A list of the basic competencies in mathematics set by the Vermont Board of Education is given and discussed. The basic competencies are grouped as follows: numeration, measurement, money, arithmetic, and reasoning. (MP)

Discriminant function analysis was used to predict which college students were graduated in four years, were still enrolled after four years, left the college in good academic standing, or left after being on probation. Results were moderately successful. (Author/JKS)

Discusses the background of and rationale for a newly published requirement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that all accredited undergraduate degree programs contain a basic core of general education courses. Considers the possible effects on community colleges. (DMM)

The use of postadmission tests of writing proficiency in some Ontario universities, intended to identify students likely to encounter academic problems, is criticized for unsound assumptions and difficulties in some testing procedures that cast doubt on whether test objectives are being met. (MSE)

The determinants of Scholastic Aptitude Test scores are estimated for 1982 in a regression analysis correcting for the proportion of students taking the test. Schooling variables and statewide graduation standards proved insignificant. Demographic variables (family size and education levels) proved significant and help explain SAT score decline in…

Reports results of a state-by-state survey regarding the impact of increased high school graduation requirements on enrollment in vocational education courses. Attributes declining vocational enrollments to declining high school enrollments in general, rather than increased requirements. Discusses strategies of states that are not following this…

Students who start in two-year colleges are less likely to finish college than students who start in four-year colleges. However, other variables, such as religious background, educational aspirations, academic performance in college, participation in a work-study program, and living on campus, exert substantial positive effects on finishing.…

Gordon discusses the increasing role of state legislatures in addressing issues and passing laws regarding curriculum, testing, graduation requirements, and other areas with an impact on colleges and universities. Discusses the background and effects of the Gordon Rule in Florida, which establishes humanities, writing, and mathematics requirements…

The development of a universitywide general education requirement for undergraduates at the University of California at Davis is outlined, and the lessons learned in the process are discussed. (MSE)

The use of colors in tassels and hood trimmings to signify the subject areas of degrees is discussed, and variations in this practice are described. Whether the color of the hood trimming should indicate the major subject studied or the subject area incorporated in the title of the degree is debated. (MLW)

The Florida Court decision reaffirms a state's right to impose a diploma sanction when competency tests are valid. Testing specialists now have a precedent for demonstrating curricular and instructional validity. Competency testing programs are a useful method for implementing instructional improvements. (DWH)

Examines state high school graduation requirements from the perspectives of academic effectiveness and educational equity. Predicts that minimum competency testing, which is now widespread, will gradually be replaced by further increases in academic credit requirements. (KH)

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education is responsible for statewide planning, coordination, and advocacy for higher learning in our state. In conjunction with these responsibilities, the Commission publishes an annual systemwide accountability report on higher education in New Jersey designed to identify priorities and inspire dialogue for…

One of the central themes in the standards-based education movement continues to be the importance of clear and detailed system accountability data showing how students from special needs groups perform on statewide accountability assessments (Albus, Thurlow & Liu, 2002; National Research Council, 1997; Thurlow & Liu, 2001). Armed with such data,…

This E.D. TAB presents findings from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Spring 2004 data collection, which included four survey components: Student Financial Aid for full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the 2002-03 academic year, Enrollment for fall 2003, Graduation Rates for…