Discusses the lack of coordination in efforts to improve elementary secondary education and higher education, then describes the Association of American Colleges and Universities' report "Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College" as the right point of departure for aligning and strengthening K-16…

Discusses the inclusion of students with and without disabilities in physical education as the movement toward standards-based education progresses, examining whether standards should be applied to all students, obstacles to including all students, ways to include all students, and the importance of standards for teachers. An example of inclusive…

Describes themes found in research regarding the digital divide from the perspective of school technology integration for children, including frequency of use, differences in students' educational technology experiences, and teacher professional development. Discusses standards-based curriculum and the implementation of technology standards.…

This article discusses the difficulties in meeting the needs of diverse student populations including those with learning and/or behavioral difficulties while meeting the demands of standards and accountability. It stresses the importance of matching the reading instructional program to the specific needs of the student and fine-tuning strategies…

Describes an online course at Valdosta State University (Georgia) that relates learning standards and technology to develop effective technology-enhanced learning activities. Suggests that this course could be replicated as a professional development opportunity for a broader audience of K-12 teachers. (LRW)

A three-year Florida project to develop subject area certification examinations in foreign languages is reported. The project was carried out by teachers at each stage: research, writing, validation, pilot-testing, editing, and scoring. The teacher-developed certification test development project is seen as a model for other states. (four…

Many policymakers believe that student achievement will not increase markedly until high standards are set and quality work by all students is expected and rewarded. Performance standards are being set for the three grade levels measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and a national exam is winning support. Includes seven…

The University of Iowa's president has vowed to bar freshmen from intercollegiate sports even if the National Collegiate Athletic Association does not agree. The move is intended as a leadership stand, to allow freshmen to get an academic foothold before entering competition. The football coach and the governor disagree. (MSE)

Surveys faculty in the United States and Canada to determine whether art teacher preparation programs comply with the National Art Education Association's Standards for Art Teacher Preparation Programs (1979). Reports that 59 of 169 respondents indicate that their programs equal or exceed NAEA's recommendations. Discusses the implications of the…

Citing a severe decline in academic standards due to political and social influences, a group of conservative scholars criticizes the "radicalization" of the college curriculum and danger to academic freedom. (MSE)

Issues involved in adapting Britain's National Curriculum for students with special educational needs are discussed. Outlined are the official position on modification and disapplication of the curriculum, the lack of adequate guidance in this area, the need to distinguish between modifications and disapplications, and possible patterns of…

This article summarizes the examining syllabuses of the 1988 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Physics papers. Some of the errors and uncertainties of the GCSE are discussed with examples. Lists five references. (YP)

The school dropout problem in states that have a high percentage of at-risk students is analyzed, with special attention to Black and Hispanic students. Emphasis is placed on the probable effects of policies dealing with increased academic standards, the extended school day, and the extended school year. (JD)

Presents responses from four-year (N=1,481) and two-year (N=1,010) higher education institutions to a survey of foreign language entrance and degree requirements. Changes over the years in college requirements are compared, and directories of institutions with language requirements are listed. (CB)

Key components of American educational reformers' results-oriented strategies include creation of world-class standards, curriculum frameworks, and "voluntary" national tests. Similar reforms already exist in England under the 1988 Education Reform Act's mandated national curriculum and assessment system. This article describes the…