Analyzes the positive and negative features of mastery learning and its place in competency-based education. (Author/WD)

Advocates the use of both descriptive and prescriptive approaches to designing developmental studies programs in community colleges. Defines competency-based education (CBE) and examines five critical elements of CBE: educational framework, systematic structure, educational attainment, learning outcomes, and instructional processes. Discusses the…

The importance of active student involvement is stressed in this discussion of a competency-based approach to career exploration. Five steps used in developing a one-semester, eighth-grade business exploration course are presented and described. Methods of teaching such a unit and advantages to this approach are discussed. (CT)

Lists ways that computer-managed instruction can help teachers, especially teachers using "outcome-based learning" methods. (Author/JM)

Discusses two reasons why the state of writing performance may worsen when, beginning in 1983, Tennessee high school students must pass a proficiency test as a condition for graduation; reasons are the objective nature of the test and the language performance objectives which the test proposes to measure. (NEC)

Institutions granting credit for life experience are faced with obstacles related to the complex, sensitive, threatening, and ambitious nature of the procedure. A three-step process for implementation of a plan for developing credit for life experiences is provided, along with a dissenting opinion. (MLW)

Traces the history of military efforts to systematize the design, development, installation, and operational training for a weapons system and discusses the current status of criterion referenced instruction in Army training programs. Steps being taken to remedy identified problems are described. (MER)

Six questions about performance and performance courses for the physical education major are: (1) skills and abilities possessed by physical education majors; (2) entry standards; (3) performance versus professional application; (4) relationship between professional education and performance courses; (5) relationship between disciplinary study and…

An adequate training program in family therapy would have as its primary goal the development of competent practitioners. A therapist's command of technique should allow him to relate to the needs and limits of the family, conveying respect for each member. Content of such a program and format are also discussed. (Author)

Discusses the following issues raised by competency-based education (CBE): (1) defining competency, (2) nonequivalent levels of competency, (3) monitoring student progress, (4) competency testing, (5) grouping for instruction, and (6) the legal implications of competency testing. Presents guidelines to reading teachers considering employment in a…

The article discusses a product/process competency approach (PPCA) for training resident advisors (RAs) to handicapped individuals in which goals are translated into competencies from which instructional objectives are derived. It is explained that the PPCA incorporates the input of significant others (e.g., administrators, agency providers,…

Detroit's minimum competency testing program focuses on improving basic skills instruction. Using test results as indicators of areas of weakness and strength in 12 subjects, teachers have a better understanding of the learning tasks and subskills needed for mastery. (WD)

In the past, physical educators and coaches have been too superficial and lax in their professional efforts. Teachers in the disciplines of physical education and sports need to develop identifiable, consistent educational philosophies. (JN)

Suggests that understanding different conceptual models of curriculum making will increase the effectiveness and rationality of the development process. Presents four commonly used models of curriculum development: empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, and humanism. (Author/JM)

Describes and identifies problems with criterion referenced programs and criterion referenced tests. Among the problems are criterion referenced programs that often are used incorrectly by teachers, are not accompanied by the necessary support system, and often do not inform teachers of how to set instructional objectives for individual students.…