Arguing that the term "competency based education" (CBE) has been erroneously applied to minimum competency programs, this booklet contends that the problems addressed by the minimum competency movement can be, but probably will not be, resolved by the implementation of true competency based education (CBE). The first section of the booklet…

This module explains principles of competency-based education and assessment. Four competency-based curricula are outlined. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses a question-and-answer format to define competency-based education and to discuss competency-based assessment, criterion-referenced testing, and the Vocational Instructional…

The comprehensive restructuring of courses and assessment policy in Karingal High School, Frankston, Victoria is reviewed. The report details the problem, the new structure, implementation, retakes, personal decisions, and the advantages and disadvantages of the system. (MP)

This guide provides assistance to state and local vocational-technical educators in the development of curriculum that is based on national and state skill standards that use workplace-derived measures of competent performance to prepare students for the work world. The guide begins with guidelines for determining the usefulness of existing…

A study examined the effect that increased high school graduation requirements are having on Colorado vocational enrollments and explored products and models for educators in school districts to use in minimizing any such adverse effects on enrollment. The study entailed a literature review, a survey of state high school science and mathematics…

Described in this paper is the development and evaluation of the Employability Skills Series by the Florida Department of Education, 1975-1977. Focusing on skills involved in getting and keeping any job, the series is intended for use with secondary students and adults and is on approximately a fifth grade reading level. It consists of six student…

Modern, innovative, and emerging technologies in farm power and equipment for secondary and postsecondary vocational agriculture programs were developed, field tested, and disseminated through a 3-year project in Arkansas. During the project, a needs assessment survey was sent to 272 vocational agriculture teachers in the state asking which areas…

This guide is designed to assist the classroom teacher through all the major phases of development of an outcome-based curriculum. It is intended to aid in modifying a conventional curriculum to an outcome-based (competency-based) curriculum (OBC), building a course or program around an outcome-based model, revising curriculum toward an…

To determine the effectiveness of a model driver education curriculum in leading to safe vehicle operation among beginning drivers, the Safe Peformance Curriculum, based on instructional objectives derived from analysis of the driver's tasks, was developed and pilot tested. Students were randomly assigned to one of the following: a Pre-Driver…

Five products are combined here that were developed by a project designed to provide a continuous, competency-based line of vocational training. A policies and procedures guide contains recommendations for future articulation efforts between secondary and postsecondary, public, vocational training institutions. Its contents cover the concept of…

Instructional systems development (ISD) is a systems approach to curriculum development and instructional delivery. It is oriented toward occupational needs with an emphasis on what it is that students must learn to perform specific tasks, what facilities best provide a setting for the neccessary learning, and what instructional methods and media…

The report describes a project to implement a cluster curriculum in the graphic communications and metals clusters in an area vocational high school setting. A flexible curriculum allowed for the development of competencies common to all trade areas within the cluster. The material was organized into 10-week units of instruction to be completed at…

Three areas of concern for those considering competency-based graduation requirements are discussed. First, what is involved in implementing a competency-based graduation requirement? The first tasks are the specification of performance standards and the performance skill areas. Then, appropriate certification procedures can be selected, and their…

One of 15 core modules in a 22-module series designed to train vocational education curriculum specialists (VECS), this guide is intended for use by both instructor and student in a variety of education environments, including independent study, team teaching, seminars, and workshops, as well as in more conventional classroom settings. The guide…

One of five modules in the curriculum development series of the 16-module series designed to train vocational education curriculum specialists, this module is intended for use in classes or individual study arrangements at the preservice or inservice level by students with varying amounts of experience in vocational education. (These modules are…