Examines employability through the lenses of consensus theory and conflict theory. Expands the latter into positional conflict theory, which explains how the market for credentials is rigged and how individuals are ranked in it. Argues that even employable people may fail to find jobs because of positional competition in the knowledge-driven…

Training programs will continue to change to meet the needs of consumers of school psychological services in the 21st century. Provides information about the factors influencing the preparation of school psychologists whose roles and functions must change to meet these needs. Emphasis is on the overall context of training and the anticipated…

Plans for an international database that would furnish university officials with information about educational systems, institutions, and academic credentials around the world are discussed. The Trans Regional Academic Mobility and Credential Evaluation would be on a computer at the National University Computer Center in Montpellier, France. (MLW)

In Australia, different methods of assessing attainment of workplace competencies and national standards are underway. A major concern is how to report information to potential employers in sufficient detail to assist hiring decisions. Reporting methods must recognize that results are used for different purposes; a balance should be struck between…

Reviews current status of gerontological counseling specialty within counselor education. Notes that nationally endorsed competencies, certification process, and standards for specialty training in gerontological counseling have been developed and approved. Considers implementation of gerontological counseling specialty in counselor education.…

Presents four actual letters of recommendation written by the same professor within the same year, two for men and two for women. Information about the students is provided after the letters. The analytical views of professionals, after reading these letters of recommendation, are presented. Suggests ways for students to obtain more accurate and…

This literature review examines seven issues: describing minimum requirements for qualifications, distinguishing qualification levels, recognizing prior learning, using short courses, recording competency-based assessment results, keeping records of individual achievement, and deciding whether to record exact competencies. Recent movements to…

Eager to resolve a 30-year debate over the number, standards, length, and title of pharmacy degree programs, 3 of the largest pharmacy professional associations have released a joint statement calling for a new doctorate as the sole entry-level degree for pharmacists. An association of retail community pharmacies strongly opposes the move. (MSE)

Reviews the current state of differentiated practice and credentialing in nursing and proposes a national generalist certification program for professional nurses, based on achievement of the nursing baccalaureate degree and/or examination. (SK)

A survey of 400 secondary agriculture teachers (241 responses) showed that those with science credentials were more likely to teach both agriculture courses receiving science credit and nonagriculture science courses. Science credentials and credits were more likely to benefit agricultural than science programs. Ag teachers with science…

Describes the two national credentials used for U.S. early childhood paraprofessionals: (1) Child Development Associate, overseen by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, in Washington DC, and recently undergoing several changes; and (2) Certified Childcare Professional, awarded by the National Child Care Association, a…

Portfolios are an effective employment tool since they spotlight the developer's capabilities, personalize the interview, and reduce stress while capturing the interviewer's attention. An outline is provided of key components of a school counselor's portfolio beginning with a rationale and goals. Documentation of National Standards for School…

Describes the comprehensive Welsh system of education and training, including a national career information and guidance service. The system focuses on credit-based qualifications and a holistic approach to academic and vocational learning. (SK)

Provides an overview of marriage and family counseling, including the growth of interest in this specialty within the American Counseling Association (ACA). Discusses the evolution of marriage and family counseling within ACA, standards for training, credentialing, and unique ethical considerations when counseling couples and families. (Author)

Reviews potential Internet applications in counseling test selection, orientation, administration, scoring and interpretation. Explores inappropriate assessment use, relationship issues, ethics, credentialing, and training. (Contains 39 references and an appendix.) (Author/GCP)