The nontraditional education movement in postsecondary education has presented new problems for accreditation in terms of results vs process, governance, the rise of entrepreneurs, and territoriality. (JMF)

The author cites several definitions of "accountability" in education, looks at some state accountability legislation and lawsuits, and considers the meaning of and obstacles to educational accountability. Discussing such topics as who is accountable for success and who controls the curriculum, he concludes that legislating accountability in…

The process of setting performance standards must be examined within the particular context in which specific approaches have been used to construct or select the criterion performance measures being utilized. (Author/RLV)

Discusses successes and problems of the Adult Performance Level (APL) project funded by the U.S. Office of Education in 1971 to identify the skills necessary for an adult to function successfully in today's society. (TA)

Describes the Kentucky model Competency Based Vocational Education program for the occupational area of tractor mechanics, and its implementation. (HD)

Discusses quasi-experimental and experimental research methodologies for investigating the relationships among teacher behavior, teacher competencies, student achievement, and student attitude outcomes. (MLH)

Presents a systematic procedure for analyzing job tasks to determine the relative emphasis each should be given in an instructional program as opposed to being learned through on-the-job experience. (Editor)

The 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed progress in all three grade levels compared with 1990 and 1992 studies. The national standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council will continue to provide guidance for modifying math and science education. Educators must fully…

Presents reflections of a veteran teacher about the relationship between veteran and new teachers; about the trends of change in educational approaches; and about the benefit of summer programs for teachers. Shares some opinions about educational issues, such as standardized testing and busing. (TB)

Reiterates the case for adopting a proficiencies approach to instruction and learning in the economics major. Lists five proficiencies and discusses the emphasis given to these proficiencies with top economics undergraduates at two major research universities. (RLH)

A survey of older women graduates of a competency-based educational institution for poor and working class adults found that while monetary returns of the college degree are quite limited, the degree provides access to professional and managerial positions and improves economic opportunities. (MSE)

The article describes the development of a Knowledge Battery to assess the competency level of secondary special education students receiving instruction in the Life-Centered Career Education Curriculum. The Battery consists of 89 subcompetency tests with items selected, validity, reliability, cutting scores determined, and standardization…

A college-level classroom assessment model that provides an alternative for assessing student competencies and can be adapted readily to different academic settings is presented. The procedures described help faculty assess the impact of their teaching on student mastery of course competencies while applying continuous quality improvement…

A telephone survey of 300 physicians investigated their attitudes toward 16 competencies deemed essential to effective practice of medicine in the changing health-care system. Physicians validated the traditional strengths of medical schools but suggested curricular weaknesses in the teaching of competencies important for functioning in the…