Speculates about how opportunity-to-learn (OTL) standards might be defined and used at federal and state levels and, in the process, to better understand why OTL standards have become so controversial. The author discusses OTL within the context of The Goals 2000: Educate America Act and how the standards might be used and what they should…

Virginia's high schools are restructuring the state school system. Using the 4 x 4 schedule, four high schools are offering all students up to a year of postsecondary study beyond the full high school program. Postsecondary scholarships will make this world-class education available to all well-disciplined students who attend regularly and learn…

Discusses the high school framework and standards developed by the National Science Teachers Association in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and space sciences. (MKR)

Discusses where outcome-based education (OBE) went wrong and the enormous backlash it created. It is argued that OBE's state mandated outcomes are aimed at creating a new social order which can cause a backlash with parents who do not agree with the direction being taken. A strategy is proposed for escaping the OBE problem. (GR)

Identifying key concepts and making those concepts meaningful is critical in constructing a preschool curriculum. Establishing national standards for content in early childhood education may help guide teachers in constructing curriculum, but teachers must know each child and the total group to turn specified standards for content into meaningful…

Successful standards-based reform requires fundamental reconstruction of educational institutions and systems, so that high standards become the basis of curriculum, textbooks and other instructional materials, assessments, graduation requirements, and teacher education, certification, and training. A great failure of our public education system…

By adding courses in math, science, English, foreign languages, and geography to their admission standards, colleges and universities in many states are fostering further fragmentation of high school curricula and forcing some schools to add class periods or short-change vocational, music, and art students. Michigan, Oregon, Colorado, and New York…

Educators who value student work that displays ingenuity and complexity must look beyond "standards" for evidence of achievement. Work of this kind requires exercise of critical judgment based on certain criteria. Applying criteria is a more complicated and intellectual enterprise than applying a standard. Developmental characteristics of…

To realize future continuous learning, thinking, and complex problem-solving goals and standards, educators must exchange content acquisition and knowledge retention as ends in themselves for more adventuresome, experiential learning strategies. Teachers will assume new roles as knowledge managers, team planners, collegial coaches, and…

Interviews with policymakers, administrators, students, and faculty about portfolio assessment found that all groups questioned its academic integrity, all lacked sufficient information, and leaders did not attempt to institutionalize the process. However, students derived important personal benefits. (SK)

The National Council on Standards and Testing's final report (1991) endorsed the concept of national education standards that reflect high expectations, provide focus, and embody a dynamic approach. Unresolved implementation difficulties include education system impact, improvement sequence, cost effectiveness, assessment purpose, multiple v.…

Two retired university public relations professionals (Ray Colvig and Bob Beyers) are profiled, and their reflections on changes in higher education and campus public relations are offered. Both argue that uncompromising commitment to integrity, support of administration and colleagues, making oneself available, and making academics a priority are…

Explains the North Central Association's Outcomes Accreditation (OA) alternative to traditional accreditation status. Reviews the Effective Schools and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) literature, and considers basic requirements for OA. Considers OBE compatible with OA. (DMM)

Modern geography blends physical and human systems in a study of places, people, and environments and the relationship among them. In 1985, the National Geographic Society established a network of geography education alliances in response to a compelling need for geographic education. The alliance's first priority was building an extensive…

Legal tenets from federal and case law as well as existing guidelines concerning appropriate academic adjustments for college students with learning disabilities. Recommendations are offered focusing on institutional, program, and course requirements, documentation of the student's learning disability, student qualifications, and "reasonableness"…