The role of the teacher as researcher is related to key themes in the literature on action research. Current issues facing teachers involved in research into their own practice are highlighted. The pressure of accountability placed on teachers is discussed in the context of teacher research. (IAH)

A model of professional nursing governance in an 800-bed long-term care facility is described, and the model's implications for nursing education are discussed. The governance model includes a registered nurse organization determining all standards for practice, policies governing practice, and nursing clinical programing. (Author/MSE)

Describes a study that examined the impact of federated library systems on member library services, resources, and operations in Pennsylvania. The discussion includes a rationale for the research methodology used, and comments on the absence of reliable library statistics and published reports as a basis for comparison with pre-systems situations.…

Surveys the legal challenges to teacher certification based on objective competency tests; analyzes the theories of the challenges; and discusses implementation of these tests with particular reference to the declining number of eligible minority candidates. Describes "custom designed" certification programs used by a few states. (MLF)

An Educational Risk Management Plan (ERMP) should be incorporated throughout every school district. Discusses property and liability insurance classifications and features of a good ERMP. (12 references) (MLF)

Suggests that legislative involvement in community college operations stems from fiscal responsibility. Describes the structure of higher education in Florida and the development of the College Level Academic Skills Test. Discusses the adoption and results of the Gordon Rule, which establishes English and mathematics requirements for the first two…

A model of quality assessment for higher education that incorporates both accountability (representing extrinsic values) and peer-review/collegiality (reflecting intrinsic values) is outlined. It is presented in both a historical context and the context of experiences with quality assessment in North America and Western Europe. (Author/MSE)

Using the Defining Issues Test, examined whether athletic participation enhances or detracts from moral development when female and male athletes (n=37) were compared with nonathletes (n=21) at a western university. Males scored lower than females and athletes tended to score lower than nonathletes. (JBJ)

Maintains that academia has not escaped the litigious nature of the current U.S. social climate. Cites pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases on academic judgment and reviews lower court cases where students challenged their assigned grades. Provides suggestions for lessening the likelihood of litigation. (CFR)

First, the role of the association of universities in the Netherlands in external institutional evaluation is examined. Then, three basic tenets of program assessment are discussed: (1) university programs must be of academic quality; (2) program content must not be too compressed; and (3) programs should be challenging for students. (MSE)

Five articles in this special issue present the approaches to accountability found in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland, provinces that represent 85% of all Canadian elementary and secondary school students. The articles are then discussed by representatives of four national Canadian educational associations. (SLD)

Discusses school restructuring and how it can apply to music education. Includes changes in concepts of education, the movement toward accountability, and defining effective schools. Describes effective schools as those in which the basic skills of underserved students are at the same level as those of middle class students. (DK)

A descriptive study of 11 apprenticeship programs in Florida found a lack of clear government policies regarding schools' relationship with the private sector in terms of contractual arrangements and program financing. The potential exists for a lack of accountability of publicly funded equipment, personnel, and facilities. (SK)

Exhibitions are one way to exemplify high standards while serving both individual liberty and civic virtue. Exhibitions begin with determination of what students should know and be able to do and proceed methodically backward to define what and how students must be taught to reach those outcomes. Policy options to ensure accountability through…

Although many higher education institutions are addressing mandated student outcomes assessment as an issue of accountability, state governments appear to be more concerned about program improvement than summative evaluation. The different perspectives frame a fundamental debate over the nature and direction of the assessment movement. (Author/MSE)