Research and legal issues that relate to accreditation policy questions for schools, colleges, and departments of education are reviewed, and strategies for integrating empirical information and social/professional values are presented. The discussion divides into three sections: (1) information concerning a variety of contextual issues that…

It is argued that educational evaluation can productively proceed from an artistic model as well as a scientific one. For such a model two processes are critical. The first of these is called "educational connoisseurship," the second "educational criticism." Educational connoisseurship is that art concerned with the appreciation of any set of…

The speaker concentrates on the effects of statewide accountability implementation on school system management and on the state's delivery of educational services. In discussing the need to link accountability systems with existing organizational systems, the speaker spends the majority of his time examining how the New Jersey efforts relate to…

This paper examines some of the problems associated with unquestioned teaching practices and theories ("sacred cows") in the field of reading. Topics discussed include phonics, pronunciation, oral reading, teacher accountability and behavioral objectives, individualized reading, and the open classroom. (KS)

On the minds of all who serve higher education in administrative capacities is the acceleration in demands to be accountable to the federal government--that is, to give assurances that resources are being used prudently and effectively. This occurs primarily in two areas: in the increase in federal financial involvement in higher education, and in…

The report examines the needs and methods for administrative self-renewal from several viewpoints--Forbes Bottomly, Terrel Bell, Ralph Nader, Price Cobbs, Malcolm Knowles, Philip Swain, and Edward Brainard. The introduction notes that rates of change in all fields of education are increasing, but the infusion of techniques and ideas via new…

A significant problem of higher education today is public skepticism. If the educational leadership will stimulate political leaders to cope constructively with six central problems, the remaining years of the 1970's could be an "age of wisdom." The problems are: (1) the need for the assurance of greater resources in coming years; (2) the need for…

The author discusses the criteria on which the functioning of student affairs officers should be evaluated and the difficulties they face due to their dual services to students and administrators. He mentions the values which should guide their work and the criteria for evaluation of their work. (SE)

English teachers need to be informed and concerned about the effects of mass testing on English curriculum and instruction. (JH) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Procedures.

Explores the premise that the key to school reform is political/procedural change rather than substantive improvement. Argues that recent interest in accountability arose from disappointing 1950s, 1960s reform efforts, and examines reforms based on reducing professional's power and increasing family/community participation. Scrutinizes social and…

The image of business colleges held by many liberal arts faculty members is challenged by a former teacher in a business school. Issues discussed include academic standards, teaching quality, student recruitment, student financial aid, and support services. (LBH)

A new approach to general education at Bowling Green State University based on "essential skills and functional understandings" is discussed. The model includes skills in: problem solving and critical thinking; reading and writing; computation and mathematics; listening and speaking; and decision-making and values-conflict resolution.…

Discusses the problems of knowing what effects present day educational endeavors, such as compentancy based teacher education, actually have on students. (SL)

Presents some of the issues examined by the Commission on Standardized Testing and the Evaluation of Potential Among Minority Group Members. Focuses on issues surrounding the testing of minority group members, i.e., the dangers of misclassification, test fairness and accountability. (DOW)

Student self-pacing, competency standards, scope, theory base and state-imposed accountability legislation are discussed as problems facing competency-based teacher education. (CP)