美国高等教育发展与改革:历史考察

高等教育要获得繁荣,需要适应经济社会发展,遵循教育规律,不断探索和研究。伴随着美洲大陆发现和移民出现,美国高等教育应运而生,不同时期,呈现出不同的发展特点。在殖民地时期,高等教育的发展深受英国影响,水平参差不齐,但为其后续发展多样性特色奠定了基础。独立建国后至南北战争前夕,教育行政分权体制确立,形成了办学主体多元化和学校模式多样化特点。南北战争至第二次世界大战时期,《莫里尔法》及赠地学院设立,以及后续系列法案出台,标志着美国高等教育正式进入大发展时期。二战至20世纪末,通过制定《退伍军人权利法》,发展社区学院,颁布《国防教育法》,出台《高等教育法》等系列举措,美国高等教育开始逐步走向繁荣。进入21世纪后,美国高等教育仍在不断进行探索,陆续出台相关法案、发布相关报告和改革行动计划等。考察研究美国高等教育发展与改革历程,借鉴参考其历史经验与教训,对致力增强高等教育质量与竞争力的国家而言,具有重要的现实意义。

The Development and Reform of U.S.Higher Education:A Historical Review

In order to achieve prosperity,higher education needs to adapt to the economic and social development,follow the law of education,and constantly explore and research.Americas higher education was born in the wake of Columbuss discovery of the American continent and the ensuing massive immigration.It featured different patterns in different periods.Though profoundly influenced by England and characterized by considerable variations across colonies and institutions,higher education during the colonial period nevertheless laid a solid foundation for future development.From Independence to the eve of the Civil War,the separation of powers in education was established,which led to diversity in funding sources and educational models.The establishment of Morrill Act and land-grant universities from the second World War to the Civil War,and the introduction of sequent bills marked the formal entry of American higher education into a period of great development.Between the end of World War II and the end of the 20th century,The G.I Bill,the establishment of community colleges,The National Defense Education Act,and The Higher Education Act together brought about an unprecedented boom in U.S.higher education.The 21st century has witnessed continuing reform and innovation in higher education,as evidenced by myriad laws,policy reports,and action plans.To study the development and reform of American higher education and learn from its historical experience and lessions is of great practical significance to countries committed to enhancing the quality and competitiveneses of high education.