Minnesota's 916 area vocational institutes which use a competency-based instructional system are described. Components of this instructional system delineated in the article are the setting, mainstreaming approach, grading system, program goals, educational advantages, curriculum and model development, evaluation, and teacher inservice. (BM)

Five legal questions are discussed in the conflict between the move to institute minimum competency testing (MCT) for students and the effort to protect the educational rights of handicapped children. The threshold question is whether handicapped children should be subject to the same MCT requirements as the non-handicapped. (PS)

The author explains how she converted her adult medical office assistant program to an open-entry, competency-based curriculum. She describes a typical class period. (CH)

The author provides an example of how an individualized competency-based skills training program available for secondary students of all abilities can assist those who intend to seek advanced placement in postsecondary training in vocational-technical education or college education. (CT)

Discusses trend toward minimum competency tests (MCTs) as a requirement for receiving high school graduation. Summarizes criticisms of such testing, and discusses Florida's experience with the MCT, especially in relation to minorities. Concludes that the use of MCTs is potentially discriminatory. (CJM)

Suggests a legally grounded process for determining adequate performance standards while posing the fewest legal and logistical problems for schools. Addresses issues of accountability, promotion and retention, teachers' concerns, student/parent concerns, and relevant legal issues in developing and implementing appropriate standards. Various types…

Describes the Atlanta Area Technical School's Child Care Occupations Program, focusing on the combination day-care center/child study laboratory; course work is competency based. Utilizes a model program in training child-care workers at both the secondary and post-secondary level. (TA)

Presents a review of requirements for exit examinations for high school seniors and a discussion of the disadvantages and alternatives to the exams. (Author/HMV)

These teacher and student editions on steering and suspension are part of the diesel mechanics series of instructional materials. The series aligns with the medium/heavy duty truck task list developed by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and used by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in the…

The centrality of school leadership as a necessary element for school success is a well-determined part of the educational leadership research canon. Although school leadership is broad-based and includes many factors, the central role the principal plays is most often seen as a pivot around which much of a school's progress depends. However, it…

This framework is designed to help Idaho schools develop their comprehensive health education curriculum and program and formulate realistic goals for themselves and their students. The guide outlines major shifts in emphasis represented by the proposed framework, such as a shift from focusing on separate areas of content to focusing on making…

This monograph analyzes new competency-based college admissions strategies linked to school reform initiatives that focus on linking K-12 and postsecondary education systems. It is based on data collected as part of a national survey of state higher education agencies and site visits to Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin,…

This curriculum framework document was developed to define what students must learn in specific subject areas to ensure their ultimate success. This document provides guidance in the disciplines of mathematics, science, and technology. The purpose of these materials is to set content strands and performance indicators for all students in the…

Attitudes of students, faculty, and recent graduates to a self-paced, self-instructional junior-level program using learning modules were significantly positive for all groups. Faculty stressed the need for continuing support, and older students and seniors were the most positively disposed group. (MSE)

A rationale is developed for the use of competency-based professionally oriented undergraduate education, with examples cited from the literature. The Theory-Practice Curriculum Model proposed is described in terms of its characteristics and advantages for the nontraditional student population. (Author/MSE)