Development Of Education Policy Research Articles

Centralised Mathematics Assessments of Lithuanian Secondary School Students: Population Analysis

We focus on two types of centralised national examinations (the 10th grade tests and Matura examination) that are being carried out in Lithuania for two decades. The aim of the paper is to analyse assessments of mathematics for the entire Lithuanian secondary school population that have no sampling errors while considering the factors of location, school ownership and gender as important indicators when judging about educational effectiveness in terms of quality and equity. We analyse the results of the 10th grade tests for the 2011–2015 period and the results of the same cohorts participating in the Matura examination. We observe that the distribution of the assessments of both exams is asymmetric with a positive skew. The median often is below the middle of the grade scale indicating poor performance or mismatch between knowledge and examination tasks. There are limited differences in assessments with respect to gender and school location, although we detect a tendency to have better mathematics achievement in private schools. The conclusions drawn from national assessment data is somewhat different from international data thus one cannot neglect national information for the development of educational policy. The variables analysed in the analysis has limited predictive power for achievements in mathematics and further analysis is called-for.

What Do Parents Want in Terms of Early Childhood Education and Care?

ABSTRACT In the development of early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy, it is important to understand parents’ decision-making in terms of both preferences and pragmatic constraints. Traditional data collection techniques such as self-reported surveys can elucidate parental preferences, however, these may differ from their actual decisions. In our research we marry qualitative responses about ECEC preferences with the results of a quasi-behavioral conjoint analysis to explore whether there is an association between parents’ stated and revealed preferences. In this study, 631 parents of young children in Toronto answered an open-ended question about ECEC preferences and a choice-based conjoint survey in which they chose between hypothetical providers that varied across ECEC attributes. Research Findings: Pearson’s point bi-serial correlations between stated and revealed preferences found that associations were non-existent or weak. Parent characteristics (ethnicity, education, income and primary language) moderately influenced the strength of these correlations. Our findings suggest that parents may not be able to fully articulate their preferences for ECEC, and that their stated preferences may not match their decisions. Practice or Policy: This study may have important implications for policymakers and researchers, as our findings support the use of complementary methods to collect information about ECEC preferences from stakeholders.

English teaching in distant education policy development: Ukrainian aspect

The problem of distance learning in practice arose in Ukraine over the last period, when quarantine measures were introduced due to the spread of COVID-19. After the announcement by the government and the relevant state institutions of compulsory distance learning, teachers faced real problems in the implementation of this form of education, which require urgent consideration and resolution. And although distance learning has become an integral part of the daily life of most students during quarantine, it does not meet the requirements of the modern information society. These facts explain the relevance of this study. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and generalise the present state of distance learning in Ukraine in general and in terms of language study, including English. The present state of distance learning in Ukraine and the prospects for its development are determined using theoretical analysis, synthesis, comparison, individualisation and generalisation. Distance learning can be a powerful tool for everyone who wants to learn foreign languages and an effective means of expanding the creative potential of students.

English teaching in distant education policy development: Ukrainian aspect

The problem of distance learning in practice arose in Ukraine over the last period, when quarantine measures were introduced due to the spread of COVID-19. After the announcement by the government and the relevant state institutions of compulsory distance learning, teachers faced real problems in the implementation of this form of education, which require urgent consideration and resolution. And although distance learning has become an integral part of the daily life of most students during quarantine, it does not meet the requirements of the modern information society. These facts explain the relevance of this study. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and generalise the present state of distance learning in Ukraine in general and in terms of language study, including English. The present state of distance learning in Ukraine and the prospects for its development are determined using theoretical analysis, synthesis, comparison, individualisation and generalisation. Distance learning can be a powerful tool for everyone who wants to learn foreign languages and an effective means of expanding the creative potential of students. It can be organised in Ukraine as a system of practice in phonetic and video laboratories and the use of various Internet resources, specialised computer software and training courses, e-books, electronic encyclopaedias and dictionaries. However, declaring the advantages of distance learning in modern Ukraine, universities are reluctant to offer students online courses. For the distance learning to take its rightful place in the education system of Ukraine, it is necessary to solve certain problems. The results obtained can enrich and expand the academic experience, raise the awareness of faculty and staff of both Ukrainian and foreign educational institutions and contribute to their understanding of the modern process of distance learning. Linguistics and Culture Review © 2021.

Family Medicine Academic Workforce of Medical Schools in Taiwan: A Nationwide Survey

Little is known about family medicine academic workforce in Taiwan, and basic data on this may aid healthcare decision-makers and contribute to the limited literature. We analyzed data from 13 medical schools in Taiwan collected by the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine from June to September 2019, regarding characteristics of medical schools, and total staff, gender, age, degree, working title (adjunct/full-time), academic level, and subspecialty of each current family medicine faculty member. Total 13 medical schools in Taiwan with an undergraduate education program in family medicine, but only nine of the 13 medical schools had family medicine departments, while four still do not. A total of 116 family medicine faculty members ranging from 33–69 years. Of these, most were male (n = 85, 73.3%), with a mean age of 43.3 years. Most faculty members possessed a master’s degree (n = 49, 42.2%), were academic lecturers (n = 49, 42.2%), were located in northern Taiwan (n = 79, 68.1%), and subspecialize in gerontology and geriatrics (n = 55, 47.4%) and hospice palliative care (n = 53, 45.7%). Additionally, most family medicine faculty in medical schools were adjunct faculty (n = 90, 77.6%), with only about one-fourth (n = 26, 22.4%) working full-time. Our study provides the most holistic census to date on academic family medicine faculty from all medical schools in Taiwan. The novel information can provide educational leaders, health policy managers, and decision-makers about the current developments of the family medicine departments in Taiwan’s medical schools. The basic data will help formulate an effective medical school family medicine education plan and improve the establishment and development of the family medicine faculty workforce to help medical education and national health policy development in the future in Taiwan.

Looking Back: Reviewing the Challenges of Policy Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic for a TNE Partnership in Higher Education

This paper takes a retrospective view of the year 2020, with a focus on how Higher Education policy development was undertaken on a Transnational Education (TNE) program between the University of Glasgow (UofG) and the University of Electronics, Science and Technology in Chengdu (UESTC), China in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the approach to policy development under normal circumstances, contrasting this with the approach taken during the emergence of the epidemic and how the unfolding situation impacted on those policies. It demonstrates how the application of management tools for scenario planning and crisis management can be used effectively to develop a clear and prescriptive policy for staff. It also demonstrates how the use of such tools, combined with careful analysis and planning, can minimize disruption to student learning, teaching, and assessment. The paper then goes on to explain the creation and implementation of policies addressing three main areas: learning and teaching, Final Year Projects, and assessment. Finally, it reflects on the student and staff perspectives on the policies, considering how this information might be used to enhance the policy development process in future.

Global education policy in African fragile and conflict-affected states: examining the Global Partnership for Education

ABSTRACT The study detailed in this paper examines the role of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in the transnational policy-making landscape in relation to African fragile and conflict-affected states. Data collection was based on content analysis of a corpus of documents – Education Sector Plans (ESPs)/ Transitional Sector Plans – examining to what extent the main categories identified in the literature concerning global education policy and international development, emerge from the documents. We conclude that certain terms and constructs that emerge from global education discourses recur frequently in the ESPs. The article argues that there is a depoliticisation strategy in the development of the ESPs, making it possible to identify a façade of precision, a façade of rationality and a façade of universality.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Determinants on the Quality of Life of Moroccan Breast Cancer Survivors Diagnosed Two Years Earlier at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat.

Introduction The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of socioeconomic determinants on the quality of life of Moroccan women with breast cancer two years after their diagnosis who are followed up at the National Institute of Oncology (INO) in Rabat. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted between May 2019 and September 2020. The sample size was 304 women. Data were collected using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR 23 questionnaires in the Moroccan dialect. Results The mean age of participants was 53.5 ± 12.4 years, where the majority resided in urban areas and more than half were illiterate. Moreover, three-quarters of the survivors were not working, and almost all have basic medical coverage. Nearly one-third of the respondents had experienced discrimination from those around them, and nearly half attributed the decrease in income to their state of health. In addition, 38.2 percent of participants stated that they had great difficulty living on their monthly income after the illness, whereas more than half of the survivors had a good quality of life in terms of overall health (GHS/QOL). Besides, social function obtained the highest score, while emotional function obtained the lowest score. Furthermore, financial difficulty was the most distressing symptom. Indeed, income adjustment after the disease, discrimination, distance between home and treatment center, professional status, and medical coverage were correlated with GHS/QOL. Regression analysis revealed that income adjustment after illness and discrimination were significant predictors of GHS/QOL. Conclusion The data suggest establishing a financial support program and the development of education and awareness-raising policies to combat discrimination.

Georgian experience in the field of education and cultural policy: the example of the first democratic republic of Georgia in the years 1918 -1921

Aim. The paper aims to study and present the issue of Georgian education, analyze it chronologically and thematically based on past experience. The paper deals with the period of the First Republic of Georgia, 1918-1921, and highlights the place of education and culture in Georgian politics. Moreover, the paper is focused on the connections of modern Georgian politics and the centuries-old traditional heritage and its transformation into the present reality.
 Method. The paper is presented based on a number of researched documents, empirical material, scientific research papers, monographs, analysis of government documents, historical-comparative method.
 Result. The paper presents the reality of the first democratic republic in Georgia in 1918-1921, the effective steps of the state for the development of proper education and cultural policy, and its introduction and development in practice.
 Conclusion. Several empirical materials prove that during the period of the First Republic of Georgia (1918-1921), despite the difficult political situation in Georgia, education in Georgia, with the support of the government and due to the active and creative work of representatives of such field as education, literature, theater, music, cinema, and science. were well developed. This issue is part of the country's internal policy, which is important and relevant today.

Sociodemographic and academic characteristics of students in the Medical Program at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Cohorts 1977-2018

Introduction.
 The characterization of students in a Medical Program and its impact on academic performance and successful completion is a relatively unstudied process in medical education.
 Material and Methods: This observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study characterized students in the Medical Program at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira from 1977-2018.
 Results: Participants were grouped into applicants (23738), enrolled (3714), graduates (1984), and non-graduates (1730). In the enrolled student subgroup, the male:female ratio varied with a trend favoring females in terms of age when starting the program, age at graduation, graduation percentage, and periods enrolled. Application and enrollment were predominantly composed of students from lower socioeconomic strata, and who had graduated from public schools. There was a progressive participation of women in all groups, completing the program in less time and graduating at a younger age. The applicant/enrollment ratio was 25:1, unmet demand was 96% and the adjusted percentage of non-graduates was 27.4%.
 Conclusion: This information opens the discussion on the development of educational policies that seek to increase coverage and strengthen student follow-up programs, allowing for a timely and successful graduation.

Research on Evaluation and Improvement Policy of Higher Education Development Based on TOPSIS-Synthetic Control Method

This article aims at the evaluation and improvement of the development of higher education. First of all, according to the theory and hypothesis, the comprehensive evaluation index system of higher education development level is established. The TOPSIS and the combination weighting method based on goal programming are used to measure the scores of higher education development levels of 19 major countries in the world in the recent 20 years, and the horizontal and vertical comparative analysis is carried out. Then, according to the practical feasibility, Turkey is selected as the target country to propose a higher education development and improvement policy by 2030, and the causal effect of our proposed policy is estimated using the synthetic control method. This study can provide a reference for other countries in the world to improve their higher education level.

"The Book "" The History and Custom of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples "" and the Formation of the Indigenous Educational Policy in the Early Days of the Japanese Colonial Period "

<p>本文主要目的在於從《臺灣蕃人事情》報告，來看日治初期官方原住民教育政策之形成。《臺灣蕃人事情》是民政部事務囑託伊能嘉矩和粟野傳之丞呈給民政長官後藤新平的覆命書，此覆命書係為實施蕃人教育預作準備。本書大部分內容由人類學調查所組成，可作為從人類學的角度看待教育的特殊視角。在蕃人教育措施準備上，覆命書中提及針對各族原住民「開化發達」的程度不同，給予適當之教育措施。對照日本總督府隨後原住民教育政策之發展，覆命書確實有其若合符節之處，也有差異之處。會有差異之處的原因，在於殖產部門所管轄的原住民區域，發展出與文教部門不同的原住民教育措施。</p> <p> </p><p>The main purpose of this article is to analyze the relation between the formation of the official indigenous education policy in the early period of Japanese colony and the report “The History and Custom of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples ". “The History and Custom of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples “was the official report for the Chief of the Civil Affairs, Goto Shinpei, by two officials of Department of Civil Affairs, Ino Kanori and Suo Chuanji. The purpose of survey was the preparations for educating indigenous peoples. Most part of this report was based on field study, which could help to see education from an anthropological perspective. For establishing an education system for indigenous peoples, it divided to the different levels of civilization of each different ethnic group of indigenous peoples, and then gave each an appropriate education. Comparing the subsequent development of the indigenous education system that Taiwan Governor’s Office of Japanese initiated, it found there were some similarity and difference between the official report and the practical policy. The reason for the difference based on the development of indigenous educational policy that was different from the educational unit in the indigenous areas under the jurisdiction of the developmental department.</p> <p> </p>

The doublespeak discourse of the race disparity audit: an example of the White racial frame in institutional operation

ABSTRACT The Race Disparity Audit (RDA) was published in 2017 by the then Conservative government of the UK. The proclaimed aims were to ‘reveal racial disparities and to help end the injustices that many people experience’. This paper adopts a critical discourse analysis approach to analysing the RDA and associated webpages, to critically examine the government’s purported aims. The linguistic analysis reveals a pernicious form of political doublespeak which effects a maintenance of the status quo. In excluding racism as a cause of disparities, the audit acts to de-legitimise anti-racism as part of the solution, thereby preventing actions with the potential to end racial injustices. The analysis is explained by reference to Feagin’s (2013. The White racial frame. Centuries of racial framing and counter-framing (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge) White racial frame in institutional operation. The paper concludes by exposing the ramifications of this for future policy development by reference to an education policy development borne from the RDA.

Special and Inclusive Education in Southern Africa

Children with special education needs possess unique learning characteristics which may inhibit their effective learning in mainstream, general education classes. Special education practices are therefore designed to address the educational needs of students with disabilities through various strategies including thorough assessments of students’ characteristics, individualized curriculum planning, and provision of essential services and resources to maximize learning. Although there is extensive research on special education in developed countries like the United States of America (USA), literature on its development and practice in Sub Saharan African countries is somewhat scattered and inconclusive. This study reviewed special education policy, special education teacher professional development, and challenges to successful special education practice in five Southern African countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia. An understanding of special education policy development and challenges is imperative to develop a more successful practice.

Associations of Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement Among Illinois High School Students

The health benefits of physical activity are empirically supported and well accepted. However, the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, and academic performance remains to be clearly established. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement among a sample of Illinois high school students. Analyses were based on the 2016–2017 school year Archival Fitnessgram physical fitness test scores and cumulative GPAs of ninth- through twelfth-grade students (N = 371). Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between physical fitness and academic performance. Multiple linear regression predicted students’ academic achievement. There was a positive association between total fitness and academic achievement, although not statistically significant, r (369) = .002, p = .49. The regression prediction model was statistically significant (p < .001) and accounted for approximately 25% of the variance in academic achievement (R2 = .256, adjusted R2 = .246). Academic achievement was predicted by total number of absences and gender, and to a lesser extent by socio­economic status, the curl-up, and ethnicity. The findings of this study suggest a positive association between physical fitness and academic achievement. These results are potentially relevant to the development of future education policies. Thus, policy makers, school administrators, and educators must use the knowledge gained in this study, along with existing research, as evidence to emphasize the importance of the fitness–academic link, to further support the need for quality physical education curriculum and mandated physical fitness testing.

Shadow Education Policy in Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This study systematically reviews Korea’s shadow education policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for shadow education policy development in the future. Design/Approach/Methods: In terms of approach, this policy review analyzes selected documents using the analytical framework of shadow education policies. Selected documents comprise recently revised decrees, policies, and regulations issued by the Korean Ministry of Education, as well as policy notices issued by the Korea Association of Hagwon. Data are supplemented by triangulation with news media content. Findings: This study identifies tutoring policies at the legal level in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Government debate regarding shadow education largely centers on the closing of tutoring organizations and ensuring that online tuition fees adhere to government regulation. In respect to the expansion of the government-led shadow education partnership, the government’s increasing role in education has served to restrict the shadow education market. Originality/Value: The Korean government has adjusted its shadow education policies in response to COVID-19, altering its legal and economic status. An examination of Korea’s recent shadow education policies suggests future trends in the revision and development of shadow education in the country.

Pandemi Döneminde Dijital Eğitim Teknolojisinin Dönüştürücü Etkisi Bağlamında Eğitim Hakkı ve Eğitim Politikaları

'Social distance', which is the most important health precaution taken to minimize the transmission risk of Covid-19 pandemic, whose impact on our social life and institutional structures is expected to continue unpredictably, has completely disrupted the dynamics of social life. In this context, many sectors, especially education and training services, which can only be delivered in an organic social context, have had to undergo a rapid formation process through new building dynamics apart from their traditional structural elements. Leading to a crisis in education systems, the pandemic required the urgent development of new education policies, and the prevention of disruption in education through the use of the most widely available technological opportunities available locally. Our study aims to analyze the transformative effect of the 'artificial techno-social network' as the new education and training method during the pandemic period on the education paradigm. In addition, the possibilities and problems presented by the new technological equipment (some AI-based) some of which were already in use to supplement education before the pandemic will be discussed in terms of the right to education. The 'distance education' or 'online education' practices, which can be described as the digital presentation of education and training services, are the main focus of the discussion.

Demographic Trends Forecasting: A Panacea for Sustainable Education Development Policies

Demographic Trends Forecasting: A Panacea for Sustainable Education Development Policies

The Principal Transformational Leadership Strategy in Developing National Policies for Strengthening Character Education in Eastern Indonesia

This study aims to describe the development of national education policies by uniting the main character values set by the Indonesian Ministry of Education with the moral values of the Lonto leok culture of the Manggarai community. Also, to find out and explain the role of the principal’s leadership based on the Lonto Leok culture teaching approach. This research used a qualitative approach, case study design. To achieve research objectives, data collection through in-depth interviews, observation of participants, and study documentation. Data analysis used a modified analytic analysis method. Data validity is assessed based on the level of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The results of the study explained that the school’s character values derived from the unification of national character values and the cultural values of Lonto Leok culture had an effective impact on shaping the character of students at school. Besides, explaining that the application of the principal’s transformational leadership role model based on the approach of Lonto Leok’s cultural teaching dimensions encourages all components of the school, parents, and community to actively participate in supporting the implementation of character education strengthening programs in schools. The contribution of this research is to position the moral values of the “Lonto Leok” culture of the Manggarai community as local cultural assets that support the formation of student character. Also, the dimensions of teaching lonto leok culture affect effectively supporting the principal’s transformational leadership behavior, so that the program to strengthen character education is optimally implemented.

Methodology to Evaluate Economic Viability Plans and Digitalization Strategies in Private Social Education Centers

The Spanish educational system is characterized by the coexistence of three different models of production and provision of education: public, subsidized and private. Within the privately-owned centers not under the subsidized system, private schools of a social nature stand out. These schools, whose main source of financing comes from the fees paid by the students’ families, must implement financial strategies that guarantee their economic viability and allow them to develop their educational project. In a highly competitive environment, the implementation of sound financial strategies and the development of educational innovation policies are critical to ensure their survival. In this context, this study analyzes a methodological proposal that can contribute to guide this strategic policy based on two fundamental pillars: the financial viability of the center and educational innovation through the application of new technologies and innovative teaching strategies. To this end, the case method has been used as the main methodology, obtaining results that considerably improve student satisfaction and that represent economic improvements of more than €100,000 per year. From these results it has been possible to identify different possible scenarios that can condition the financial viability of the educational center, the dropout rate and the academic performance of the students.