Rebuts the article on minimum competency testing by Diana Pullin in the September 1981 "Kappan." Argues that the competency testing program in Florida is a powerful force for motivating improvement. (Author/WD)

The author addresses the issue of the match between traditional secondary school curriculum and the skills/competencies needed by many handicapped students. A functional model used by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools is discussed in terms of individualized programing, modification/addition of competencies, scheduling, generalizability…

States the requirements for graduation from the augmented 10-year Hauptschule (a "terminal" school) in Lower Saxony. Current examination practice is described and suggestions for improvement given. (IFS/WGA)

A study of 46 Israeli high school students' graduation projects involving robot design focused on engineering knowledge and skills needed, learning through reflective practice, and individual assessment of learning. Analysis of teacher logbooks and student portfolios indicated that all students completed projects, were motivated, devoted extra…

Highlights state-level diploma options, graduation requirements, and the potential impact on students, specifically those with disabilities and others at risk. Findings illustrate the need for alternative diploma options that have value and meaning for all students. (Contains 22 references.) (Authors/PKP)

Examined whether college graduation rates of students taking a first-year seminar differed significantly from a comparison group. Found a significantly greater graduation rate for those enrolled in the seminar. Also found that the effect of the seminar was greatest for students from middle to lower high school deciles and minimal for students from…

Nine-year data on 414 Finnish master of business administration students indicated that 39% graduated, 53% were still studying, 7% interrupted their studies. Graduation rate was positively affected by previous degree and employment level. Graduation rate in in-house programs offered to companies was significantly higher. Demanding core courses…

A survey of 55 physical education department heads reveals that less than half gave fitness tests to their physical education majors. Other data support a seemingly low priority on ensuring this aspect of student preparation. Physical fitness standards should be designed as screening and exit goals for physical education majors. (IAH)

Challenges abstract mathematics requirements in U.S. high schools. Refutes various philosophical and psychological assumptions underlying math instruction, particularly the correlation between simple numbers and the physical world, the math/logical thinking connection, and frequency of use arguments. Suggests that high schools require only one…

Data from 4 Illinois community college districts on 846 students who took at least 1 vocational course showed the following: most took multiple vocational courses, 97% in the lowest quartile completed vocational sequences, a higher percentage of special needs students completed vocational programs, and defining program completion according to…

An Austin (Texas) high school's Credit Plus program accelerates high-risk students by helping them make up credits missed through failure or poor attendance and prepare them for graduation. The program succeeds because of its application and assessment process, low student-teacher ratio, positive physical and mental environment, structured…

Argues that student who invested 12 years working hard, studying, and obeying teachers deserves diploma even though diploma's value may be suspect. In some states, like Alabama, value of 12-year investment can be reduced to zero by single multiple-choice test score. Schools must treat all students fairly by considering multiple intelligences and…

Conflicting policies, careless recordkeeping, and racial tension added up in turmoil for the Newton County (Georgia) Board of Education when an African-American student and a white student each claimed the honor of being class valedictorian. (MLF)

Uses data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine economic, institutional, and sociological antecedents of high school completion and adolescent fertility. Welfare generosity appears to have a significant positive effect on adolescent childbearing. Other important determinants of teenage parenthood and educational attainment…

Recent transfer of nursing education from hospitals to college and university programs in Australia gave rise to several issues: debate over curriculum length and content, lack of faculty with advanced degrees, scant nursing research, and some reluctance to accept nursing faculty in the academic community. (SK)