Promise on class sizes brings 19bn

Article Abstract:

The Government is to make available an extra GB 19bn in order to reduce class sizes and increase student numbers by 500,000. The funding constitutes the largest ever single investment in education and honours the Prime Minister's undertaking to spend more on education. The funding will enable class sizes for 6, 7 and 8 year olds to be reduced to a maximum of 30 by 2001, and more money will be allocated to improve literacy and numeracy standards. Three year olds will benefit from a new "sure start" programme and capital spending on schools will double during the lifetime of this parliament. In raising student numbers by 500,000, most of the expansion is likely to occur in further education colleges. A pledge of an additional GB 1.1bn extra spending on scientific research over three years has been welcomed by universities, though they have not yet heard whether their bid to secure an extra GB 1bn in funding has been successful.

Comment:

UK: Government is to make available an extra GBP19 bil in order to reduce class sizes & increase student numbers by 500,000

Administration of Human Resource Programs, Education, Manpower & Social Services, Domestic policy

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The future still belongs to boys

Article Abstract:

Although girls are surpassing boys in the traditional curriculum subjects, boys' interest in computer games, computers and Playstations may mean they are much better prepared than girls for the world of the 21st century. In an economy in which the management of vast amounts of information is crucial, and with the interactivity of electronic technologies foremost, boys are intrinsically better prepared for the opportunities that will arise. One fear is that there will be a return to the traditionally gendered divisions, with girls retreating into the so-called helping or service professions, while boys get the rewards in the highly technological economy. To readdress this imbalance, argues Professor Gunter Kress of the Institute of Education in London, the focus of the curriculum must cover the new communication media away from its focus on language-based skills alone

Comment:

UK: Focus of curriculum must cover new commun media away from focus on language-based skills alone to readdress IT problems

Administration of Education Programs, Education Programs, Education policy

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Home repairs growth

Article Abstract:

The Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced a number of measures to reduce homelessness and renovate over 1.5mn homes. Local authorities will be permitted to use capital receipts totalling GB 3.6bn to pay for house repairs, including about 250,000 homes which need serious attention. Other measures include the establishment, under Audit Commission procedures, of a Housing Inspectorate to deal with poor management in local authorities. Council house rents will be increased to provide funds for maintenance and an energy efficiency programme is planned, while tenants will gain a greater say in the management and maintenance of their homes.

Comment:

UK: Chancellor Gordon Brown announces a number of measures to reduce homelessness & renovate over 1.5 mil homes

Housing & Development NEC, Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Development, Housing development

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