Functional literacy for inmates is that critical threshold in learning which enables a person to become an autonomous individual capable of reflecting on his/her circumstances and transforming the self and behavior. Once on 'the outside,' the conditions which led to incarceration can hopefully be recognized and avoided. (Author)

Reviews five recent titles concerning minimum competency testing in the schools. (SJL)

Tests by themselves will not ensure teacher competency, but they can be a useful part of a teacher selection and induction program. (Author)

New teacher applicants in Dallas (Texas) are screened by a formally scored interview, an essay writing exercise, and a test of verbal and quantitative ability. (MLF)

All teacher applicants in Pinellas County (Florida) must pass a screening test. Self-instructional materials are provided on request. (Author/MLF)

Describes trends in the minimal competency movement in Florida and several other states and speculates about future trends in minimum-competency testing. (DD)

The article examines some of the implications of minimum competency standards and alternative policies for handicapped students. It is concluded that although the alternative of determining policies on an individual basis presents problems in terms of consistency and equity across handicapped students, it still seems to be the best approach. (SBH)

Interviews with a panel of six business and industry officials regarding what employers want encompassed the following topics: necessary skills of employees, the importance of "employability" skills, school-to-work transition, the national skill standards, and the need for a four-year college degree. (JOW)

Discusses a study of directors of nursing in six southern states to determine whether associate degree nurses (ADNs) meet the National League for Nursing competencies after six months of practice as a registered nurse. Responses indicated that the competencies were realistic and that newly practicing ADNs are barely meeting them. (JOW)

Successful accounting graduates will need to possess a broad range of relevant competencies; therefore, teachers must be sure that each graduate possesses the competencies business wants. Using alternative performance assessment techniques will help meet that goal. (Author)

Examines the attitudes of Finnish employers, employees, and the government over the last three centuries toward methods of acquiring vocational competencies needed in working life. Focuses on the apprenticeship/journeyman/master model and the vocational classroom model. (JOW)

Leadership is an important component in guiding the teaching-learning process. Principal as school leaders have a major responsibility for initiating and implementing school change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and can facilitate complex decision to integrate it into learning, teaching and school administration.…

This document was developed to provide action steps that can be taken by teachers, parents, administrators, and students themselves to develop the personal, cognitive, and social dimensions of students. These advocates are identified in "The Holistic Learner Framework: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Accelerating the Achievement of Low…

This paper examines the use of development centre methodology to measure the gap in performance for fieldwork staff in a social welfare organisation. The process follows the construction of a capability framework, a set of work-based simulations for participants and the use of a 360-degree instrument. These processes are combined to measure and…

In an effort to establish a baseline of technology competency among our entering education students, our College of Education began implementing the Assessment of Technology Competencies (ATC) in Fall 2003. This performance-based assessment evaluates word-processing, presentation, spreadsheet, graphic/drawing, and Internet skills. Although…