As a result of program weaknesses found in a 1967 study of the counselor education program at Michigan State University, a new model entitled "systematic counseling" was developed. It has now been used with over 700 trainees and 6,000 clients in supervised practicum settings. Briefly, systematic counseling represents an organized means of…

The industrial production program is a regular education program which was designed to provide vocational training to handicapped students. The program incorporates individual programing, close supervision, small group instruction, and academic support in a skill based framework intended to produce specific occupational competencies in students…

This paper provides guidelines in a question-and-answer format for developing systems of performance standards and accountability for vocational education. The seven questions answered in the guide are the following: What are performance measures and standards? What types of performance measures and standards should be developed? How many measures…

This paper describes the Loyola Center for Educational Improvement's (LCEI) effort to develop a clearinghouse on mastery learning (CML) which would serve as a depository for conceptual and research documents on mastery learning, competency-based education, instructional design, and other related topics. The nature of the clearinghouse is defined…

Three approaches to validating competencies of vocational education programs in technical and professional schools are examined. Competencies are defined as behavior-oriented and relatively simple, observable behaviors which can be identified and measured by the frequency of occurrence. The three models, which have elements in common, are expert…

This model is based on the belief that all those affected by a competency-based high school diploma program should help formulate it. School systems should begin by considering two fundamental questions: (1) What competencies should all graduates possess? (2) How can these competencies be tested? The first step is the establishment of an advisory…

This paper discusses a practicum that developed a pilot program in interpersonal communication, creating a pattern of courses that would instruct students in the use of listening/talking skills for dyadic and small group situations. The paper shows how the need for this program was established and assessed and how a multidisciplinary committee…

The instructional systems development (ISD) approach for the development and accomplishment of vocational training programs provides a methodology for gathering and analyzing job information, developing instructional materials in a variety of media, conducting instruction, and evaluating and improving the effectiveness of training programs. This…

Judgments about competence are always relative, tentative, and situation-specific. An effective competency-based program for preparation of school administrators must base judgments about competency development on the same sources that will judge on-the-job administrative competency. The four most common instructional orientations to administrator…

Because of lack of time and a dearth of specific programs, vocational education administrators have difficulty in acquiring additional education. Three major steps have been taken to remedy this situation: (1) research has been conducted to identify and verify the competencies important to vocational administrators; (2) competency-based modules…

Trident Technical College developed a process using microcomputers to produce certificates for competency-based curricula. At the beginning of the process, criteria were set for the program. A software program was needed that used available computers, was easy to use, and produced a competency statement that was easy to read and interpret. A…

Competency based instruction (CBI) can be used either for preservice or inservice purposes. The impact of CBI on students is to (1) enable them to systematically determine their personal learning needs; (2) increase responsibility for their own learning and enhance autonomy and sense of personal direction; (3) provide feedback; and (4) assure a…

Computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be used for adults functioning at any academic or grade level. In adult basic education (ABE), CAL can promote greater learning effectiveness and faster progress, concurrent learning and experience with computer literacy skills, privacy, and motivation. Adults who face barriers (financial, geographic, personal,…

This look at competency-based education (CBE) begins by defining competency-based training. The five essential elements are discussed--competencies, criterion-referenced evaluation, provision for individual development and evaluation, requirement of student performance, and student-paced instruction. Facilitating or supporting characteristics are…

Maintaining that lack of action is one of the biggest errors school managers make, this author describes development of competency based education (CBE) programs as one example of how action can be taken by identifying a problem area and systematically approaching it. He defines CBE programs as those involving identification of basic skills, a…