Needs assessment, identification of objectives, training and evaluation procedures of a Competency Based Education (CBE) system and minimum competencies are discussed. These are applied to second language instruction utilizing the Council of Europe's "Threshold Level" core from which statements may be developed and applied in a CBE learning…

The individualized learning model, discussed in this article, uses an efficient feedback mechanism which incorporates an innovative student evaluation program and a unique system of classroom management. The design provides a model for monitoring student progress. (Author/SA)

Examines the effectiveness of "maverick schools"-- low-income neighborhood urban public schools with exceptionally high student achievement. Elements of their success include emphasis on basic skills, discipline, direct teaching styles, and committed leadership. (SK)

Defines competency-based adult education as activities providing coping and life skills, functional literacy, mastery learning, external or alternative high school diplomas, and educational credits for life experiences. Discusses activities in relation to federally authorized Adult Basic Education, minimal testing, Adult Performance Level…

Demonstrates the role the guarantee of due process can play in ensuring that vital interests in public education not be lost through erroneous assessments of a student's proficiency in basic skills, and describes the limits constitutional and statutory guarantees of equal educational opportunity place on the use of competency testing. (Author/IRT)

Membership in the worldwide community means that students must possess globally competitive skills. In 1993, the author and the Colorado General Assembly worked to pass a comprehensive educational reform strategy that established "model" content standards in mathematics, science, geography, history, reading, and writing. Uniform…

Examines the development and implementation of a multicultural education workshop designed to help future elementary school teachers prepare for classroom student diversity. Student journals and faculty perceptions are used in an outcome analysis that reveals an increase in participant knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the…

Describes the design and development of a computer-managed learning system that aids in curriculum development. Automated Reasoning Tool (ART)--an expert system prototyping tool--is explained; learning objectives are discussed; representation of a curriculum framework is described; and plans for future development of the system are presented.…

Describes the newly formed partnership of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The discussion covers the benefits to be gained by the school media specialist profession in terms of defining professional competencies, curriculum…

Two questions concerning assessment of supervised work experience (or sandwich courses in Britain) are: What should be assessed? and How should it be assessed? The first question involves issues of defining practical experience, measuring experiential learning and competence, and considering the relationship of theory and practice. Evaluation…

Given the importance of proficiency in English for meaningful participation in Australian society and employment, a government-funded study examined the barriers to employment, training, and job promotion for 57 women with English language and literacy difficulties. Specific barriers are reported, including the new competency-based vocational…

Maintains that, throughout U.S. educational history, expectations of what students should learn have changed only a few times. Discusses competency-based education in social studies and curriculum standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education. Includes criteria standards for social studies. (CFR)

Acceptance of the philosophy of competency-based education in dentistry would allow clinical dental educators to teach better but will require a changed approach to student evaluation and competency assessment that involves both teacher and learner. The move to competency-based dental education must be a cooperative effort within the profession.…

Two approaches to student evaluation in Australian postsecondary technical and further education (TAFE), both vocational and academic, are discussed and their relative merits considered. One approach addresses the cognitive processes and interpersonal attributes of the graduate, and the other focuses on prespecified, observable skills. (Author/MSE)

Presents a model for evaluating performance-based instruction that is intended for use by human resource development/performance technology professionals. Highlights include goal setting; program design and implementation; evaluating the use and impact of training; instructional tasks, including sequencing; quality of student products; and…