Presents data on the French examination for the secondary school certificate: number of candidates, their teachers, sub-tests, method of correction, the results and the proposed changes in the tests. (Text is in French.) (MLA)

Discusses the hottest reform movement in the country: proficiency testing for public school students. Differing opinions are given for and against the programs. (Author/RK)

All students except the mentally handicapped are required to show by examination that they are able to read, speak, and understand ordinary English; write a simple, correct, intelligible paragraph; and perform with reasonable mastery fundamental mathematical processes. (Author)

Argues that the combined plots of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are useful data for appraising the ability of prospective graduate students to successfully complete requirements of a doctoral degree. (Author/SL)

The marking, or grading, system used in Israel is discussed in terms of its history and current use. A standardized assessment instrument used as a practical biology matriculation test, the Practical Tests Assessment Inventory, is described. (LMO)

Examines the purpose of vocational education at the secondary level and asks if there should be only one purpose. States that (1) educational statistics and polls reveal that preparation for employment is needed, (2) reform reports suggest that courses be broader than narrow job training, and (3) students take vocational courses for a variety of…

Two recent appeals court decisions that overturned invocation prayers at graduation are discussed. Because of difficult legal issues involved, graduation prayers, if used, should be carefully worded to avoid sectarian references. (TE)

The relationships between two curriculum variables (graduation requirements and course offerings in various subject areas) on performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) were studied among students in 150 comprehensive high schools. Results indicated that neither graduation requirements nor the number of course offerings bore a statistically…

Comments on the emerging concept in education of teacher malpractice, and identifies ten ways that teachers can be assured of entertaining a lawsuit in situations involving academic injury to students. (NKA)

Explores corruption in college athletics programs, focusing on student exploitation and well-intentioned, but unsuccessful reform efforts of the National Collegiate Athletics Association, certain college presidents, and others. Discusses Proposition 48, a controversial device to screen entering athletes. Praises Georgetown University's responsive…

Suggests three priorities and four goals for education. Priorities: literacy, basic mathematics, and citizenship education. Goals: high school graduates will have four years of English and three years of math, science, and social studies; graduates will surpass SAT/ACT scores of 1965; dropout rate will decrease; and entry-level teachers' salaries…

This article reports recent research into aspects of the differences between Protestant and Catholic schools in Northern Ireland, namely, whether the two systems vary in terms of the balance of subjects in examination passes and the qualifications of leavers. Differences are presented and discussed. (CT)

Instructional validity of the Florida graduation test and the degree to which students were given proper preparation to pass it were studied. The Florida model illustrates procedures are available to demonstrate to the court that required skills are being taught to prepare students for success on competency tests. (DWH)

Alabama's public high school principals support the concept of minimum competency testing for students but are reluctant to allocate time and money to this effort at the expense of other curricular endeavors, according to a recent survey. (PGD)

Results of a study on the status of basic instruction show that physical education remains a viable part of the general education curriculum at the higher education level. Although diminished resources influence selection of course offerings, the curriculum is structured by the need and interests of the community. (DF)