of business! Western academics are being called upon to play a principle role in the redefinition of management education in Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR. Among the countless ideological, political, and economic issues engendered by the demise of communism throughout the region, myriad challenges in business education have surfaced. Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS provides an insightful background for Western educators who wish to play a part in or simply bear witness to this historic development.This book reveals and documents some of the major educational efforts and issues which have emerged during the past few years and relates the experiences and viewpoints of some of the most active participants. It shares both insights and lessons that have already been learned with those who seek to contribute in the future. Each chapter will interest and challenge the reader as it frankly describes the struggle to establish modern business education in these dynamic societies.In this collection, distinguished contributors counsel readers that if Western educators are to make an effective contribution, they must first discover which western ideas and theories can be used immediately, which need to be adapted to fit the local environments, and which must be completely rethought. Each chapter enhances the understanding of business education in these emerging societies and affords a clearer understanding of the gulf between East and West.Topics in Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS include: international business education in Estoniafrom socialism to capitalism business education and management training in the old and new East Central Europe the International Center for Public Enterprises in Sloveniaimplications for teaching interpersonal skills and introducing international business concepts teaching organization behavior to Eastern European managersa process of adaptation to change Business education will most certainly have a significant impact on the restructuring of the political and social cultures in the region and is, in fact, critical to the ultimate success of democratic free market systems. Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS helps Western educators and practitioners alike to make a useful contribution toward meeting the opportunities and threats in this historic era.