These two presentations discuss the National External Diploma Program (EDP) sponsored by the American Council on Education and its relationship to the Department of Labor's Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report and to the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS). The first presentation focuses on the…

The National External Degree Program (EDP) of the American Council on Education is an alternative way for adults to earn a high school diploma. EDP is a competency-based, high school level assessment system that credentials mature adults who have acquired their high school level skills through their life experience. It uses materials adults have…

The use and validity of the tests of General Educational Development and the College-Level Examination Program, two measures by which adults with nontraditional educational backgrounds can demonstrate their previous educational achievement, are discussed. (AG)

Teacher perspectives on the adult education profession were examined in a national survey designed to improve understanding of the current cadre of "professional" adult educators and assess their experiences, needs, and preferences for professional development. A 31-item questionnaire, called the Professional Development Kit Needs…