Education has changed much, especially during the last decade. This comprehensive reference offers a systematic overview of developments in educational policy and practice around the world. The editors have selected roughly 30 representative countries, many of which are significant because of their power and population. Each chapter, written by an expert contributor, treats educational reform in a particular nation. The chapters place educational reform within philosophical, historical, political, social, and economic contexts, and the consideration of common issues makes this volume a valuable source of comparative information.The contributors employ a uniform approach throughout the work. The issues discussed in each chapter include the impact of economic development, educational expansion, literacy movements, achievement levels, pedagogic and curriculum reform, minority groups and women, public and private education, and the role of the State. The final chapters examine several significant trends in greater detail. Educators and policy makers will rely on this book as an indispensable reference tool.