Two definitions most often used by adult educators to describe competency-based adult education (CBAE) are one posited by Spady (1977) and another formulated by state adult basic education directors. The first, a "prescriptive-consensual" definition, describes conditions of a phenomenon (CBAE) and relies on the experience of acknowledged experts,…

Discusses an experimental competency-based general education program developed at Piedmont Technical College, stressing two process skills of communication and reasoning. Definition of "reasoning" is discussed and content and method for teaching a reasoning-based program are presented. (DR)

Analyzes reasons given for the failure of the competency-based teacher education program at Illinois State University and describes a successful program at San Diego State University. (IRT)

In this book comprised of six chapters, multiple aspects of competency based education (CBE) are discussed contextually by various authors in terms of the current educational climate wherein the primary emphasis is upon learning outcomes rather than the process of learning itself. To illuminate the notion of competence, Chapter 1 presents:…

Designed as a resource for administrators and faculty considering the implementation of competency-based vocational education (CBVE), this report addresses the theory and practice of CBVE, the pros and cons of a competency-based approach to instructional organization and delivery, and concerns about CBVE's appropriateness in Hawaii. After…

The four conference papers presented here examine specific strategies and programs by which colleges and universities can design and adapt programs for adult students. In "Strategies of Adaptation" Rosalind K. Loring notes six major types of adaptation to which traditional, four-year schools have resorted (flexible schedules, simulated…

The purposes, development, characteristics, target population needs, appropriate materials, and teacher qualifications of an Occupational English as a Second Language Program (OESL) are presented. OESL is a component of bilingual education that utilizes open entry and exit and a competency-based individualized instructional approach. (PMJ)

Metropolitan State University (Minnesota), intended to serve largely mature community college transfer students in the inner city, gives students responsibility for planning their own individualized course of studies, with a competence-based focus. Community-based faculty, classrooms, and library resources are essential elements. (Author/MSE)

In the context of the modern global society and economy, foreign language instruction is placing more emphasis on students' cross-cultural understanding and on using language to develop students' communication skills. These goals are evidenced by the current interest in Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum (FLAC) courses, which teach languages…

Descriptions of comprehensive writing programs at nine colleges and universities and an essay on the topic are presented. Comprehensive writing programs transcend a single department or discipline and are designed to enhance liberal learning. Such programs not only teach students to write in the appropriate modes of various disciplines, but also…

This document recapitulates the seventh in a continuing series of annual, nationwide vocational education dissemination conferences. As a record of conference activities and a guide to available resources, information, and programs across the country, this recap is intended to serve both conference participants and a general audience of vocational…

An examination of the current status of minimum competency testing is presented in a series of short essays, which discuss case studies of individual school systems and state approaches. Sections are also included on the viewpoints of critics and supporters, teachers and teacher organizations, principals and students, and the federal government.…

This book sketches the educational history of Mexican Americans and describes bilingual education as one way they can draw on their heritage and teach in bilingual elementary schools. Chapters are devoted to: (1) the profile of depressed educational achievement of the Mexican American and its attendant circumstances; (2) the bilingual school as a…

With the prospect of less funds for vocational education, an innovative human resource development plan is needed to provide for improved and new training programs. Vocational teachers and administrators with curriculum development and management competencies will be required to develop curricula. Instructors will need to familiarize themselves…