This article discusses some of the technical aspects of competency testing with attention to the psychometric and decision theory aspects, specifically, instrument validity, the establishment of cutting scores, and the cost-benefit analysis of program decisions. (Author/SJL)

The College Student Personnel Services Accreditation Questionnaire described in this article was designed to be used in the accreditation of institutions of higher learning. The statistical analysis reported here involved undergraduate students and university staff personnel. The group was equally divided for sex. A table of normative data is…

Discusses issues and implication underlying the graduation competency testing movement in the social studies. Presents advantages and disadvantages of commercially and locally developed tests and outlines steps in selecting competencies and preparing tests. (KC)

External degree programs present problems to the coordination of higher education in the states. It should be the function of recognized accreditation agencies and the institutions to assure quality programs. Only as a last resort should the states step in to coordinate. (JMF)

In a social system that rewards participation instead of quality, student response to academic failure is based on two basic assumptions: (1) participation should guarantee passing, and (2) academic failure equals failure as a person. There are implications for schools, students, staff, and society as a whole. (SB)

This article argues for the development of curriculum reform and graduation requirements that will help students gain and demonstrate the variety of skills and attitudes necessary to survive and function in our society. (JMF)

The controversy over minimum competency testing (MCT) is multi-faceted and it is the Local Education Agency (LEA) which will bear the burden of the MCT movement. Among the concerns of the LEAs are the means of assessment, the content of tests, and the curricular implications of MCT. (RLV)

With the stabilization of student population and a demand for improvement in the quality of prospective teachers, a model has been developed for improving selection-retention procedures, giving administrative organization, role of student personnel services, criteria for admission to the profession, and provisions for probationary status,…

At the fall 1996 Education Summit, 40 governors and 45 business leaders called for higher student achievement standards. This article provides some historical background for the standards-based education movement and introduces essays exploring the movement from various perspectives. Although some educators remain skeptical, standards-based…

The standards movement is in a state of crisis. Although states have made progress in developing and implementing standards, some standards-driven reforms and takeover sanctions represent significant threats to students and educators. Principals should focus on new opportunities to become instructional leaders, help teachers use standards to…

Reviews problems with the current movement to use national standards and performance assessment to reform education and the impact of the standards on students with disabilities. The characteristics of standards, as they are currently being employed, are discussed, along with issues related to measurement, reliability, and validity. (Author/CR)

Analysis of the content of and student responses to college course evaluations suggests that, in general, students are seeking entertainment, comfort, high grades, and less work and are hostile to the necessary routines and rigors of higher education. The commonly used numerical evaluation form is not only unreliable and invalid, it is an…

A survey of 84 pharmacy schools showed most not in compliance with 1975 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy resolutions concerning curriculum for radiopharmaceuticals and radiopharmacy practice. Results suggest content is generally presented as part of a core course, separate required course, or elective. However, 31% of schools offer no…

Discusses a California initiative to implement high school academic standards to lessen the need for remedial education at the community college and university level. Educators discuss the merits of the initiative, which requires greater cooperation between elementary, secondary, and higher education and concrete standards for all California high…

Discusses what constitutes higher education standards and suggests that the standards debate should focus on defining educational goals and examining the consequences of implementing them. Some standards characteristics are examined, including specific, publicized, rigorous, high-stakes, inclusive, and measurable standards. Standards in relation…