Teachers (N=39), administrators (N=9), and a speech therapist working with deaf students rated 240 competencies for teaching English as a symbol system. The top 38 competencies involved practical teaching skills and techniques. Competencies related to the oral-aural method, theory, and background information about deafness were not given high…

Offers different perspectives of the conference topics that were discussed at the 1984 meeting of the International Federation for the Teaching of English (IFTE): language and English teacher education, language and competence, language and tests, language and schooling, language and technology, and language and technological overkill. (HOD)

This study explored some factors associated with learning disabled high school students who passed the North Carolina Minimum Competency Test on the second administration. Factors examined include reading score on the first competency test, intelligence quotient, locus of control, mother's education, teacher support, student/teacher ratio, and…

Beginning teachers in Florida were surveyed as to the weight they assigned to the results of teacher-made tests, district-wide standardized tests, and statewide minimum competency assessment tests in making major educational decisions. The results suggested that greatest weight was placed on the statewide assessment tests. (Author/GDC)

The requirement to desegregate schools catalyzed changes enhancing educational effectiveness at Norfolk Public Schools (Virginia). Diversification of curriculum, high expectations, and instructional leadership have brought about dramatic improvements in academic achievement and minimal competency, and a significant decrease in racial disparity.…

Long considered an under-appreciated and under-utilized position, the role of the assistant principal is finally getting the attention and respect it deserves. In this truly indispensable companion, current and prospective administrators will gain concrete suggestions and solutions to maximize their impact, effectiveness, and satisfaction in this…

This study, conducted by the San Diego Community College District in fall 2002, aims to answer the following research questions regarding student preparedness for courses in writing, reading, study skills, and composition: (1) Is there a relationship between instructor perception of preparedness and student performance? (2) Is there a relationship…

This document is intended to help foreign language teachers prepare students for the exit exam of essential skills required by the Student Accountability Standards enacted by the North Carolina State Board of Education. The North Carolina High School Exit Exam (NCHSEE) focuses on skills across all disciplines K-12 rather than content areas. This…

This report discusses the results of the College Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) at the College of DuPage (Illinois). The CAAP is a national exam that assesses general learning in six areas: critical thinking, science reasoning, writing skills, essay writing, reading, and mathematics. Based on data from a total of 3,322 students tested…

The National Education Goals Panel has not met its goal of having every adult American literate by the year 2000. There are many adults who "slipped through the cracks," and have only rudimentary reading and writing skills. The large number of foreign born residents who do not have the necessary reading and writing skills to communicate…

This report describes court challenges to high school exit exams for students with disabilities, explores the legal and public policy issues, and discusses implications for educators. Legal challenges include claims brought under the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, and under disability statutes, including the…

This fact sheet describes the role of the transition specialist, an individual who plans, coordinates, delivers, and evaluates transition educational services at the school or system level, in conjunction with other educators, families, students, and representatives of community organizations. It summarizes the competencies for transition…

Minimum state standards for secondary school teacher certification are compared with standards set by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). General and professional education requirements are reported. Inconsistences…

A brief overview of trends in assessment in psychology degrees is presented. Both natural evolutionary changes in education and external, professionally-based forces have exerted considerable influence upon both the psychology curriculum and the methods of assessment to which psychology students have been subjected. (MLW)

A response to articles by Alan Tom and Richard Wisniewski (November-December 1981 Journal of Teacher Education) is offered. Alternatives to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards are considered. It is suggested that higher selection standards for teachers be coupled with financial incentives. (PP)