A new idea is catching on fast: instead of giving all students the same classroom time and grading A to F, give each the time and the teaching technique he or she needs to master the subject. (LBH)

Merits and criticisms are included in this description of a program at Wayne State University (in Detroit, Michigan), consisting of a competency based, interdisciplinary intern seminar which combines vocational arts education and educational philosophy into a single set of educational objectives. (SH)

Designed for personnel assigned as instructors in Marine Corps formal schools, the 4-week course described is characterized by a closely knit peer and faculty operation which leaves little chance for the student to falter. (Editor/HD)

The viewpoints of Arrington and Jerry L. Modisette regarding Wilbert J. McKeachie's previously published article on grading are offered with a reply by McKeachie. Variations in standards, the motivational value of grades, and nonacademic influences on grades are considered. (LBH)

The argument is advanced, based on practical experience, that the concept of competency attainment and the supporting behavioral methodology has a limited utility and may even have seriously debased educational standards. The prime contribution of competency-based education has been its focus on achievement as opposed to instruction. (Author/LBH)

A competency-based curriculum was designed by faculty members from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Education at the University of Georgia. Results of the pilot program indicate that a curriculum does not greatly affect academic achievement. Specific findings are discussed. (LBH)

Institutions that recognize individual needs and view individual feelings as natural and normal generally either provide effective strategies or allow for their development. Rather than punishing an individual for feelings, the institution provides an opportunity for dealing with feelings in a manner productive to the individual and to the…

Although most teachers are aware of documents identifying standards in their subject areas, few know about "external" standards documents or the standards movement as a whole. Despite impressive lists of content standards, U.S. educators lack direction due to four major problems: multiple documents, too much information, controversial content, and…

Setting high standards will not cause excellent student performance. Standards must be set for the everyday work teachers expect of students. Work-design standards are needed to protect students from pointless teacher-generated work. Greater coherence and focus for learning will occur if secondary schools are designed backward from worthy tasks…

Administrators can structure successful transitions to standards-based curriculum and performance assessment. By thinking about this reform initiative's implications, building opportunities for thoughtful experimentation and dialogue, and anticipating dilemmas teachers might encounter during experimentation, administrators can design responsive…

This position statement lists Council member organizations and the Council's goals, objectives, and guiding principles. The statement notes that the Council promotes advocacy, professional standards, communication, leadership, and policy development in vocational assessment and evaluation. It urges that all individuals providing vocational…

Final-year Ontario medical students (n=88) took a 4-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) using standardized patients and involving decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment. Performance was scored on a checklist of behaviors unique to each case. Results indicated that because of low reliability, the OSCE is not a feasible…

The legal and ethical dilemmas faced by counselors working in organizations are outlined, together with the need for the counseling profession to set clear competency and supervision standards for practitioners. Uses counseling services provided within the British postal system as a model. (Author/KW)

From a sample of 353 North Carolina vocational teachers, 198 responses revealed that most are using state teacher handbooks and curriculum guides for competency-based vocational education, although competency test-item banks and student competency records are infrequently used. Factors influencing implementation are support of the state department…