Streamlining the vocational qualification development process in Australia is a current priority of the skills ministers of both the Australian Government and state and territory governments. This research summary explores the development processes associated with vocational qualifications in selected countries and compares them with the current…

The rapid growth in the number of post-secondary institutions in Saudi Arabia over the last few years necessitated the creation of a government agency for accreditation and quality assurance. The National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment was established in 2004 for this purpose. Between 2005 and 2008, it developed a new…

Twenty-two National Skill Standards Projects were conducted to develop National Skill Standards over a 3-year period beginning in 1992. These projects were funded by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to develop materials useful for improving the quality of the work force through identification of skill standards and related materials…

This paper describes activities of Canada's Secretary of State (the ministry responsible for the status of disabled persons) toward ensuring equal access to fundamental elements of daily life. These include improving access to postsecondary education through establishment of Centres of Specialization; funding projects of national disability…

This publication presents two hearings on how to establish and maintain a streamlined, top quality, and efficient system of work force preparation in the United States and the role of the federal government in developing such a system. Testimony consists of statements and prepared statements, letters, and supplemental materials from individuals…

Adult education in Greece dates back to the time of Homer. Poetry and Panhellenic festivals were the earliest forms of adult education in Greece. By classical times, however, an entire learning society of human and material resources had been developed. Greek society experienced periods of high levels of culture and learning only to be conquered…

During a pilot project on the state role in facilitating adult learning, six states were asked (1) to establish and maintain a participatory planning mechanism for gathering information and building consensus among the public and private agencies and institutions within their states and (2) to use that mechanism in formulating policy…

This bulletin issue contains articles and observations about continuing education for adults in various countries of Asia and the Pacific. Articles from five experts in continuing education and/or related areas in four countries in the region make up the first section. The experts are from (1) Sri Lanka (D. A. Perera); (2) Australia (Geoffrey…

Education for middle-level manpower, a high-priority need in Colombia, is discussed. The current programs of five educational agencies--universities, university institutes, SENA (National Apprentice Service), industrial schools, and agricultural schools--that are providing some preparation for middle-level manpower positions are described. A…

Principles of sound educational assessment are discussed, along with current assessment issues and appropriate roles of colleges and the state in developing and implementing assessment systems. Assessment practice in New Jersey is considered. Principles of good assessment include: assessment should serve, not dictate, educational purposes; forms…

Some financial issues in postsecondary education which, though more or less obscured by other concerns at present, may soon gain national attention. These issues are: our national policy of regarding postsecondary education as a discretionary spending item in either inflationary or recessionary times; the steady-state syndrome, a mind-set that…

The National Workshop on Rural Development was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the American Association of Junior Colleges, and the American Vocational Association. The objectives were to help post-secondary schools find their role in rural development; to provide a forum for significant rural development issues; to develop…

An analysis of the major federal goals in postsecondary education is undertaken along with a consideration of the effects of federal programs on these goals. Also included are topics for deliberation by the 95th Congress. The paper focuses on labor market effects of postsecondary education, future policy questions, federal efforts to achieve equal…

The report presents 13 studies, undertaken by Texas institutions of higher learning, responding to educational needs for improved delivery systems of higher education services to adults, and adult continuing education programs. The individual studies are: The Urban University and the Learning Society (J. E. Champagne, R. Hopper, B. Leaman); The…

Case studies were made of the cost and efficient utilization of resources for inservice education and training of teachers (INSET) in England, Australia, the United States, Denmark, Sweden, and France. The studies were prepared on the basis of four main topics: (1) analysis of costs; (2) efficient or full utilization of resources; (3) financing;…