In most schools, the rush toward Advanced Placement (AP) courses goes on unabated. In 2006 the number of students taking AP exams increased almost 10 percent over the preceding year, according to the College Board. This is largely because of the growing intensity of the admissions game and the urge on the part of college applicants to seek out…

A 31-year-old student of Western Governors University (WGU) plans to earn a bachelor's degree (without attending a class), by using the Internet or otherwise by teaching himself. Aside from distance-learning opportunities, WGU offers the option of standardized tests and independent projects to fulfill degree requirements. The student in question…

Proposed reforms at the National Autonomous University of Mexico include raising admission standards, reducing the number of equivalency exams taken in lieu of coursework or to compensate for failing a course, enforced compliance with contractual obligations for academic staff, and increased graduate tuition. (MSE)

Some states are passing laws encouraging wider use of high school advanced placement courses and testing for college credit, with others offering less extensive support. Academic quality, competitiveness, and fiscal efficiency are objectives. Critics cite fairness questions and concerns about the appropriateness of skills tested by the equivalency…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This August 6, 2004 issue of "Chronicle for Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Graduate Education Is a Seamless Web of Learning and Work, Not Class…