In an unprecedented agreement with the government, leaders of British universities have promised to tighten tenure requirements, raise academic standards, and increase the institutions' managerial efficiency in trade for a seven percent increase in the government's previously announced university funding for 1987. (MSE)

Proposes a new form of educational assessment termed "standards-referenced assessment." The approach blends much of the motivation and philosophy of criterion-referenced assessment with direct and extensive use of teachers' qualitative judgments. Identifies four methods of specifying and promulgating educational standards. (Author/JDH)

Discusses how information referenced testing using Modified Confidence Weighted-Admissible Probability Measurement (MCW-APM) test scoring procedures in conjunction with diagnostic and placement multiple-choice examinations can be used to enhance the effectiveness of academic support services for special action admissions such as student athletes…

Suggests that an integrated, comprehensive skills program can be used to assist underprepared students in attaining required academic standards. Describes approach which encourages development of proficiency in basic skills by focusing on synergism between cognitive and affective domains. (NB)

Suggests that, despite glib references to "professionalism," the role of teachers as outlined in the British National Curriculum is that of a technician obligated to underwrite prevailing values. (ARH)

East Germany's largest university has cooperative agreements and exchanges with six developing countries. The exchange activities include education and training of staff, delegation of university faculty to those countries, collaboration in research, advising, and exchange of experience. (MSE)

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' series of publications describing educational systems in foreign countries and their use in assessment of foreign credentials are described. (MSE)

Presents results of a survey of course withdrawal policies at two-year colleges in Iowa, focusing on deadlines, grades given for dropped courses, drop initiation procedures, and recent policy changes. Finds that most schools permit students to drop classes late in the term with a nonpunitive grade. Discusses practical implications. (DMM)

Identifies concerns for vocational education revealed in a survey of "School Shop" magazine readers. Concerns include (1) increasing academic requirements, (2) public image, (3) federal attitudes, (4) enrollment patterns, (5) aging of the teaching force, (6) student quality, and (7) modernization of equipment. (CH)

In view of the changing face of the student population, teacher education must aid teachers in adapting to the greater percentages of black, brown, and other colors of students. The need for multicultural learning style indicators and the need to establish and diligently maintain minimal standards are addressed. (MT)

Proceedings are summarized from a conference of 21 member countries of the Council of Europe's Division for Higher Education and Research to discuss measures to facilitate exchange of teachers, researchers, and students in Europe and cooperation in exchange with Latin America. (MSE)

American taxpayers will support increased funding for education only if quality can be assured. Education has become the most important U.S. domestic policy issue. The public wants four curriculum requirements: emphasis on basics, practical instruction, vocational instruction, and academic standards. (MLW)

The results of a public opinion poll concerning the emphasis on college athletics, coaches' job security, paying students for competing, academic standards for athletes, and gambling by both the public and the athletes, are presented. (MSE)

Discusses six fundamental reforms needed to improve the quality of education in this country: (1) restore discipline, (2) end drug and alcohol abuse, (3) raise academic standards, (4) encourage good teaching, (5) restore parents and state and local governments to their rightful place in the educational process, and (6) teach basics. (JOW)

Presents contemporary information concerning Chinese graduate program objectives, admission requirements, academic regulations, educational practices, achievements, and reform efforts. (RM)