Claims that managed-care principles are rapidly entering the public child welfare system and are being implemented in the delivery of therapeutic services in schools. Claims that this switch increases the importance of professional credentials and high standards and that school social workers should look beyond entry-level certification. (RJM)

Summarizes a report about professional credentials presented to the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). Presents a rationale for the involvement of ASTA in the development of science teaching standards, a summary of the state of teacher evaluation, and a discussion of future options for ASTA's involvement in standards. (DDR)

Demonstrates how students' writings can be used to inform instruction and serve as the foundation for a teacher's portfolio on improving classroom practice. (MKR)

Uses Greek data for 1981 and 1985 to test screening hypothesis by replicating method proposed by Psacharopoulos. Credentialism, or sheepskin effect of education, directly challenges human capital theory, which views education as a productivity augmenting process. Results do not support the strong version of the screening hypothesis and suggest…

Defines and discusses professionalism, and discusses the certification, credentialing, and preparation of early childhood teachers in light of recent research on these topics and the educational reform movement. Argues that the integration of new knowledge emerging from studies of educational practice and child development can help raise levels of…

Suggests that the "fact-shoveling" model of higher education is rendering institutions superfluous in this Information Age. Illustrates the convergence of business and education, and notes that businesses are providing relevant training for free, while a university education remains costly. Discusses the credential problem,…

Discusses the growing importance of transnational, competency-based training in information technology and considers implications for traditional institutions of higher education. Considers the awarding of certificates rather than degrees; the types of providers offering training; the role of testing companies in the certification process; and the…

The story of a charter school closure is told from the perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and community members, who felt that the sponsoring district revoked the charter for political reasons despite broad local support. The experience underscores the necessity of publicly subjecting the relationship of the public school system and the…

States that as a new institution, Klamath Mission Community College in Oregon (KCC) sought to develop an academically sound and conceptually viable curriculum in the context of emerging societal and workforce needs by examining issues of mission, service area, basic skills requirements, academic credit hours, degree programs, non-credit courses,…

The empirical relationship between educational attainment and credentials with socioeconomic attainment is well established, but why this relationship arises remains in doubt. The author of this article discusses seven types of middle-range theories meant to explain the relationship: human capital, screening (including filtering), signaling,…

A study was conducted in Britain between October 1990 and June 1991 to evaluate the implementation and delivery of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and the implications for the training of trainers. (NVQs are a device for assessing performance; they represent the systemization of the skills and competencies required in a wide variety of…

This guide explains the benefits and use of Ohio's career passport, which is designed to serve as a standard statewide vocational credential that represents individuals as completers of secondary or adult vocational programs and that is transferable across the state regardless of where a vocational completer received training. Discussed in section…

A study examined state initiatives for industry-based skill standards and credentials. Officials in 19 states were interviewed, case studies of programs in 3 states (Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas) were conducted, and focus group discussions were held with 25 individuals. State skill standards were generally found to be tied to broader efforts…

This booklet outlines the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for caregivers working in center-based infant and toddler day care programs. Part 1 provides an overview of the CDA credentialing system and the various options, settings, standards, and stages of the CDA assessment system. Part 2 explains the eligibility…

This Spanish-language booklet outlines the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for caregivers working in center-based infant and toddler day care programs. Part 1 provides an overview of the CDA credentialing system and the various options, settings, standards, and stages of the CDA assessment system. Part 2 explains…