Since 1983, all nonadvanced vocational courses at Scottish secondary and postsecondary institutions were replaced by a system of modules, uniform free-standing units of study with specified learning outcomes required for student certification. This development is contrasted with politically driven vocational policy changes in England. Contains 42…

Describes how alternative assessment differs from more traditional forms and outlines the forces causing the recent fascination with alternative assessment (demands for accountability, negative consequences of high-stakes testing, and increasing criticisms of standardized tests). Identifies some major issues involving alternative assessment,…

A model for developing systemwide interventions for behavioral and social skill deficits in preschool children with handicaps is discussed. The model incorporates a comprehensive, curriculum-based approach to assessment and program planning and a competency-based, didactic approach to teaching behavioral and social skills. (Author/DB)

Wisconsin's Designated Vocational Instruction model emphasizes identification and use of vocational program competencies before placement, during participation, and through transition. It enables special and vocational educators to cooperate in preparing high school students with disabilities in the least restricted environment. (SK)

Outlines five popular alternative assessment measures that can be used to provide a multidimensional perspective of students' educational needs and enhance instructional programming, including portfolio assessment, performance-based assessment, authentic assessment, curriculum-based assessment, and criterion-referenced assessment. Guidelines for…

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, 64 percent of its 660 schools increased their norm-referenced test scores from 1998 to 1999. Success stems from a clear, districtwide approach to standards-based learning and broad-based communication about student and school gains. Bancroft Middle School's results-driven approach is profiled. (MLH)

Discusses the growing importance of transnational, competency-based training in information technology and considers implications for traditional institutions of higher education. Considers the awarding of certificates rather than degrees; the types of providers offering training; the role of testing companies in the certification process; and the…

In one California high school, learning to learn is a measurable outcome assessed by all students' participation in graduation by exhibition. Students must meet state requirements and demonstrate learning prowess by publicly exhibiting their skills in math, science, language arts, social science, service learning, and postgraduation planning. (MLH)

In Minnesota, imperial forces would implement a controlling, if well-intentioned system designed to make teachers and students conform to standards not of their choosing. Based on outcome-based education precepts, the proposed reform ideas are retreads of tried and untrue conservative concepts with a history of failure. When minimum expectations…

Surveys grade 8 mathematics, special education, and proficiency intervention teachers in 35 middle schools to address the question of whether software use has made any difference on students' passing of the mathematics portion of the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test. (Contains 22 references.) (ASK)

Presents content standards for performance-based accountability systems, which should not be driven by a single indicator. Systems must consider school context and individual student differences; monitor and support equitable learning opportunities, long-term professional development opportunities, and classroom assessments; and allow for…

Describes the educational quality assurance program implemented in South Africa in 1995 and its effects on pharmacy education, including development of outcomes-based competency standards for entry-level pharmacists. Describes an integrated, problem-based pharmacy program established jointly between formerly non-white and white institutions and…

Presents a framework for creating competency-based models, including an analysis of the utility of national competency banks. Presents a checklist that institutional researchers can use during and after the implementation phase to guide institutional success. Concludes with a bibliography of selected Internet-based resources in the area of…

Our understanding of the funding of public junior colleges prior to 1940 has been strongly influenced by the ideology of current scholars. A close reading of the historical record reveals that early junior colleges were rarely subsidized by states. Rather, their costs were met by approximately equal contributions of local tax revenue and unaided…

This study examined whether the impact of student-faculty interaction on a range of student outcomes--including academic achievement, goals, self-confidence, well-being, and attitudes--differed for women and men. The data were drawn from a national longitudinal sample of college students (N = 17,637) who were surveyed upon entry to college in 1994…