Discusses the effects of a hypothetical policy restricting entry to American colleges on the basis of academic standards, with those failing to meet the standard being forced to go to work. Examines the merits of the policy in the context of conservative and liberal educational reform movements. Focuses on the perceived economic and social…

This article describes: (1) what one historically Black institution has done to provide quality in teacher education and (2) the ongoing strategy for maintaining equity and excellence in a city public school system. (MT)

Discusses from a systems-theory perspective the goals and functions of secondary education--and conditions affecting its performance--in western societies. Suggests definitions of the fundamental choices facing schools and principles to guide educational reform. (MCG)

A survey of 349 editors reveals that few academic and professional journals follow recommended criteria for identifying a refereed journal. The effects of reviewing procedures on acceptance rates and their implications for promotion and tenure decisions are discussed. A standard for identifying refereed journals is proposed. (Author/MLW)

These aspects of three European open universities in Great Britain, Spain, and West Germany are discussed: the impetus to establish distance teaching universities, academic programs, student characteristics, production of graduates, teaching media, costs (Britain only), academic standards, and overall success. (MSE)

Proposes improving teacher education by reducing the number of teacher training programs, requiring graduate study for certification, raising admission and subject matter requirements, increasing funding, and creating better institutional climates including stronger links between research and practice. Briefly reviews several national reports'…

New York's Action Plan, a comprehensive program outlining school reforms to be phased in over the next decade, stresses the partnership of local and state governments. It sets expectations for student performance, increases accountability, addresses quality of instruction, provides extra help where needed, and allows local flexibility. (DCS)

The purposes and methods behind Gourman's rankings of American colleges and universities, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, are outlined and discussed, and the controversy surrounding his publications, which have had a significant impact in education, is examined. (MSE)

The impact of Georgia's recent imposition of subject-oriented admission requirements on the University of Georgia starting in 1988 is discussed, and the standards are applied to a sample of 100 current students in both strict and liberal interpretations to determine the degree of current compliance or deficiencies. (MSE)

Among teachers, initial cynicism toward reform proposals has given way to support. Teacher organizations, especially the American Federation of Teachers, have played an important role in encouraging this positive response. However, teachers remain wary of the reform movement, feeling that some of the proposed reforms would be detrimental to their…

Discusses the appeal of adolescent novels and the debate over whether to include them in the curriculum. (CRH)

The text of "Involvement in Learning: Realizing the Potential of American Higher Education," the report of the Study Group on the Conditions of Excellence in American Higher Education is presented. (Author/MLW)

To determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the Alabama High School Graduation Examination were being taught in the Alabama public schools, a survey was conducted of teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. Competencies that were not being taught are identified and possible explanations are outlined. (Author/EGS)

Courts are setting dangerous precedents when, in the interest of civil rights, they rule that academic standards are unconstitutional. The intellectual community must make the consequences of such decisions clear. (Editor/LBH)

Focuses on the problems of rapid social change with the emphasis on how to develop sophisticated manpower from an under-resourced, i.e., disadvantaged, population. (Author/RK)