Discusses the following issues raised by competency-based education (CBE): (1) defining competency, (2) nonequivalent levels of competency, (3) monitoring student progress, (4) competency testing, (5) grouping for instruction, and (6) the legal implications of competency testing. Presents guidelines to reading teachers considering employment in a…

The article discusses a product/process competency approach (PPCA) for training resident advisors (RAs) to handicapped individuals in which goals are translated into competencies from which instructional objectives are derived. It is explained that the PPCA incorporates the input of significant others (e.g., administrators, agency providers,…

Detroit's minimum competency testing program focuses on improving basic skills instruction. Using test results as indicators of areas of weakness and strength in 12 subjects, teachers have a better understanding of the learning tasks and subskills needed for mastery. (WD)

In the past, physical educators and coaches have been too superficial and lax in their professional efforts. Teachers in the disciplines of physical education and sports need to develop identifiable, consistent educational philosophies. (JN)

Suggests that understanding different conceptual models of curriculum making will increase the effectiveness and rationality of the development process. Presents four commonly used models of curriculum development: empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, and humanism. (Author/JM)

Describes and identifies problems with criterion referenced programs and criterion referenced tests. Among the problems are criterion referenced programs that often are used incorrectly by teachers, are not accompanied by the necessary support system, and often do not inform teachers of how to set instructional objectives for individual students.…

A well-planned competency-based internship program makes certain a student has acquired sufficient classroom competence to insure successful internship performance, provides students with a detailed plan for the internship and a systematic and comprehensive means of evaluating their own progress, and gives students experience in self-directed…

The complexity of the supervisor's role, the lack of research regarding supervisory behavior and relationships, and the need for development of a theory of supervision all seem to emphasize a demand for extensive research in the field of instructional supervision. Such research is particularly needed if supervisory programs are to be improved and…

This study measured the effectiveness of Structured Learning Training (SLT) for teaching confrontation skills to trainees varying in conceptual development. Both a self-instruction approach and a standard implementation of SLT were effective for teaching confrontation skills. Self-instruction SLT was more effective with high CL trainees than with…

The keyed bibliography brings together the important publications concerned with the issues of teacher selection, education, and training in an attempt to further the growth and development of family life education as a viable field of study. (Author)

At the University of Glamorgan (Wales) business school, students entering through traditional routes were compared with those following the competency-based approach of the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). The latter outperformed traditional students on most assessments, indicating that NVQs can widen access to higher education without…

Argues that the diversity of community colleges justifies a more subtle system of classification than the traditional Carnegie system, but the large number of missions taken on by community colleges complicates this goal. Makes a distinction between a characteristics-based system and an output-based system. Uses distinction to discuss schemes…

Data from an Australian evaluation of competency-based training (CBT) suggest that it emphasizes development of procedural, technical knowledge over reflective problem solving and precludes transformative learning. CBT's empowerment discourses are often belied by workplace realities. Identities of workers and vocational educators are circumscribed…

Describes a cost-effective process for delivering large-scale life support training in a medical center, a situation with high risk and low tolerance for incompetence. Discusses the reengineered credentialing system that delivers competency-based instruction via multimedia CD-ROM. (SK)

The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program offers a chance to provide training and employment opportunities for people traditionally locked out of the labor market. It can stimulate greater cooperation among agencies and provide the impetus for creative approaches to serving the disadvantaged. It can boost enrollments and inspire new…