A competency-based small engines program model and its plan of operation are explained and a sample instructional unit for the cylinder rebuild competency is provided. Competency attainment on a job profile/placement printout being developed will be shown as "go" and "no go" rather than grades. (MF)

The academic transcript is undergoing changes that reflect new learning and assessment procedures. A student development transcript could serve a useful purpose depending on its format. Although there are issues which need resolving, this may be an opportune time to explore the potential for a student development transcript. (Author)

Competency-Based Instruction (CBI) is a model for professional education with potentially significant implications for rehabilitation counselor training. A simple description of the basic concepts of CBI is presented together with several related issues and potential benefits. (Author)

North Country Community College (New York) implemented a model of general education specifying competencies to be achieved in liberal arts courses. Introductory psychology students were pre- and posttested on competencies of knowledge (objective and subjective), critical thinking, and writing, using an objective test and essay. Significant gains…

If technology is to have more than a modest impact on curriculum design, educators must embrace a new paradigm integrating technology in the classroom. Describes LoTi (levels of technology implementation), an instrument to measure the degree to which computers are used to support concept-based or process-based instruction, consequential learning,…

Analyzes data from 285 African American social workers and administrators to demonstrate effect of perceptions of agency cultural sophistication on reports of psychological and work-related stress. Discusses usefulness of cultural sophistication as an explanatory variable in understanding staff perceptions of occupational and psychological stress…

Examines the policy context of the adoption of competency-based training (CBT), including in English as a Second Language. The article argues that, although it is doubtful that CBT can deliver the substantive economic, educational, and equity goals claimed for it, it fulfilled important political and management objectives for the Labor government.…

Understanding the overlap between culture, race, substance misuse, and maltreatment is central to implementing better permanent plans for children and their families. Examines the intersection of these areas and presents a typology of five competency areas for culturally relevant substance abuse knowledge, attitudes, and skills to strengthen…

Discusses the objectives and describes the curriculum components of the curriculum guidelines for initial programs for school library media specialists approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. A folio (matrix) that may be used to report evidence of compliance with these guidelines for accreditation purposes is…

Examines the effect of state-mandated policy, emphasizing control through performance-based instruction and student test scores as the basis for determining school accreditation, and the teaching and learning of science. Indicates that the state-mandated policy has some unexpected and negative results on teacher behavior. (Author/YP)

The traditional approach to grammar teaching provides learners with opportunities to produce specific grammatical structures. This article explores an alternative approach, one based on interpreting input. The rationale for the approach is discussed, as are the principles for designing interpretation tasks for grammar teaching. (Contains 35…

Discusses the Maryland Test of Citizenship Skills and the controversy surrounding its adoption. Presents results of a study of teachers' attitudes toward the test and remediation efforts. Concludes that competency-based testing discourages higher level thinking but encourages recall. Suggests that performance on the test does not reflect students'…

In 1990, a U.S. study group visited primary and secondary schools in urban and disadvantaged areas throughout England, finding implications for U.S. education. England is trying to upgrade standards by implementing a national curriculum and a national assessment system. Both England and the U.S. are concerned with improving school climate and…

Includes "School Choice: An Overview"; "Public School Choice: An Overview"; "Would Choice + Competition Yield Quality Education?" (Elmore); "National Testing: An Overview"; "Measuring Schools Is Not the Same as Improving Them" (Darling-Hammond); "Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three..."…

Describes Project TRAIN, which provides graduate-level preservice training at the University of Wisconsin for early intervention professionals interested in working in rural areas with special-needs infants and toddlers and their families. Discusses project rationale, objectives, professional competencies, coursework, performance-based evaluation,…