Drawing upon experimental work in different history departments, Mark Cottingham explores "assessment for learning" principles in practice. He raises the problem of a clash between these approaches and the progression model inherent in the National Curriculum Attainment Target, and, crucially, the way in which history departments are…

This study examines whether new private schools are innovative, drawing on theories of markets and institutions. Choice advocates claim that markets spark innovation, while institutional theory suggests that isomorphic forces will limit novel school forms. Using qualitative data from third sector private schools in Toronto, three hypotheses about…

In its most simple form, competency means that the student must demonstrate that he knows certain things and that he can do certain things before being passed on to the next level of schooling. In its most politically potent form, competency means that school personnel are judged by how well pupils acquire minimum school skills. In this paper the…

This paper explores the current age of accountability, citing examples from the field of child welfare. The discussion focuses on: (1) a definition of accountability; (2) an examination of historical antecedents; (3) a discussion and critique of the systems-oriented styles of accountability presently in use; and (4) a summary of major problems…

This report is based on a discussion of critical issues in education that was the focal point of the 1975 Institute of Chief State School Officers. In preparation for the 1975 Institute, each chief officer was asked to prepare a short paper describing the most important issues facing him on the state level and those he believed to be the most…

The essays in this collection examine the outcomes or benefits of community colleges with respect to specific constituencies; discuss the impact of the policies, programs, and needs of external agencies on the colleges; and consider methods by which educational outcomes can be improved and measured within the institutional setting. After…

Notes on a 1980 seminar for members of statewide coordinating and governing boards are presented as part of an inservice education program. Speakers and participants spoke on such topics as the relations among universities and governments in a time of increasing accountability, institutional reactions under conditions of fiscal stress, and…

The history of the U.S. Office of Education's (OE) relationship with private accrediting agencies is traced. "Criteria for Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and Associations" have been used to determine which accrediting agencies and associations are reliable authorities for identifying the quality of training offered by…

Although schools are not businesses, demands for accountability have led schools to adopt businesslike practices that may be inimical to education. Unlike businesses, schools do not have unambiguous, superordinate objectives (such as profit). Furthermore, they cannot easily reject umprofitable customers or change their products, cannot restrict…

The State University of New York's (SUNY) Budget System and the Course and Section Analysis (CASA) System, which were developed to ensure accountability at the campus level, are described. Problem areas and resulting inaccurate and potentially misleading information are examined for the 12 state university colleges. The Budget System and CASA…

To describe and analyze the use of private organizations for supervision, training, or assistance of persons referred from criminal justice agencies was the purpose of this study. Procedures were divided into three parts: a review of relevant existing published data and, to the extent possible, ongoing studies; a survey of a national sample of…

The features of two currently popular evaluation models for higher education institutions are described. Each system was designed and developed to respond to what was perceived as different sides of a common problem. Two lines of analysis on costs and outcomes have been developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management (NCHEMS). The…

This discussion of educational trends of interest to school superintendents focuses on three issues: (1) the general decline of birth rates, school enrollments, staff, facilities, and expenditures for instruction; (2) the increase in mandated assessments and programs brought on by declining academic performance and political influences; (3) the…

The purpose of this seminar was to give members of the Canadian Teachers' Federation a better understanding of the educational budgetary process. The proceedings of the seminar included welcoming remarks by Russell D. Mosher followed by two addresses--"The Political Context of Budgeting" by Dr. Peter Atherton and "Resource…