Describes innovative methods of learning that sometimes bring a new set of problems to deal with. Describes how faculty compromise to facilitate the best education methods possible. (JOW)

Discusses issues related to the movement toward minimum competency in secondary education. Addresses the problem of defining minimum competency and the dangers of imposed standardization. Identifies three conceptualizations of minimum competency as: (1) the narrowly educational standpoint, (2) the concern with functional literacy, and (3) a more…

Describes a survey that asked alumni of the Kent State University School of Library Science to rate 53 identified library science competencies needed by new graduates. Competency ratings overall and by type of librarian are presented, and the implications for curriculum design are discussed. A list of the 53 competencies rated is appended. (22…

In Australia, an extensive system of competency-based training (CBT) has been established. Business, education, and unions contend that CBT is more equitable in matching training with task needs, broadening the range of abilities, and enabling portability. But little evidence shows that it reduces divisions between vocational education and general…

Observations of job training of special needs students were analyzed in terms of operational demands, staffing levels, resources, and trainee interaction. The competence approach often disappeared in the face of more pressing concerns; it serves to legitimate a political response rather than solve an educational problem. (SK)

The author argues that the behaviorist approach to learning inherent in competency-based education is inappropriate for teaching and learning at the higher education level, because it both prescribes and restricts content, methodology, and learning options. Discussion is in the context of a current British postsecondary education policy…

Describes problems encountered by a British basic skills accreditation initiative and teacher certification program, both of which used competency-based assessment. (SK)

Describes a study that examined preservice teacher success in acquiring and applying principles of learning and instructional design. Tests that measured attainment of the essentials of learning objectives and attainment of competency-based instruction (CBI) objectives are described, and lesson planning performance is examined. (24 references)…

Both legal and psychometric principles suggest that testing accommodations for mental disabilities require additional analyses beyond that previously provided for physical disabilities. Examines legal precedents and psychometric standards. Concentrates on testing-accommodation requests for mental disabilities and concerns about test validity. (173…

Just as testing generally is not the answer to the multifaceted problems facing contemporary American education, performance assessment is no panacea. Before embracing this new evaluation method, educators should assess the movement's claims, costs, and characteristics. At present, both goals and costs are uncertain. (30 references) (MLH)

To revitalize schools, educators must break away from old habits and learn to think within a paradigm that is more optimistic about human potential. Without a new guiding vision, restructuring will not succeed. Educational restructuring is a fundamental change of assumptions about what schools are, how they are organized, and how they operate. (20…

Notes that the introduction of competence-based training (CBT) into Australia was a tripartite initiative of government, industry, and unions. Relates this policy initiative to wider international trends; outlines some main features of CBT as it has been implemented in Australia; and considers advantages and limitations. (10 references) (Adjunct…

Describes the competence approach to qualifying teachers in England, including its limitations and the need to build a hierarchy of competence. Concludes that, used mechanically and inflexibly, competence standards impede creative teaching, but they can be used as a basis for reflection and informed discussion. (SK)

Public schools' lack of common curricular and teaching goals provided the rationale for the standards movement. However, too many state standards documents provide insufficient clarity for teachers and students. Educators must focus on standards already assessed, add judiciously to the current list of standards, and avoid topic overload. (MLH)

This excerpt from "Measuring Up: Standards, Assessment, and School Reform" points out the limits of norm-referenced tests and discusses the pitfalls of making testing a high-stakes enterprise. Points out that the emphasis on standardized testing, and the push for school districts to score well, often has an inordinate and detrimental effect on…