A written clinical simulation exercise known as patient management problems (PMP) developed by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry is discussed. The new PMP format is considered standardized in the sense that the "visible" portion of the problem will be identical. (MLW)

Describes the purpose and organization of the Board of Certified Professional Counselors developed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. The decision to certify rather than license was based on HEW research and recommendations. A glossary of terms is included. (JAC)

Certification procedures protect consumers, but when licensing institutions become monopolistic, alternative paths to credentialing need to be considered. A series of articles examine third party payments, a changing job market and consumer protection concerns, all of which have had an impact on credentialing problems. (JAC)

Using data from the 1976 Current Population Survey, finds that while there are significant earnings costs due to the differential allocation of minority labor into the labor intensive sector of the economy, the dollar costs of the differential evaluation of minority credentials are far greater. (Author/GC)

The chairman of a presidential search committee must squander months of time trying to find a candidate who meets impossible requirements, and even then the candidate may back out. (LBH)

Examines the counseling profession's movement away from its activist roots toward policies that are less socially engaged. Concern with individualism, struggle for public acceptance, continued reliance on narrow research interests, and increased emphasis on accreditation and credentialing are discussed as factors contributing to the profession's…

Presents a response to "School Psychology Training for the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities" (this issue). The author highlights additional points to consider, including performance-based accountability and expertise in system level change. (GCP)

Argues that the master's degree in librarianship from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) is a valid minimum educational requirement for library practice at the professional level. It is further maintained that employers and the ALA must defend that qualification when challenged by local, state, or federal action. (14…

Academic standards at British Commonwealth African universities are considered and the relevance of Western academic traditions for the universities is discussed. It is concluded that building academic excellence is of greater importance than increasing manpower output. (MSE)

The College Board's Advanced Placement courses are often the pride of secondary schools, but students' success in them is a function of the teachers' qualifications. (Author/MSE)

Provides an overview of the American Sociological Association's (ASA) Ph.D. certification program. Questions the need for certifying sociologists. Suggests a more sociological approach emphasizing the value of the discipline that would be exhibited if departmental accreditation replaced the process of certification. (KO)

Describes a collaboration model to credential classroom aides (involving local school districts, community colleges, and a state college) that addresses identification, recruitment, education, and socialization issues concerned with teacher certification. Discusses three methods attempting to increase the number of minority students in the…

Data from the appointing managers and personnel directors of 35 newly hired and 33 promoted workers found that (1) employers maintain educational ceilings that are usually flexible and established by default; and (2) some employers willingly hire "overqualified" workers because of their potential for eventual promotion. (SK)

The fourth of five articles examining professionalization of associations within the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) details the professionalization process, professionalization within AAHERPD, steps for defining professional standards, and a strategic plan for the collective associations. (SM)

Defines the Transitions Endorsement program as a school improvement model based upon the credentialing of individual students. States that schools pursuing the endorsement must focus on helping students make successful transitions from school to school and from school to career. Outlines credentialing requirements and criteria for the endorsement.…