The ratio of rehabilitant earnings to the mean earnings of those persons in the general population with similar demographic characteristics has been proposed as a meaningful criterion of rehabilitant placement suitability. The Cooper-Rubin index was developed to generate a relative placement suitability score for each rehabilitant. (Author)

Program theory can be used to improve programs and policies. This article describes a set of techniques for complicating and simplifying program theory, referred to as conceptual and action heuristics. Methods such as analyzing metaphors, clarifying concepts, mapping, component assessment, causal modeling, and decision analysis are discussed. (JAZ)

Presents the results of telephone interviews, self-questionnaires, and site visits of 48 state child protective service offices regarding policies, procedures and protocols for handling complaints of abuse and neglect in children's institutions. Institutional child protection is seen as a relatively unformed appendage of interfamiliar child…

Do proficiency tests show whether students are gifted? Are programs for the talented properly funded? Confusion among programs for gifted students indicates that guidelines should be established, including weighing the gifted label for each program and linking programs to special talents. References included. (CJH)

Five obstacles that may serve as barriers to the internal reform of teacher education programs emerged as powerful factors during a year-long case study of a curriculum improvement program. These obstacles and their implications for curriculum improvement in teacher education programs are discussed. (MT)

The author suggests new ways to meet the needs of adult students: develop greater sensitivity to the adult learner's needs; adopt a "total program approach" to adult vocational education; develop creative delivery systems; build alliances with other providers of adult education; and give more attention to adult instructor selection, orientation,…

Describes a plan to restructure and reform Minnesota's kindergarten through 12th-grade education system in an effort to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the future. Discusses student performance, the limits of K-12 education, core competencies, problem-solving skills, and students' responsibility for their own education. (CT)

A study was conducted to determine vocational agriculture teachers' attitudes toward SOEPs (supervised occupational experience programs) and to assess the quantity of SOEPs. It was found that vocational agriculture teachers who have a more positive attitude toward SOEPs have a higher proportion of students with SOEPs in their current vocational…

Presents recommendations for developing the content of career development activities in secondary schools, including basic academic skills, occupational skills, job-seeking skills, world of work knowledge, and work values. Also presents recommendations to improve the delivery of career development activities in secondary schools and discusses the…

The author states that this is the time for the reform of teacher education. It is not a time to abandon teacher education by providing certification to nontrained teachers. It really is a time for the nation and each state to pay for quality teacher education. (CT)

Criticism and recommendations made toward teacher education programs do not usually examine the diversity among these programs. This article explores characteristics of various institutions, their education students, and the content of their programs. (DF)

Research is often seen only as a method of encouraging preservice teachers to engage in certain behaviors. This article proposes that research can be used to increase teacher options, provide understanding of the school as a workplace, provide a technical area of teaching, promote questioning and reflection, and provide consumer protection. (DF)

Examines causes of the threatened closure of University of Michigan's School of Education (e.g., inadequate enrollment, professional isolation/insulation, imitative research, information gaps, and lack of recognition for innovation). Concludes that the School must maintain a balance of action-oriented research, teaching excellence, and service in…

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has recently examined its standards, policies, and procedures. A discussion of alternative accreditation principles adopted in 1983 and the evaluation process to date are discussed. (DF)

Virginia's response to criticism dealing with teacher education programs has been to establish cut-off scores on the National Teachers Examination and to develop a provisional certification for all beginning teachers. These changes in teacher certification regulations are discussed. (DF)