Discusses Michael Collins' critique of competency-based education and differentiates among competency-based education (CBE), competency-based adult education (CBAE), and adult performance level (APL). (JOW)

The author explores why he believes the Adult Performance Level criteria, related objectives and the instructional strategies, and programs that follow from the objectives are unsupportable by any empirical evidence and detrimental to both individuals and society. (CT)

The concept of "competency mapping" emerged from a study of the state-of-the-art of adult education needs assessment to provide the basis for development of a model for states to adopt or adapt to fulfill requirements of the 1978 amendments to the Adult Education Act. Need was defined as a lack of functional competency and those problems…

Since 1971 dramatic changes have occurred in the field of adult education, especially in competency-based adult education and life skills/adult performance level curricula. In the 1080's, adult education will have reduced federal aid. Other changes may include a return of operational authority to the states and localities, a redefinition of the…

The Adult Performance Level (APL) project, which developed and validated a series of objectives for adult functional competency free from school-based notions of literacy, is the most widely accepted approach to adult literacy and adult literacy education in the United States today. Yet a review of the project and its impact reveals that the APL…

Defines competency-based adult education as activities providing coping and life skills, functional literacy, mastery learning, external or alternative high school diplomas, and educational credits for life experiences. Discusses activities in relation to federally authorized Adult Basic Education, minimal testing, Adult Performance Level…