This volume on quality learning in higher education discusses issues of good practice particularly action learning and Total Quality Management (TQM)-type strategies and illustrates them with seven case studies in Australia and the United Kingdom. Chapter 1 discusses issues and problems in defining quality in higher education. Chapter 2 looks at…

The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) is an examination of achievement in communication skills and mathematics that is mandated by state law for college students in community colleges and state universities in Florida as a requirement for an Associate's degree or for entry into upper-level courses. Higher CLAST standards went into effect…

The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) is a mandated examination of the achievement of college students in communications skills and mathematics that must be passed by students in Florida public institutions of higher education to receive an Associate's degree or entrance into upper-level courses. This report gives test results on the…

The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) is an achievement test mandated by the state of Florida to assess the communications and mathematics skills of college students in public institutions in Florida. Passing the CLAST is a requirement for an Associate's in Arts degree or entry into upper-level courses. This report presents and analyzes…

The place for standardized testing in Chapter 1 evaluation is discussed. There is substantial evidence available on the negative effects of high-stakes standardized testing, and there is a clear link between Chapter 1 requirements and the amount of testing in most school districts. Standardized testing is usually used to identify eligible…

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority was established to develop a consistent approach to the recognition of academic and vocational qualifications. The National Qualifications Framework was designed following surveys of a number of sectors: universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, private training firms, schools, businesses, unions,…

New Jersey has taken steps to improve vocational education programs and services in response to two state reports and the measurement and evaluation requirements of the reauthorized Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-392). Among state initiatives is the Occupational Competency Project, a study of 100…

Four papers follow and document the progress of the Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing in understanding questions related to alternative assessment based on case studies in three elementary schools. The research questions include consideration of the logistical constraints that must be respected in developing…

This monograph has been developed as part of an intensive, 3-year study of five local school districts engaged in general and special education reform. The purpose of the study was to examine how educational reforms were being defined and implemented at the local district and school levels, particularly with students with disabilities. The…

Despite the fact that one of the strengths of two-year institutions is their ability to serve the diverse educational needs of their local communities, a single measure of community college effectiveness, the transfer rate, has come to dominate. Because this single measure of success can be used for both internal institutional review, and for…

In response to legislative mandate, the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges initiated the development of a community college accountability system by convening a task force in January 1991. In addition, grants were awarded to four community college districts (i.e., Mt. San Antonio College, San Joaquin Delta College, San…

This paper examines issues in gathering data for purposes of making accountability decisions for students with disabilities. The first section describes five alternative methods being used: (1) administration of norm-referenced tests; (2) focus on results or outcomes; (3) Individualized Education Program aggregation; (4) secondary analysis of…

In 1989, a long-term partnership began between International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation and the Austin Independent School District (AISD) to form Project A+ (later named the A+ Coalition), a program designed to be a catalyst for educational improvement by identifying fundamental changes needed to enhance education and to marshal community…

This report presents recommendations resulting from a study of current and future workforce preparation needs in Illinois. A special committee held 8 meetings and 10 hearings across the state and examined background reports on national and state labor conditions, existing job training services, and public, private, and proprietary education…

This annual report provides an overview of major initiatives and accomplishments of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education in implementing the policy directions identified in "Planning for the Class of 2005: A Vision for the Future." It begins with a specification of Commission responsibilities and outlines its legislative agenda…