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)

Discusses the growth of computer networks in elementary and secondary schools and describes numerous benefits for both instructional and management functions. Topics discussed include ease of use; educational advantages; examples of use in physics, writing, and journalism classes; student records management; cost benefits; and greater efficiency.…

Describes three schools that are successfully developing digital multimedia portfolios for use by students and teachers. A sidebar provides information on the tools (software and hardware) helpful in setting up digital portfolio projects. (JKP)

Summarizes federal regulations concerning academic advising, including defamation, negligence, privacy, disabilities, civil rights, duty to report crimes, and privilege. Relevant state laws, interpretations, hypothetical situations, and the possible institutional and personal penalties, both civil and criminal, of not following current laws are…

Measures persistence rate differences between two-year-degree and four-year-degree students, using a longitudinal retention study that analyzed academic and demographic variables in the student database. Identifies first-semester hours and grade point average as significant dropout predictors. Concludes that associate degree students have better…

This article examines a number of areas of campus life where transgender students experience discrimination because of gender-exclusive policies and practices: health care, residence halls, bathrooms, locker rooms, records and documents, public inclusion, and programming, training, and support. The specific obstacles faced by transgender students…

In order to examine the relationship between school size and achievement, a study was conducted using longitudinal achievement data from North Carolina for three separate cohorts of public school students (one elementary, one middle and one high school). Results revealed several interactions between size and student characteristics, all of which…

This publication is designed to provide guidance, clarification of intent, and suggested implementation processes and procedures for officials of postsecondary educational institutions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as Amended in 1988 and 1993. FERPA's purpose is to ensure certain student rights…

As more government agencies request information and records from colleges and universities, it is important that all institutions establish standard procedures for handling such requests. Administrators should: learn the personality of the particular agency or office making the request; establish a professional, cooperative, non-adversarial…

Maintaining safe schools requires the forging of partnerships to share information between schools and youth-serving agencies, including the police department, court system, youth parole and probation offices, and child protective services. All public elementary and secondary schools are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act…

As part of the American school reform movement, administrators are searching for ways of measuring students' skills and progress within the system. This book focuses on the qualitative assessment possible through the use of student portfolios, particularly at the college level. It begins with a critical examination of multiple-choice, standardized…

This book establishes a framework that can be used to evaluate software for tracking and analyzing student records. First, it examines the characteristics the user should look for in a student-records management software package. Users should be aware of the dangers and costs of replacing a system or integrating new software into an existing…

During its first year of operation (1997-98), the Kentucky Migrant Technology Project successfully implemented its model, used internal and external evaluations to inform improvement of the model, and began plans for expansion into new service areas. This evaluation report is organized around five questions that focus on the project model and its…

This document is the basic record book in a multi-booklet record keeping system for all students in each of the taxonomy program areas of agricultural education. The record book covers elements common to all agricultural education students: occupational and leadership goal planning, net worth, market value inventory of assets, leadership and…

A consortium effort sponsored by the Northwest Regional Evaluation Association has arrived at a workable definition of a portfolio that takes into account the viewpoints of teachers and those interested in large-scale assessment. The modified definition states that: "A student portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that tells…