Ideally, competency assessment is an approach that evaluates performance, judges ability, measures what can be demonstrated, evaluates active participation, and helps us know if the professional can make a positive impact on clients. Models are presented from an inservice training program at Antioch's Institute of Open Education in Cambridge,…

Classroom instruction is aligned with grade level basic objectives and a yearly survey of these skills. Methods and resources that elementary school principals and teachers can use to teach essential skills are being developed. (Author/MLF)

When designing competency based education programs to meet state requirements, California educators would do well to select only a small number of highly significant competencies per basic skill area, for which they can devise on-target instruction and valid competency measures. (SJL)

This is the text of a presentation at a meeting of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers. Recommendations are given for planning science in the elementary and secondary school to satisfy the Comprehensive Assessment and Program Planning System (CAPPS) mandate in Indiana. (SA)

Analyzes the comparative effects of three types of instructor intervention into the self-pacing of remedial college English students: a precourse warning about procrastination problems, a telephone call to students who are falling behind, and a mailed postcard to students who fail to keep up. (JP)

Addresses problems involved in developing and using performance tests, creating job-like testing situations, specifying measurable criteria, and controlling external factors to reduce problems of test reliability. Placing trainees in on-the-job training environments when training cannot be provided in the classroom or laboratory is recommended.…

Summarizes relevant findings from the National Seminar on Competency-Based Rehabilitation Education, July 1978, Atlanta, Georgia. Focuses on the 298 competencies needed by rehabilitation counselors and/or vocational evaluators, with a table of importance levels in 13 categories, and the training location universities, on-the-job training,…

Suggests alternatives to traditional methods of "dispensing" higher education to lifelong learners, focusing on changing teacher responsibilities, older college students, crediting experiential learning, extending services to private and public agencies, and learning contracts. Cites two examples of using contract learning. (JM)

Discusses an experimental competency-based general education program developed at Piedmont Technical College, stressing two process skills of communication and reasoning. Definition of "reasoning" is discussed and content and method for teaching a reasoning-based program are presented. (DR)

Competency based education is a model which can be utilized for training and evaluating alcohol and drug abuse personnel. An identification and assessment process is described relating to the development and implementation of a competency based bachelor's degree program for students majoring in alcohol and drug abuse related areas. (Author/BEF)

Argues that the minimal competency movement contains much that is inimical both to the teaching of language arts and to the integrity and individuality of professional educators. Contends that the movement is creating both damage and diversion in the schools. (FL)

Summarizes results of the Adult Performance Level (APL) project which focuses on the study of adult functional literacy. Relates finding to contributions in literacy made in secondary-level science courses. (CS)

Origins of the criterion of the next environment (CNE) are examined for its continuing applicability to mainstreaming and integration of young disabled children, in light of changes in kindergarten classrooms, commitment to integrated education for all students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships, and instructional support services.…

A study of problems encountered by British engineering tutors in assessing core skills required for General National Vocational Qualifications revealed the following: tutors had to assume responsibility for students' skill development; better communication of expectations was needed; and students welcomed a more active approach to learning and the…

Students' opportunity to develop high-level competencies depends on teachers' ability to manage independent, thoughtful people who make observations and take initiative. Barriers to competency-oriented education are the absence of summative assessment procedures, the value-laden nature of competencies, and the difficulties in managing…