The most fundamental technical quality issue raised by proposals for a national examination system is that of validity. Types of evidence needed to judge the validity of test use and the interpretation of results are discussed, and examination content, fairness, impact, generalizability, and comparability are explored. (SLD)

An evaluation of the treatment and habilitation services provided to individuals with dual diagnoses of mental retardation and mental illness concludes that service delivery is currently unacceptable. This article considers legal issues, general ethical principles, and codes of ethics of two professional groups. The ultimate responsibility of…

The article addresses priorities for the Association of Teacher Educators. Recently, commissions and task forces have been appointed to address several critical issues: interprofessional human services in teacher education, quality standards, more effective communication with nontraditional teacher educators, teachers in urban schools, and gender…

A study of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology suggests (1) an abrupt change in an institution's financial pattern need not mean loss of excellence; (2) in crisis, the institution must build on its strengths; (3) strong central planning is essential; (4) an excellent faculty is the first responsibility. (MSE)

Discusses a study of training and development in noneducational, profit companies that found total quality management the main training topic. Participant evaluations measured training effectiveness. Employees participated in training for personal satisfaction and increased capacity. Private sector trainers expressed concern about the lack of…

Syracuse University (New York) has found that the focused, collaborative approach to institutional administration embodied in Total Quality Management is beneficial. It requires allocation of adequate time and resources, observation of others, communication, addressing high-need areas first, and willingness to adapt, but it may bring resistance…

Activities at Delaware County Community College (Pennsylvania) in implementing Total Quality Management are examined and compared with criteria used by the United States Chamber of Commerce for making quality awards to businesses. Assessed areas include management leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, employee development, teamwork,…

Hoshin, or breakthrough, planning is the Total Quality Management method of integrating strategic planning into the daily work of organizational units. Delaware County (Pennsylvania) Community College's adaptation of the process and its use in daily management are described and presented in the form of a flow chart. (MSE)

The University of Kansas experience in applying Total Quality Management methods illustrates how use of flow charts can reduce substantially the time spent on a complex data-collection and reporting process. Although flow chart construction can be time-consuming, it is a systematic way to uncover sensible solutions with significant payoffs. (MSE)

It is argued that, despite the special character of higher education and its institutions, the principles of the Total Quality Management approach (continuous improvement, consistent quality, staff/student participation, meeting customer needs, coordination, management procedures that detect poor quality and encourage good quality) can contribute…

The evolution of a Total Quality Management approach at Aston University (England) is chronicled, especially as it relates to changes in British higher education and the university in the 1980s. Focus is on the organizational context of the institution, steps taken to become informed about quality management, and refinement of objectives. (MSE)

Nine articles examine current topics in leisure programing, including program design and evaluation, program design through imagery, keys to quality leisure programing, programing with style, total quality program planning, evaluation of leisure programs, programing for older adults, and the intergenerational entrepreneurship demonstration…

Discusses serving library-patron needs in terms of customer service and quality control. Highlights include tools for measuring the quality of service (e.g., the SERVQUAL survey), advisory boards or focus groups, library "service statements," changing patron needs, new information formats, and justifying depository library services. (JAK)

Examined the perceptions of Professional Development School (PDS) stakeholders to investigate the match between the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Draft Standards and PDS practice. Focus group data indicated that many aspects of the standards were successfully reflected, though some practices were not. Results…

Describes a statewide project in South Dakota to wire its elementary and secondary school classrooms for distance education courses. Discusses the use of minimum-security inmates from state prisons to do the wiring; the rural environment; the governor's role; upgrading the electrical infrastructure; security concerns; political issues; inmate…