Discusses the benefits and limitations of accrediting association membership and the impact of the 1992 Reauthorization of Higher Education Amendments on community colleges. Describes the colleges' roles in the accreditation movement and their responsibilities in maintaining quality, learning resources, faculty balance, and academic freedom in the…

Discusses two national arts education projects (invaluable tools for including the arts in daily curricula): a standards document being created by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations, and a parallel assessment framework by the Arts Education Consensus Project to serve as a blueprint for the National Assessment of Education…

Describes new approaches to mathematics education outlined in standards published by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Highlights a new emphasis on interactive learning and real world applications in favor of rote memorization and drilling. Discusses the role of standards in educational reform efforts and suggests steps for change.…

Describes a library-based instructional module for first-year athletes as part of a program motivated by accreditation agencies, public concern, and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) standards to ensure the academic success of college athletes. The development and implementation of the bibliographic instruction sessions are…

At the American Federation of Teachers' 1991 conference, members stated that private school choice threatened public education and claimed a need for national standards and national tests. Other demands included comprehensive programs for school dropouts and a labor market policy that emphasizes the link between school and work. (MLF)

National standards for education are important elements in the excellence process, but standards imposed by a central authority simply do not work in the Information Era. It would be wise to increase teachers' decision-making role in establishing and implementing local level excellence standards and train teachers to employ the Japanese "kaizen"…

Offers background information on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Occupational Education Institutions, and the manner in which assessment requirements are stated in the commission's 12 standards and the way these standards change. (DMM)

Student evaluation methods (pass-fail vs. traditional grading) for Britain's honors curriculum are discussed. The British educational tradition concerning the honors degree is outlined, and the rationale for grading is examined. It is recommended that pass-fail grading based on specified learning outcomes be adopted for educational and practical…

Describes how the Department of Secondary Education at Brigham Young University (Utah) improved and benefited as the unit to which it belonged engaged in a self-study to fulfill the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation standards. (SM)

Compares Goodlad's 1990 postulates on teacher education reform and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards, examining the compatibility of renewal efforts and commitment to national accreditation. The article suggests that reform and required changes will result in programs that meet national standards of quality and…

Proposes a model for consideration by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in accrediting teacher education programs. The model uses outcome-centered accreditation, judging success of teacher preparation programs on the basis of broad outcomes. The article presents suggested standards for an outcome-centered model of…

Clarifies the position of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) on informal science education. NSTA support of all elements of informal science education is strong and this position statement includes many specific examples of informal science education. (DDR)

Summarizes a study evaluating state standards in science. The treatment of evolution, which varies tremendously in quality from state to state, is discussed at length. In some states--Arizona for example--evolution is completely ignored in the life sciences. Highlights local political battles. Describes good evolution curricula in Connecticut,…

Unlike systemic/academic reforms, renewal programs identify democratic education's central purposes and processes, interpret them in contemporary terms, and seek to strengthen them. The uniform standards movement may handicap these efforts by eliminating many student choices and discouraging the rational political discussion underlying liberal…

Argues that the high public interest in contemporary international issues has opened a window of opportunity for effecting change in the national global-studies curriculum. Develops guidelines that summarize what concerned scholars and educators recommend as the international dimension of education for K-12 students. Includes an extensive topical…