Unlike traditional postsecondary education, continuing professional education (CPE) does not have a long-established system of legally recognized program providers coupled with a quality control mechanism of institutional and specialized accrediting bodies. Accrediting bodies are just beginning to insist on CPE quality standards comparable to…

This publication reports on the progress that the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada has made to respond to the higher education needs of the northern region of Canada. In particular this report evaluates the progress made after 3 years on a series of formal recommendations proposed in 1988. The paper lists each of the recommendations and…

An evaluation and report was done on the status of programs in architecture and related fields in the Florida State University System as a follow-up to a 1983 evaluation. The evaluation involved self-studies prepared by each program and a series of site visits to each of seven campuses and two centers with programs under review. These institutions…

In February 1995, New Mexico State University's two-year branch campus at Carlsbad (NMSU-C) submitted a report to the North Central Association (NCA), responding to a 1992 accreditation visit and consisting of four books: (1) responses to NCA concerns and suggestions; (2) evidence of NMSU-C's fulfillment of NCA accreditation requirements and…

As part of a self-examination of institutional integrity, Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), in Wisconsin, undertook a project to identify a set of institutional values and determine the extent that they were exemplified in the college's practices and relationships. The six institutional values were identified as integrity, collaborative…

Dealing with issues related to the assessment of community college accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, student outcomes, and quality improvement, this volume examines the practical considerations of assessment from the perspectives of state-level coordinating boards, accreditation agencies, college presidents, and…

In 1993-94, Sinclair Community College (SCC), in Ohio, conducted a survey of 1,650 associate degree and certificate candidates to determine their perceptions regarding their educational experiences at SCC. A total of 505 candidates completed the survey, for a response rate of 30.6%. Using a 5-point scale, with 1 indicating "excellent"…

This paper provides a framework for the discussion of policy and development of educational quality. Based on the choice of indicators, the purpose of assessment, and the type of evaluation, the paper proposes a whole-matrix approach to addressing the critical issues in assessing and monitoring educational quality. These critical issues include…

To develop a new mission statement for Pima Community College (PCC) in Tucson, Arizona, a "charrette" process was utilized, in which detailed community input was solicited and incorporated as part of the mission statement development. Approximately 100 representatives of the greater Tucson community, together with PCC staff, developed…

Amidst controversy over proposed school closings, Hereford and Worcester (England) local education authorities (LEA) asked for an evaluation of the effectiveness of six small rural "comprehensive" secondary schools (180-450 students) and their importance to surrounding communities. Data were collected on student achievement; teacher and…

This paper examines the role of outcomes assessment in the higher education accreditation process of the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education region and considers future trends suggested by recent federal legislation. The recent reauthorization of the Higher Education Act stipulates an evolving role for the federal government…

This guide, intended to help students and their parents select a college, offers analyses of the quality of instruction, the level of academic standards, the campus political atmosphere, and the college's liberal arts tradition. The book, with an introduction by William J. Bennett, describes 100 schools, which were selected on the basis of…

This report presents the results of a study of 130 private early childhood programs in 23 states, which are applying for or have received accreditation from the NECPA commission. Data were collected through institutional self-reports; parent, staff, and child surveys; and on-site verification. Results are presented for Phase I programs, which…

This publication contains 54 papers on self-study and improvement in institutions of higher education, particularly those institutions associated with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The papers are grouped under 10 topic headings. These chapters include: (1) four papers on seeking initial affiliation, candidacy, and…

In May 1989, as part of a college renewal and self-study process, Hazard Community College conducted a 2-day retreat involving all segments of the college community. Focus groups were established to examine and define the values that best represented the institution. At the end of the second day, each of the 11 focus groups presented a consensus…