A college's administrative services and support units must give attention to improving quality and service just as instructional units do. Greater efficiency and productivity among noninstructional units can have a significant impact on institutional feasibility. Cost reduction is most effective when there is a common understanding of core…

A Virginia study confirmed the value of school-supervised on-the-job training experiences and identified critical quality control factors: related classroom instruction, individualized training plans, criteria for site and supervisor selection, written training agreements, frequent formal and informal evaluation, use of advisory groups, parental…

Total Quality Management (TQM) is defined and described, and its application in higher education institutions is discussed. The paper examines: TQM origins, salient features, importance of organizational leadership and commitment, use of strategic planning, customer orientation, the notion of continuous improvement, assessment of progress, and…

This article discusses aspects of the concept of quality of life that impact on policy development and habilitation services for persons with intellectual disability. The article contends that quality of life should not be viewed as an individual score for a person but in the larger context of a guiding principle that underlies the development,…

It is argued that university policies and procedures concerning assurance of quality education are framed with little regard for significant differences among disciplines, and that some common approaches to assuring academic quality impinge on some aspects of research, undergraduate teaching, and graduate work. Focus is on England and Australia.…

Challenges facing higher education in the United States in a period of increased interest in assessing the quality of education are discussed. In particular, the role of senior administrators and the role of shared (faculty/staff/administration) governance in this context are examined. (MSE)

The idea that different meanings of "quality" in higher education (meritocratic, social, and individualistic) may influence the assessments of college presidents of their institutions is explored. These three dimensions are combined in a model that allows a more complex view of institutional quality. (MSE)

America 2000 tries to advance both student achievement and educational freedom (through school choice). Its newly formulated learning standards and achievement tests could benefit children of all regions and backgrounds. America 2000 will strengthen all citizens' future by creating a national mechanism for quality control. (11 references) (MLH)

In response to changing government philosophy concerning higher education, including increased institutional autonomy alongside greater pressure for accountability and internal renewal, Dutch universities have developed a system for external quality assessment under the aegis of the Association of Dutch Universities. Its evolution and results to…

Describes contributions made by the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), noting changes in accreditation standards for teacher preparation programs. The article describes a study of the first 20 schools seeking accreditation under the new NCATE process. Results indicated national accreditation had a significant…

Examines the current national policy situation regarding quality assurance in the United Kingdom, as revealed through the work of the Audit Commission and the local education authorities' early responses to that work. Describes current quality assurance practices in Barset as perceived by various authority respondents, comparing it to Dorset's…

Discusses traditional approaches to assuring qualified teachers, newer trends that have appeared (mentoring and internships), and a licensure and residency approach being considered in Ohio. The article recommends restructuring the licensure system to focus on the competencies essential for successful beginning practice in schools in the process…

An editorial and two articles on quality control in evaluation are presented. Topics covered include definition and assessment of evaluation quality and development of standards for judging quality. Programs inspections activities of the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services are discussed. (TJH)

Ongoing research finds that alternatives to formal tests carry hidden costs and require trade-offs. National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) is studying how performance assessments work so that they may be designed to help students reach their highest potential. This article raises priority questions,…

Sharon (Massachusetts) Public Schools developed an alternative procurement process for school food services that complies with state public bidding laws while evading "low-bid" constraints. The new process features evaluative criteria covering nutrition education, community outreach, management expertise, site visits, and price…