This article presents a brief definition and overview of Essentialism, an educational philosophy developed in opposition to Dewey's Progressivism and calling for discipline and academic standards in the schools. A chronologically arranged reading list of books by leading Essentialists follows. (Author/SJL)

Traces the development of higher education in the United States and the history of criticism of it. Then looking forward, warns educational leaders of the dangers of lowered academic standards and expectations, the open door, and compartmentalization of education and work. Urges them to initiate change and control society's direction. (AYC)

The Principal of Rawlins Upper School and Community College in Leicestershire, England, documents the recent effects of retrenchment on his school and questions the government's claim that state funding cuts would not harm the academic program. (SJL)

Sets forth a guideline for incorporating humanism into grading with built-in adjustments that accommodate some human weaknesses. Built-in adjustments cancel or neutralize some of the blunders that are inherent in the teaching, learning, and testing processes that reflect student assessment. (Author)

Suggests that community college practitioners employ a guerilla mentality in dealing with the institutional accreditation processes to build support and to secure gains for the community services function. Delineates suggestions to community service professionals in preparing for and handling the accreditation visit to the advantage of the…

As more states adopt minimum competency testing (MCT) programs, MCT is becoming the subject of much debate among educators and in the courts. MCT has been attacked by those who claim it discriminates against Blacks and non-English-speaking minorities. Also raised in the MCT debate is the question of educational malpractice. (RLV)

In this article, both the psychology behind minimum competency testing (MCT) and the statistics employed to determine the line between competence and incompetence are attacked. MCT is viewed as a crisis created to discredit teachers and schools and as a means of invasion of public education by state level bureaucrats and politicians. (RLV)

The imposition of minimum competency testing in high schools must be seen in a social and political context. Since many minority students have received an inferior education, minimum competency tests may be seen as a means of preventing these students from receiving their high school diplomas. (Author/RLV)

The issue of readability vs academic standards in college textbooks is addressed. Problems in balancing both needs and other problems involving textbooks and the publishing industry, including textbook resales and routine revisions of texts, are discussed. (JMD)

Attempts to determine relevant indices of good practice by which external degree programs should be judged. (Author/RK)

Presents a practical method for implementing independent study into a continuing education program in nursing; discussion covers goal attainment and the use of a learning contract. (WL)

Describes the pyramid approach to shorthand evaluation (developed and tested by the Business Education Department at Central Michigan University during the past seven years), which establishes a framework for evaluation and provides goals for students at all levels of shorthand instruction, and checks student performance according to reading rate,…

Author finds some surprises in Hungary's secondary school system. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the implementation of the "T & E" legislation (Thorough and Efficient) in New Jersey that would provide a minimum level of educational opportunity for every student. (RK)