Identifies and discusses four major concerns with the 1996 National Education Summit's call for standards. Argues schools need more than just standards testing, criticized as an easy solution to a complex problem. By creating tougher standards and through the overuse of standarized tests, schools are transforming into sorting mechanisms,…

This article outlines the standards, accountability and assessment measures mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In addition to summarizing the accountability measures, the author outlines the consequences associated with failing to meet performance expectations and provides a comprehensive list of NCLB assessment vocabulary terms and…

Discusses the revised Middle States Commission on Higher Education's standards for accreditation, "Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education," which includes significantly enhanced references to information literacy. Topics include assessment plans and self-study; students' knowledge, skills, and competencies; curriculum and…

Responds to the Secretary of Education's 2002 report, "Meeting the Highly Qualified Teachers Challenge," which asserts that states must transform certification requirements because while states' academic standards for teachers are low, barriers that keep out qualified people who have not completed collegiate teacher preparation are high.…

Methods for teaching problem-solving strategies for word problems to students with learning disabilities are described in the context of the 1989 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Examples are given for using the specific strategies of diagrams, ratio equations, tables, and inverse operation…

Argues that the assessment of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students ought to be determined by ESL faculty prepared to take into account their special needs and that ESL students should "ultimately" be held to the same standards as all other students. The article emphasizes that good assessment will give an accounting of strengths and…

During the 1997 session, many Texas lawmakers, especially Black and Hispanic Democrats, have introduced legislation to avert a crisis in the state's higher education system arising from the Hopwood v. Texas supreme court decision leading to discontinuance of affirmative action. Two controversial bills that were approved concerned softening of…

Responds to the argument that college standards must be made tougher to, in turn, force high schools to improve. Argues that tougher standards would result in the elimination of developmental education and discusses the value of developmental programs. Includes excerpts from papers written by the author's students refuting the argument. (AJL)

Calls for a new standard of educational excellence following the assumption of the new North Central Association (NCA) Standard and Criteria for Accreditation. Argues that in addition to maintaining past standards of excellence, modern-age schools must also actively adapt and improve; they must examine their current status and plan improvements.…

Discusses characteristics and behavior patterns of students with disabilities who are most likely to drop out. Explores the impact of educational reform's emphasis on academics and on preparing all student with disabilities for employment and independent living, and identifies strategies to overcome the special education dropout problem. (CR)

Describes a peer review visit to a fictitious high school using the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI) Performance Accreditation Framework and School Improvement Process. From the perspective of a steering committee member, describes the peer review team orientation, meetings and interviews, and…

Describes the changes the Douglass school district (Kansas) underwent as they began to implement "Transitions," a school improvement model that is based on individual student accountability. Provides insight into the capacities that need to be developed within a system before Transitions can be implemented successfully. Includes a sample…

Describes how the North Central Association (NCA) school improvement process helped Auburn Elementary School (Kansas) achieve improved student performance. Asserts that critical elements for a successful school improvement process include: trust, organization, and strong steering committee and peer review chairs. (KP)

Addresses how the National Standards can be incorporated into band rehearsals using the music piece, "Balladair" (Frank Erickson), as an example when teaching techniques and musical concepts. Provides ideas such as using material from "Balladair" to create warm-ups or relating the piece to other arts. (CMK)

Describes the disconnect between the standards and assessment movement in K-12 education and preparation for college success. Discusses the challenges facing public and higher education in more clearly articulating and merging their educational goals. Describes school reform efforts that may hold promise for linking the two systems. (EV)