A study of 'unqualified' mature applicants to the University of Sheffield is described. Successful 'unqualified' applicants in the Universities of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester are compared. Subjects selected, rates of precourse withdrawal, dropout, final degree results, and problems encountered by the mature students are discussed.…

The author examines some of the negative effects that budget cuts and resulting increases in class size can have on the elementary teacher's ability to provide adequate instruction. (SJL)

Reports on the national demand for higher educational standards evident in the state legislation of the past three or four years that has mandated minimum competency testing programs. States that have adopted various kinds of such legislation are listed. (JD)

This assessment of the deficiencies of teachers focuses on teacher education programs and current methods of certification. (IRT)

Presents arguments by Robert Lowe and Matthew Arnold on the 19th century British "Payment by Results" Plan, whereby schools received funds for students who passed minimal competency tests. Emphasizes that the Victorian experience produced acrimonious teachers with low morale and encourages contemporary minimal testing advocates not to…

The grading orientation of college faculty who assign high grades focuses on the individual student rather than the comparative aspects of grading. (JD)

To assure program quality, an institution should choose its priorities--minimum achievements required, learning gains sought, content of learning emphasized, degree of rigor expected--and adopt a strategy for effective coordination of the efforts of the many persons who can contribute to each individual's learning. (Author/MLW)

Despite the weaknesses of the accreditation process, it is suggested that nontraditional graduate programs should seek full accreditation. Some conditions leading to support of accreditation are discussed: (1) motivation to belong, (2) reasonable cost of accrediting, (3) governance structure, (4) qualitative standards, (5) effective administrative…

Discusses the future of the humanities in American institutions of higher learning, including the role of elementary and secondary schools in raising academic standards. (AM)

When discussing the value of the degree, it is suggested that institutional leaders and staff members must consider the messages their environment sends, admit and deal with their own doubts, set and enforce standards, and determine what kinds of change will work. (MLW)

College diplomas are seen as not necessarily representing academic achievement, but the fact that a student has sat through enough courses to accumulate sufficient credits for graduation. A case is made for 10 measures of achievement to serve as a basis for graduation. (Article originally published in 1937.) (AF)

Reviews the present situation of off-campus programs in terms of the value placed on off-campus degrees, process-oriented standards of accreditation, the agencies that evaluate continuing education programs, the federal government's interest and role, and guidelines for evaluating administration, faculty, and students. (MB)

The efforts of George Peabody College for Teachers to expand into nontraditional programs is characterized by two programs: a human development counseling program in Europe in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force and a graduate program in educational administration. A general overview of these programs is offered. (JMF)

The concept of "academic standards" is discussed as it relates to the quality of higher education. The differences between applied knowledge and pure scholarship are also examined and some common misgivings surrounding similar terms are clarified. (SF)

Auditing is an objective examination conducted to determine accountability and the level of management control existing in the operation of an organization. Discusses the different types of commitments required of regional associations for implementing an auditing process in school program evaluation. (Author/RK)