A Framework and Principles for International Comparative Studies in Education (1990)

Summary: The Board on International Comparative Studies in Education was established in 1988 by the National Research Council, through its Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, to oversee educational research and statistical activities that are conducted in the United States in conjunction with other countries. The board recognized the need for a conceptual framework for a long-range plan for international studies. Therefore, we began development of a framework for advising government agencies on participation in international comparative studies. In addition to considering the question of U.S. participation in international comparisons, the framework considers why the United States should participate in international studies and what kinds of studies it should support; discusses general issues in comparative education studies; and proposes a framework for establishing priorities for different types of studies. The framework may also be helpful in identifying areas of research that are neglected.