Schools and educators are being called to task so that students will be able to achieve academically and gain basic skills. While few people argue with the need for gradual, reasonable, and proven changes in curricula, the massive infusion of innovative curricula and teaching methods often intended to maximize affective learning may have had a…

Describes the development and design of an undergraduate course which utilized a marketing principles class to teach students information gathering techniques as part of a college wide competency requirement. The materials and procedures used, roles of instructors and librarians in the course, and evaluation of the project are discussed. (CLB)

Students from 15 colleges compare their expectations of college with their experiences. (MSE)

State governors' comments about higher education in their state of the state addresses include the effects of recent reforms, in-state retention of students, education and industry's needs, high college costs, academic preparation for college, faculty dissatisfaction, statewide cohesiveness, efficiency, economic development, and governance reform.…

Summarizes the academic preparation of secondary school science teachers in Idaho by science subject. Reveals that the extent of some problems appears to be greater than reported in the literature. Reports that only 57% of Idaho science teachers were endorsed to teach the subject they taught. (CW)

Explores the relationship between mandates for educational excellence and more rigorous standards and the community college's role in providing access to educational opportunity for all students. Underscores the difference between accountability-based assessment and compliance-based testing. (DMM)

Describes evaluation of Japanese educational system. Contrasts differences in National Ministry of Education functions, learning time, examinations, career rewards with American system. Examines Japanese rural school organization, funding, administrative certification/staffing, instructional certification/staffing, salaries, instruction, and…

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's report on collegiate education, "College," is discussed by Ernest L. Boyer. The undergraduate experience and quality, college teaching, assessment, the quality of campus life, student development, and general education are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the history, recommendations, and impact of "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Discusses broad recommendations regarding the curriculum; standards and expectations for students; time devoted to learning; the status of the teaching…

Recent UNESCO recommendations concerning the adoption of norms for the comparability and recognition of studies, diplomas, and degrees in higher education to promote mobility of teachers, scholars, students, and other specialists among the member states are outlined. Details on ratification, reporting, information dissemination, evaluation, and…

Decries the back to basics movement and suggests that it is not the place of those with doctoral degrees to teach spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Proposes that the proper place for such instruction is in the primary grades. (RBW)

Discusses studies showing that, contrary to the view overwhelmingly supported by research of over a decade and a half, some urban schools, through principal leadership, high teacher expectations, and rigorous academic programs, are able to raise the achievement of low-income students. (CMG)

A survey designed to investigate the causes of declining levels of student achievement indicated that (1) there has been an over-use of objective testing, (2) grade inflation is a serious problem, and (3) community colleges may have over-emphasized accommodation of unprepared students and under-emphasized cognitive learning. Recommendations to…

This document contains resolution text adopted by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in July 1998 regarding Redesigning Low-Performing Schools. A Question & Answer section follows the resolution, addressing the following issues: (1) Union support for redesign or closure of low-performing schools; (2) Indicators of low-performing schools…

Today, school districts cannot meet the challenges of an increasingly demanding and diverse clientele without an efficient and effective business and financial framework within which to operate. Well-prepared and dedicated school business officials, working in tandem with other members of the administrative team, can better assure that such a…