Training in the areas of democratization and empowerment is needed immediately. The IDT is asking people in impoverished communities what they want from an educational system-but it needs to learn systematic methods and approaches to ensure that educational priorities are established from the ground up in a form of participatory democracy. IDT staff members have asked about Henry Levin's Accelerated Schools Project, which focuses on empowering students, teachers, parents, and administrators, by giving the schools back to the community. IDT is also interested in receiving material and training about other grassroots educational efforts to institutionalize the process nationally. American scholars can help provide an overview of systemic reform approaches, as well as specific curriculum material and administrative restructuring efforts.
Teacher training is essential.
American scholars can share lessons learned in the area of teacher retraining, in-service programs, and adult education. Capacity building in university administration and governance is sorely needed-in areas ranging from student loan policies to the development of complex management information systems to track student progress and inform policy decisionmakers. South African universities are also facing student protests and demands for greater sensitivity in managing multicultural diversity, conflict resolution, and women's issues. American universities are acquiring a wealth of experience in these areas and can share their findings. The first step is surprisingly simple.