This book, which is divided into five parts, is a compilation of literature on Competency Based Education (CBE). Analytical examinations are presented by advocates and critics in the field. Part 1, entitled "The Essence of the Approach," explores the basic meaning of CBE giving several definitions, tracing its psychological and theoretical bases, speculating on several misconceptions about the movement, and examining individualized and humanized education. Part 2, entitled "Critics' and Advocates' Appraisal," evaluates basic concepts of CBE. Part 3, entitled "Models for Competency Identification," describes several models for identifying competency, including a process from alternative models of teaching, a model of professionalism, and a task analysis of teaching and the judgments of classroom teachers and supervisors in specifying competencies. Part 4, entitled "Competency Evaluation," considers the basic dimensions of assessment and evaluation for student achievement and program effectiveness. Part 5 entitled "Changing American Education," examines fundamental notions of the institutional process change. (A 700-item bibliography is included.) (Editor/PD)