Outlines recent court cases related to schools concerning such things as tax exempt status for private schools, minimum competency testing as a graduation requirement, religious groups meeting in schools, and racial discrimination when rehiring teachers who were laid off. (JM)

Examines the discrepancy between mathematics skills demanded of job applicants and actual need for these skills in carrying out the job. Cites the plight of those who leave school who are being denied graduation and an opportunity for employment for which they might be suited because they failed basic math competency tests. (EAO)

Excerpts from a policy analysis of Florida's high school graduation requirements of three years of mathematics and science. The report forecasts the probable impact of the policy in the areas of students, curriculum, staff, resources, and control. Ways of monitoring the actual consequences of the policy are proposed. (MLF)

Documenting the decline in foreign language literacy among Americans and the decrease in foreign language requirements in high schools and colleges, the author stresses the intrinsic value of learning languages. He makes recommendations for improving foreign language study and attitudes toward it. (SK)

Survey research establishes that beardedness correlates with many desired outcomes and supports that a minimal level of beardedness be set as a prerequisite for high school graduation. Research problems of concept clarification, domain-definition, instrument development, and standard setting methods are discussed. The political considerations of…

Once a year every student in Hazelwood (Missouri) high schools is required to write a composition. This Total School Writing Assessment is a major step in an effort to emphasize writing skills and to make writing competence a requirement for graduation. (SK)

Reviewing the current justifications for minimum competency testing (MCT) programs, the author finds them inadequate. He asks whether reading, writing, and computation skills can be proven necessary for a successful life and whether MCT programs can be demonstrated to be the best means of promoting students' living skills. (SJL)

The authors examine some reasons why secondary schools ignore or, at best, provide "band-aid" solutions to the adolescent reading problems that so upset the public. They conclude that secondary schools simply do not value reading achievement enough to expend on it the effort they willingly expend on physical education. (SJL)

The author examines concerns about whether or not, and by what criteria, handicapped students should be included in or excluded from comprehensive competency testing programs, as well as the implications of minimum competency testing for the handicapped. Pertinent legislation from several states is discussed. (Author/SJL)

Discusses policy implications of cyber (online) charter schools, including cost and control, standards and records, participation in special programs, and graduation requirements. (PKP)

Ways to accommodate vocational electives in light of increased graduation requirements include eliminating early dismissal, offering earlier and later courses, offering required courses twice a day, minimizing schedule conflicts, allowing independent study, encouraging vocational/academic department cooperation, spreading graduation requirements…

A five step process for the marketing of a teacher education program includes: (1) developing a college mission statement and planning document; (2) upgrading of admissions and graduation standards; (3) implementing necessary curricular reforms; (4) creating credibility within and outside the university; and (5) marketing of programs to the…

Examines the reasons why a larger proportion of students are not involved in any organized music activities, stating that most schools offer only performance courses. Discusses the addition of fine arts requirements for high school graduation, and urges music educators to develop methods for including all students in their music education…

Discussed is the need for professors to be able to obtain updated reliable data regarding the professional requirements of their graduating students. The development and design of a theory that will establish a definitional system for skills and knowledge required for graduation is described. (KR)

Chinese education aims to teach students to be strong morally, intellectually, and physically. Those who excel are rewarded at each semester's end. Over three million candidates are eligible to take the college-entrance exam every year, but only 20% to 30% can be admitted to college. (13 references) (MLH)