Examines the emerging context for state policies and practices that focus on college students' learning outcomes, exploring various state efforts that can potentially influence undergraduate students' outcomes (e.g., funding, academic programming, staffing, and accountability). Strategies to enhance policy effectiveness in this arena emphasize…

This article examines the undesirable social and vocational ramifications associated with the use of a single high-stakes test to assess the academic proficiencies of students with disabilities and the present discriminatory nature of the required performance on one standardized exam. Alternative assessments are discussed. (Contains references.)…

The number of school boards in Canada has been radically reduced over the past 7 years. During this period, governance roles and responsibilities also have been redefined. Since 1995, 9 of Canada's 10 provinces have gone through a consolidation process mandated by provincial legislators, mainly for cost efficiency. (MLF)

Relates why educators should embrace tests as tools for transforming teaching and learning. States that rigorous and meaningful testing can help ensure the academic achievement of all students. Further, useful education assessments must make clear what they measure, and they must measure what educators value most. (Contains six references.) (WFA)

Undergraduate study programs in the United States, Great Britain, and Europe are compared. Assessment strategies are offered for use in addressing demands for evidence of accountability and concerns about quality facing Western universities. These countries should jointly study the peer review process as an assessment tool. (TJH)

Trustees of theological institutions must be aware of the tension that exists for the seminary: the church's concern for the proper representation of its tradition in seminary teaching. A balance must be found for the often competing interests of their respective churches and American higher education. (Author/MSE)

Trends over the past 25 years calling for accreditation, program evaluation, and outcomes assessment for higher education institutions are briefly reviewed. The cooperative market model of institutional research and self-study is outlined, which involves cooperation among institutions, accrediting bodies, state departments of education, and state…

Examines the literature on current trends in student development, focusing on the framework within which student personnel professionals operate; service to new groups of community college students; the effects of failing public financial support and increased reliance on industrial support; and the growing emphasis on assessment and…

The metaphor linking the classroom with the workplace has often driven research and influenced educational practice. Although similarities exist, the conceptualization neglects the unique qualities of the classroom that create a "learning setting." Characteristics differentiating classrooms from work and recreational settings are…

States that because historical novelists who wish to create lifelike characters and situations must base their work on accurate and thorough research, historical fiction can and should be used as another way of interpreting the past. Urges the critical analysis of historical fiction to make authors accountable for their work. (LS)

Examines Free-Net, and discusses its development and usefulness in delivering the information and services typically provided by community information centers. Discussion includes 10 characteristics of Free-Nets; and sidebars include selected examples of Free-Nets, how to try out a Free-Net, and a sample of Cleveland Free-Net=FEs main menu. (24…

Describes research related to the effectiveness of past efforts at school improvement as well as the evolution of the self-study/school improvement process in North Dakota. Uses three components of school accountability cited by L. Darling-Hammond (1992) as a backdrop. (SLD)

This speech examines the new widespread support of geographic mobility in Europe's higher education community. Elements in this trend include official programs of exchange among countries, policies supporting cooperation, and a new willingness and ability of institutions to accept public scrutiny. Institutions are urged to back their commitments…

Among 10 school boards studied in British Columbia, those in districts with higher student achievement and lower costs were considerably more knowledgeable about district programs and practices; had a clearer sense of what they wanted to accomplish, based on firmly held values and beliefs; and engaged in activities that provided opportunities to…

Using conventional business principles to solve problems in higher education does more harm than good. What is needed is a rethinking of the structures, governance, and teaching strategies that dominate most campuses, and creation of a service-oriented system. This requires an emphasis on community and a governance strategy of partnership. (MSE)