This book contains essays by leading educational experts reflecting on the Holmes Group report, "Tomorrow's Teachers," and its recommendations and implications for schooling. Titles and authors are: (1) "'Tomorrow's Teachers': The Essential Arguments of the Holmes Group Report" (Michael W. Sedlak); (2) "Teaching:…

The validity of grades in higher education as a measure of what a student has actually learned has been a concern to both the public and academicians for over three decades. This was one of several issues discussed in a report by the National Institute of Education Study Group on Conditions of Excellence in American Higher Education. Furthermore,…

Issues concerning participation by minority groups in higher education in the United States are considered, along with some criticisms of higher education concerning: the substance and style of undergraduate education; efficiency and cost of college; a confusion of aims, missions, and goals among colleges and universities; and access, choice, and…

The laws and regulations of the State of South Carolina governing the licensing of private postsecondary institutions to confer degrees are presented. The institutions covered by these laws and regulations include specialized trade schools, vocational and technical institutions, junior and community colleges, senior colleges, universities,…

This publication is the product of a two and one-half day workshop that was held to develop directions and strategies for meeting the future needs of California correctional education. The first part of the document contains the opening session address by California Assemblyman John Vasconcellos and two presentations--"The Doomed and the…

A discussion is presented on the education of Japanese teachers, their roles in the schools, and proposed reforms in their education. In describing the pre-World War II background of teacher education in Japan, three ideological forces are discussed: Western thought that impacted upon early Meiji reforms, Confucianism, and nationalism. Western…

This monograph describes and compares the membership, organization, and policy-making responsibilities of state boards of education in the 49 states that have them. First, board members' characteristics, their civic activities, and their reasons for serving are discussed. Second, a total of 10 distinct governance models are identified, although 3…

Basic skills teachers have a legal and moral responsibility to instruct students in reading, writing, and mathematics. The obligations of teachers and principals are extensions of the legal responsibility assumed by the state and local boards of education and practitioners' professional and moral responsibilities. Teachers and principals are…

A rethinking of the definition of excellence is called for. It is suggested that a definition of excellence must go beyond narrow issues and include attention to the nature of the teacher, the subject matter that needs to be transformed and communicated, and the diversity of learners. Upon this triad of concerns, educators are challenged not to…

This journal issue addresses the topic of mastery learning at both the elementary and secondary school levels. The first article, "The Theory and Practice of Mastery Learning" (Guskey), gives a definition of and information about the development, operation, and application of mastery learning, based on the theories of Benjamin Bloom. In…

Improving the quality of learning is basic to raising academic standards. Research on postsecondary learning improvement has provided a base of practical knowledge to guide faculty and planners. Successful learning improvement programs share two essential characteristics: they are more comprehensive in the range of students' needs met, and they…

A practicum comparing the baccalaureate degrees and credit hour requirements for degrees offered by institutions accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges (AABC) to identify appropriate norms at colleges like Practical Bible Training School (PBTS) is presented. A questionnaire was sent to chief academic officers at the 96 AABC…

When the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) was mandated in Florida, a schedule of incremental increases in the required passing scores was legislated. The 1986 passing standards were scheduled to be increased in 1989. This change was projected to reduce by half the number of students admitted to upper-level status at Florida's colleges. A…

The current official policy of the California community colleges on grading prohibits the use of plus and minus symbols to modify a standard letter grade. Plus and minus grades may influence a student's grade point average (GPA) either through statistical effects or psychological effects on teachers and students. At its fall 1985 session, and…

In 1983, the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District Board of Trustees asked that all courses be given appropriate levels of reading, writing, and math prerequisites. Minimum competencies (generally 9th grade English reading and writing skills) were assigned to almost all district courses. A study was conducted to determine the degree to…