There are three alternative means for granting college credit for learning achieved outside the academy--credit for non-collegiate courses, credit by examination, and credit for experiential learning. Discusses how each works and how each challenges traditional patterns. (Editor/RK)

The other inflation is grade inflation, the label affixed to the indisputable rise in the grade-point averages of undergraduates at public and private, elite and community colleges and universities across the country. The effects of grade inflation upon academic performance were assessed. (Author/RK)

Explores the idea of a specially skilled professionalism among teachers of young children: to what extent has the ideal become reality? (Author/RK)

Defines the meanings of "evaluation" and "assessment" in education and their implications for educational objectives and planning. (RK)

A modified admissions process is described that would reduce total costs without any deterioration in effectiveness. The changes are minor but may be considered revolutionary since the dominant role of A-level grades and the generally mechanical function of selectors would be made much more explicit. (LBH)

Literacy is a device that society uses to reproduce itself and adapt to social changes. The literacy of interpretation and understanding emphasized in schools is an effort to align school subjects with new markets, workplace tools, democratic processes, family practices, and personal growth. The standards movement, including English standards,…

Although education cannot be reduced to profit-and-loss statements, schools need clearly defined objectives, processes, and procedures. Schools can learn from corporations' benchmarking practices (standard setting, measurement, and consequences) and their past mistakes, such as the complacency that seriously weakened Xerox and AT&T. Schools…

Comparison of state graduation requirements found significant differences in the exit documents awarded to students with disabilities, with similar requirements sometimes earning different types of exit documents in different states. It was also found that 44 states use Carnegie course unit requirements and 17 states have minimum competency…

Georgia's merit-based HOPE scholarships, which cover tuition and fees for over half the undergraduates at the University of Georgia, are credited for bringing better students to the university but also for bringing pressure for grade inflation to the institution. Recipients must maintain a B grade average. The university has become competitive…

Reviews the development of the competence movement in Great Britain as well as the related literature. Distinguishes four broad categories of research: (1) technical; (2) evaluative; (3) sociological; and (4) miscellaneous topics. Contains 98 references. (DDR)

Attempts to shed some light on the relationship between parents and mathematics teachers by examining the role that parents play in mathematics education reform at eight high schools and one laboratory school. (DDR)

Examines the history of the North Central Association's Commission on Schools, highlighting seven common misconceptions and citing the historical record to correct them. Discusses the commission's origins, accreditation achievements, accreditation methodologies, relationship to government agencies, dues, and staff size. (MAB)

Argues that the focus of foreign-language instruction needs to be on students learning to become more efficient in using another language. This focus means charting each student's progress along the continuum of proficiency from novice to intermediate to advanced levels, not just checking off a list of what has been taught from the curriculum. (CK)

Discusses the role of higher education in the successful implementation of the National Science Education Standards (NSES) in K-12 science classrooms. Concludes that those who teach the teachers who are expected to transform schools must also be transformed. (DDR)

Discussion of learning resources focuses on collection mapping to facilitate learning resource plans and application to learning standards and resources tied to curriculum needs. Presents sample learning resource profiles that include specific student performance objectives for selective knowledge content areas organized by school level. (LRW)