This paper examines some prominent criticisms of higher education and contends that systems theory is a means of understanding the nature of the problems by taking into account the complexity of interconnections among several factors. Problems discussed include: (1) inflated grades awarded to today's university students do not reflect their true…

This document presents the following eight-component framework of the Commission on Chapter 1 for restructuring the Chapter 1 program: (1) have states set clear, high standards for all students; (2) devise new systems for schools to assess progress toward standards; (3) inform parents about how well their children are progressing toward standards…

This book supports constructive discussion about assessment and provides concrete directions for change. The 10 chapters outline many of the difficulties associated with current standardized testing. While most educators refer to the new non-standardized test efforts as alternative assessments, this type of assessment is increasingly being called…

Several leaders in education have concluded that the United States should have some form of national achievement testing. Such tests are proposed as part of the "America 2000" education strategy. Believing that the experience of other countries will be useful to educators, policymakers, and concerned citizens, the National Endowment for…

This paper reviews public testimony that was presented at the National Education Goals Panel (NEGP) Regional Forums concerning recommendations by the six NEGP Resource Groups (RGPs). The RGP recommendations focus on ways of measuring/monitoring the nation's/states' progress toward meeting the President's and governors' six national education…

Patterns in general comments from public testimony and proposed future indicators (PFIs) presented at the National Education Goals Panel (NEGP) Regional Forums concerning recommendations by the six NEGP Resource Groups (RGPs) are outlined. The RGP recommendations focus on ways of measuring/monitoring the nation's/states' progress toward meeting…

This guide provides members of the National Education Goals Panel (NEGP) with the information they need to select the indicators for the first annual progress report (September, 1991) on the six national education goals. The guide is organized by the following six goal areas: readiness for school (Goal 1); high school completion (Goal 2); student…

As part of a statewide study of postsecondary remedial programs and services in California, site visits were conducted at seven community colleges, four state universities, and three campuses of the University of California (UC). Interviews with at least five administrators and faculty members at each campus solicited opinions and perceptions…

Recommendations of five reports for improving American public elementary and secondary education are listed in a format enabling comparisons to be made with respect to 11 major categories and numerous subcategories. Included are recommendations of the reports from the National Commission on Excellence in Education, the Twentieth Century Fund, the…

To test whether elementary social studies texts have changed in response to the back-to-basics movement, a content analysis was made of selected basal texts series published between 1969-1972 and reissued between 1979-1982. Quantitative data, anecdotal data, and educational criticism were used to compare eight matched text series for knowledge…

Ribault (Florida) Senior High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a comprehensive college preparation curriculum. Among the program changes that contributed to those gains are: (1) the establishment and consistent enforcement of a strong discipline program, including rules for student conduct, a…

Some of the realities, at a state and national level, of implementing new teacher education standards that emphasize basic skills are discussed. Reported on is Kansas' response to the national trend toward teacher basic skill testing (five house bills concerning teacher education). The Kansas State Board of Education proposal for a competency…

The role of the College Entrance Examination Board (College Board) in setting standards in secondary school education is traced historically. The first college entrance examinations, which became known as the College Boards) were administered in June 1901 around the country to 978 high school students. The rationale was that a set of common…

In 1988, the Basic Skills Task Force was established to assess the effectiveness of four academic policies in addressing the needs of California community college students with skills deficiencies. The policies define the scope and content of Adult Basic Education and of Precollegiate Basic Skills Instruction in nondegree-applicable credit…

This report summarizes the discussions of a task force which focused on the concept of professional practice schools. These schools are public elementary, middle, or secondary schools which are structured, staffed, and supported to achieve three goals: student achievement, teacher induction, and support of research directed at the continuous…