Describes the features and programs of area vocational-technical schools, one of the principal systems for delivering vocational and technical education in the United States. (SK)

Discusses competency-based education programs and offers evaluation criteria for measuring the effectiveness of such programs. (FL)

It is proposed that high school diplomas be awarded based on specific competencies in broad subject areas (e.g., academic, business, fine arts, service, and technical skills), and that required coursework be developed in each competency area, defined by the school district, and combined with general education in the curriculum. (MSE)

If law schools and the legal profession are to contribute as much as they should to the development and maintenance of a proficient profession, they must: develop a definition of the proficient lawyer, allocate responsibilities between law schools and profession for educational programs, design programs, and obtain resources. (MLW))

Reviews literature on U.S. Office of Education-sponsored Adult Performance Level project that cites among its accomplishments (1) a model for competency-based education, (2) creation of national awareness of illiteracy, and (3) individualized programs. Among its insufficiencies are absence of reliable measures of validity, value-laden curriculum,…

State legislation is holding school systems progressively more accountable. Easy evaluation for instructional systems will be needed for accountability and it is suggested that competency-based instructional systems can lead to such an evaluation. (DS)

Describes an approach to professional continuing education designed to improve performance. The method evaluates existing performance deficiencies and specifies how proficiency may be attained through education. (JOW)

A study conducted to determine essential competencies for school media specialists revealed that 21 competencies (in library organization and management, library services, instruction) met Florida Council of Teacher Education criteria for an essential competency and 42 did not (in curriculum planning, research, audiovisual production,…

The article describes a joint competency based training program to enhance cooperation between parents and teachers of handicapped children. Evaluation with 143 participants is noted to support the model's feasibility. (SB)

Discusses two educational issues: the constitutionality of competency-based education and the compatibility between this policy and contemporary scientific thought. The author presents her personal views on competency-based education and discusses the need for educational accountability on the part of teachers and other educational professionals.…

This satire about a school for animals lampoons the idea that students of varying abilities and talents can be fairly judged by a single set of proficiency standards developed by teachers. (SJL)

The author argues that competency-based education does not fit all vocational education applications and should be used in moderation. He also discusses vocational education's focus on actual occupational tasks and the use of criterion-referenced measurement of performance. (CT)

The authors report on the use of competency-based instruction as a tool in the professional development of postsecondary occupational educators and industrial trainers in Australia. (Author)

Reports on Matthew Arnold's attack on nineteenth century England's proposed proficiency testing program. Discusses the lessons to be learned today from Arnold's objections to proficiency testing. (RL)

Asserts that competency based education provides a means for achieving, verifying, and communicating effectiveness to various publics. Proposes a transitional phase emphasizing the assessment component, rather than the total design. (Author/WD)