To maintain their leadership in occupational programming in today's competitive postsecondary market, community colleges must (1) examine and cope with issues identified by industry, (2) explore alternatives to course and degree programming, (3) develop and use outcome measures, and (4) base programming decisions on coordinated data. (RT)

The visit of an American group of gymnasts to the People's Republic of China is reported with emphasis on what was learned about Chinese culture as well as Chinese sports. Physical fitness programs are described and the status of children and women is discussed. (LBH)

Australian education is competing with other areas of government spending for funding, and its advocates must increasingly legitimize their claims. Education decision-makers must work to get as much funding as possible to its programs and ensure that program output accommodates the wishes of those producing them and those funding them. (MSE)

Few research studies focus on middle class Blacks. This paper analyzes historical and contemporary perspectives of the group and illustrates how social mobility and social change influence the economic and political competitiveness of Blacks. Approaches and techniques for studying Blacks as part of the larger society are suggested. (VM)

The author discusses how to compete for training contracts from the private sector. He lists strategic questions to ask, provides a suggested approach, and mentions potential barriers. (CH)

National Collegiate Athletic Association president's commission proposals are summarized for institutional control of athletic budgets, annual athletic program audits, annual submission of Division I athlete information to the NCAA, athletic program self-study requirements, enforcement procedures revision, timely infraction punishment,…

Presents nine points that should be considered by teachers and students when writing social studies research papers for History Day and other competitions. Discusses themes, footnotes, annotated bibliographies, sources, proofing, introductions, conclusions, the use of school libraries, and the typing of papers. (GEA)

A discussion of recent higher education policy changes in European countries aimed at improving competitiveness and measuring performance outlines the policy adjustments and some of their consequences, compares two concepts of coordination, describes the American experience, and examines results of the changes in Europe. (MSE)

High school sports programs face potential problems because of increased competitiveness. School boards can act to encourage student participation, add junior varsity and intramural programs, hire coaches as teachers, set financial priorities, establish an athletic council, and start educating people about the purposes of school sports. (MLF)

Describes and qualitatively evaluates National History Day as an educational program and suggests some of its implications for the teaching of history in the nation's schools. States that teachers should use a wide variety of primary source materials and instructional strategies to make the learning of history an active process. (GEA)

Kathleen Gwynn and Associates, an admissions advising firm for young analysts finishing two-year residencies at top investment banks and financial-consulting firms, provides one-on-one counseling to M.B.A. applicants. Some business school admissions officers are wary of the potential influence of such counseling services. (MLW)

Provides information about 79 winners of United States of America Mathematics Olympiad (USAMO). Data about family background, career plans, performance in the Putnam competition, changes in careers, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and about females are included. (JN)

A new Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching study, "College: The Undergraduate Experence in America," reports deep divisions, conflicting priorities, and competing interests on college campuses that diminish the social and intellectual quality of the undergraduate experience. (MSE)

Presents highlights of two meetings of the Optical Disk Forum, an informal group of persons in the European information field, who met in Luxembourg in May and July 1986 to discuss and work out questions involved in standardizing compact disks, and react to proposal standards from the United States. (CDD)

Surveyed former collegiate debaters to obtain a profile of their education and present occupation and to find out (1) their perceptions of debate and the NDT and (2) their recommendations for coaches and students. Discusses implications of the findings for debate as an educational activity. (PD)