An emerging body of research suggests that a set of broad "21st century skills"--such as adaptability, complex communication skills, and the ability to solve non-routine problems--are valuable across a wide range of jobs in the national economy. However, the role of K-12 education in helping students learn these skills is a subject of current…

This policy statement presents a vision for a "new deal" to guide reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA). First, states must continue to lead the way with bold, thoughtful education reforms to ensure that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career. This includes developing and…

Learning outcomes are described as written statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to do at the end of a period of learning. At the beginning of the 90s, a EU pilot project on ECTS showed that study programmes were much easier to compare if they were described in terms of outcomes, instead of inputs. The…

The content of higher education and, in particular, the discipline of history has been lost in the massive New York City system. A center or institute for history to serve the entire system and to reestablish intellectual excellence is envisioned. (JH)

Discusses the increasing enrollment trends in journalism and provides suggestions for limiting acceptance to only the most qualified students. (RB)

Self-expression divorced from discipline threatens our whole cultural heritage. (JH)

Describes a system employed at Brigham Young University's Hawaii Campus in which student compositions are evaluated by several faculty members to determine whether they meet specified minimal writing standards. (DD)

Explains the accreditation program of the North Central Association (NCA) and its activities to improve student learning. Discusses the standards of the NCA and how they promote effective schools; changes in accreditation and the association; criteria for school effectiveness; accreditation options including traditional accreditation and outcomes…

A teacher describes her experience trying to mainstream a manipulative disabled child and her techniques for demanding academic work from him. (MT)

This document presents standards for educational accountability systems developed by the Study Group on Education Accountability of the National Association of State Boards of Education. The framework consists of these standards: (1) legal authorities clearly specify accountability goals and strategies that focus on student academic performance;…

This document compiles a series of three policy briefs focused on the subject of grade retention. The first brief, "Grade Retention: A Flawed Education Strategy," suggests educators and policymakers caution the use of grade retention as a remedy for poor student performance. As concluded by the majority of past studies, grade retention is a failed…

Contemplating the question Can we be both equal and excellent in adult education?'' lead to the conclusion that no conflict need exist because the terms have no absolute meaning--only different sets of meanings which are relative to those defining them and to certain historical, situational, institutional, cultural and social factors. (Author/SA)

Editorial that postulates if protecting freedom is the reason for tenure, then tenure should be granted only to those whose academic freedom is important to society. (DF)

Accrediting bodies are showing increased sensitivity to occupational programs--a good omen as vocational education works toward a national system of accreditation. (Editor)