Macroappraisal in the Netherlands. The First Ten Years, 1991–2001, and Beyond

A new appraisal method for national government records introduced in the 1990s aimed at reducing backlogs in the transfer of pre-1976 records to the National Archives of the Netherlands. Since then, appraisal and disposition decisions are based on macro analysis. Preventing new backlogs from occurring was a second goal. The socalled project PIVOT (1991–2001 and after) coordinated the introduction, development, and implementation of the new appraisal method. This article describes the objectives, method, and appraisal criteria, as well as the criticism and laborious progress of this ongoing story. This article is a revised and enlarged version of an earlier publication, “Makrohindamine Hollandis. Eskimesed kümme aanstat: 1991–2001”, TUNA Ajalookultuuri ajakiri 4 (2003): 150–154.     

Effects of single‐sex versus co‐educational classes and schools on gender differences in progress in language and mathematics achievement

In this study, the effects of single‐sex versus co‐educational classes and schools on the progress in language and mathematics of boys and girls at the end of the second year of secondary education are investigated. Data from the Longitudinaal Onderzoek Secundair Onderwijs project are used. Multilevel analyses were carried out on a sample of approximately 4000 pupils, 330 classes (190 single‐sex), 180 teachers and 50 schools (20 single‐sex). The results indicate that for boys the gender composition of the classes has more impact than the gender composition of the schools, whereas for girls the gender composition of the schools is more important. Boys make more progress for language (and not for mathematics) in co‐educational classes even after we have taken into account the selective nature of the classes. Girls, on the other hand, make more progress for mathematics (but not for language) in single‐sex than in co‐educational schools.     

Intellectually gifted students with possible characteristics of ASD: a multiple case study of psycho-educational assessment practices

The Strengths and Weaknesses Heuristic (S&W Heuristic) was constructed in order to reduce biased assessments of students with (suspicion of) Intellectual Giftedness in co-occurrence with Autism Spectrum Disorder (IG + ASD) and to establish a well-founded interconnection between assessment data and intervention indications. The current study is the second in the validation process of the S&W Heuristic. An in-depth analysis of three assessment dossiers of Dutch IG-students with possible characteristics of ASD is focused upon. The core question is whether the S&W Heuristic is of added value to diminish bias in any direction and increase systematicity. The results indicate that bias, mainly directed at Strengths, as well as unsystematicity were present in different stages of two assessment dossiers. The conclusion is that the S&W Heuristic seems to pave the way for systematicity and less bias in assessment processes of students with (suspicion of) IG + ASD.     

Professional Learning Communities: A Review of the Literature

International evidence suggests that educational reform’s progress depends on teachers’ individual and collective capacity and its link with school-wide capacity for promoting pupils’ learning. Building capacity is therefore critical. Capacity is a complex blend of motivation, skill, positive learning, organisational conditions and culture, and infrastructure of support. Put together, it gives individuals, groups, whole school communities and school systems the power to get involved in and sustain learning over time. Developing professional learning communities appears to hold considerable promise for capacity building for sustainable improvement. As such, it has become a ‘hot topic’ in many countries.     

A tale of two countries: comparing civic education in the Philippines and Singapore

This article provides a comparative analysis of citizenship education in the Philippines and Singapore. Through an analysis of historical contexts, citizenship education policy and curriculum, it examines Makabayan in the Philippines and National Education in Singapore. It identifies particular policy and curriculum trajectories as responses to national and global imperatives to demonstrate how countries are redefining the kinds of knowledge, skills and values deemed necessary for national citizenship in global contexts. This comparative case study illustrates some of the tensions and contradictions facing citizenship education in new global contexts and highlights the different ways countries try to manage these tensions through citizenship education policies and curricula. Findings point to different factors that shape and constrain the implementation of citizenship education programmes in both countries.     

Career development issues among Japanese work groups

Conclusion Like most of the industrialized nations of the world, Japan is undergoing changes in its occupational structure, in its societal values about work and achievement, and in the demographics of its work force. These changes have different types of impact on the career development of young workers, initial entry and reentry women, and older workers.As greater clarity is established on how these populations differ between and within groups, Japan's policy-makers have become aware that different types of intervention programs must be developed and implemented for each of these groups. However, there is not a sufficient number of counselors, who are trained to deal with the career development and transition to work issues presented by each of these groups, to respond to the growing needs for career counseling and career guidance across the nation. Clearly, a national agenda for serving a work force in Japan which is aging, diversifying, and entering and adjusting to an occupational environment which is itself in flux must include major attention to counselor preparation, research in career development across the life-span, and the development and testing of career development programs tailored to multiple individual and group needs.     

Orgasm and lesbian sociality

Orgasm is often seen as the most sensational aspect of sex, and, seemingly, it never ceases to fascinate. The female and the male orgasm hold different positions in research as well as in public debate, and the orgasm has been object of discussion within the feminist movement. This article is about sex and especially the female orgasm related to difference and power issues that feminism has raised over the last 30 years. In an attempt to bring new arguments and perspectives into account, empirical material, mainly consisting of interviews with lesbians, is analysed. This article discusses power issues in lesbian sex, and the main focus is on differences and power connected to the production of orgasmic sex. By extension of the analysis the author raises questions to be discussed in a heterosexual context.     

Promotion of Reading and Early Literacy Skills in Schools: a comparison of three European countries

This article gives a short overview based on the EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy (HLWG) report to address issues and challenges in Europe on improving literacy competencies in schools. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted focusing on the promotion of reading and early literacy skills in schools taking into account psychological and institutional learning conditions in three countries (Denmark, Germany, and France) with different outcomes in PIRLS 2011 (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study). Country comparison is conducted using multiple groups – multilevel structural equation modelling (MG-MSEM). An important finding is that policy action taken in order to evaluate and improve school effectiveness in each country must address particular needs of its educational system. Suggestions for improving reading achievement in schools are derived from the analysis.