South Carolina's Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) assesses basic skills in reading, mathematics, writing, and science for grades 3, 6, 8, and 10 (exit examination). In 1998, the tests were administered statewide in April. This report provides 3 years of data on percentages of students meeting state standards. The data are reported by…

The purpose of this reading sampler is to familiarize Delaware teachers and students with the reading comprehension portion of the Delaware Student Testing Program. Included is information about the reading tests for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. This sampler contains the following examples for each grade level: a reading passage; a multiple choice…

This paper presents the stories of two urban middle school science teachers, both identified as leaders in their districts. Both bring substantial expertise to science education, though neither has experienced optimal conditions for flourishing as teacher leaders. One teacher has strong content knowledge and a deep understanding of standards. The…

This document describes Rhode Island's School Accountability for Learning and Teaching (SALT) process. It defines SALT's vision, outlines Article 31 (which requires schools to engage in self-study and goal setting and sets rigorous requirements for schools), and explains how SALT concepts mirror and respond to Article 31 demands. SALT's vision is…

The validity of using proficiency test scores to make specific educational decisions is addressed. Ninth grade mathematics proficiency test scores were analyzed in both continuous and categorized form. The nature of the decisions to be made was examined as a factor in determining the categorization technique. (Author/PN)

Discusses the professional preparation of school library media specialists at Syracuse University using a competency-based approach, highlighting background of competency-based education, development of competency statements and curriculum, and assessment of competencies. Integration of joint competency-based program into two schools and with a…

A faculty survey at the University of Texas at Dallas showed faculty had no objections to most students' being over 30, did not favor age segregation, found older students better motivated, and felt no need for changes in academic standards. Special training for dealing with adult students is not recommended. (MSE)

National trends in setting admissions standards for preservice teacher education programs are reported, based on a survey of 147 member institutions of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Grade-point requirements, use of written language and mathematics tests, enrollment trends, and other factors affecting admissions…

Issues in the question of the Association of American Law Schools' acceptance or exclusion of church-related law schools that discriminate on the basis of religion are discussed. Basic principles of academic freedom, other forms of discrimination, and privacy are included, and this kind of religious discrimination is found to be unlike other…

Stone believes that lowered standards, declining enrollment, and student complaints are placing unfair expectations on college teachers. Gephart contends that it is a professor's responsibility to teach all levels of students. Stone recognizes the need for remedial instruction but feels that professors are not obligated to provide it free. (CP)

A view of events at City College of New York during the 1970s when an open admissions policy was initiated is discussed by the eighth president of the college. At CUNY, the objective was to provide remediation, counseling, and tutoring in order to maximize the possibility of success. (MLW)

Explains why Immaculate Conception Cathedral High School adopted the demanding liberal arts curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Program. (SJL)

Five contributors identify essential means for the college to assure high standards, quality control, and consistency in assessing the prior learning of adults. Types of learning include work or military experience and life experience; assessment methods include examination, portfolio examination, and competence-based programs. (Author/MSE)

Two professors describe their experience when a student filed a grievance protesting their grading methods and offer suggestions to other faculty on how to handle such a procedure. Each step from the first interaction with the student through the hearing is discussed, along with sources of student grievances. (MF)

The Committee for the Study of Credentialing in Nursing of the American Nurses' Association assesses credentialing mechanisms in nursing (including accreditation, certification, and licensure) and recommends establishment of a nursing credentialing center to study and conduct nurse credentialing. The last four chapters of its final report are…