Following national adaptations to the Bologna-declaration, accreditation is increasingly becoming the most dominant form of quality assurance of higher education in Europe. Over the last decade, national authorities have set up both institutional and programme accreditation procedures, currently accompanied by a growing number of private…

Challenges confronting schools worldwide are greater than ever, and, likewise, many teachers possess capabilities, talents, and formal credentials more sophisticated than ever. However, the responsibility and authority accorded to teachers have not grown significantly, nor has the image of teaching as a profession advanced significantly. The…

Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are one of the major vehicles in the United States for providing training to child care providers. The quality of care children receive in child care settings is due, in large part, to the effectiveness of the training child care providers receive from CCR&Rs and other community…

In January of 1994 the Addictions Training Center at the University of Nevada, Reno surveyed the treatment staff and directors at 46 publicly supported addictions training centers located in the state of Nevada. Four hundred twenty-nine surveys were mailed, and 189 were returned. In addition to demographic information, respondents were surveyed on…

During the past 20 years, alternative professional preparation and certification programs have expanded within the field of physical education. Societal trends, the media, and demographics have dictated these changes. This digest examines factors leading to an increase in the scope of career opportunities for physical education professionals and…

The author challenges National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) criteria for professional certification and outlines basic competencies on which qualifications should be based for all financial aid professionals and for directors and assistant directors. (JT)

With the establishment of the Professional Improvement Record System (PIR) in 1974, members of the home economics profession can now have approved educational experiences computer recorded by an accredited association. (MW)

In the United States, early childhood educators are confronted with a chaotic "non-system" of preservice and in-service employment education requirements. Within this non-system, teachers and caregivers who work most autonomously, and have the most extensive responsibilities for the greatest number of hours with the youngest and most…

A study investigated the value of professional certification within the context of Massachusetts manufacturing companies with reported sales of at least $10 million but no more than $25 million. The specific certification evaluated was that of Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) as awarded by the American Production and…

This report identifies major issues associated with licensure, certification, and other qualifications for practice or employment of health personnel. Chapters are: (1) Credentialing and the Public Interest, (2) An Overview of Health Personnel Credentialing, (3) The Organizational Setting of Licensure, (4) The Disciplinary Function of State…

A discussion concerning international recognition of degrees, diplomas, and other academic credentials focuses on such things as the range of diplomas awarded in that system, information on the diploma, its external public and vocational worth, and program access. (MSE)

Job relevance and adverse impact are major validity concerns relative to credentializing examinations. This article recommends that examination blueprints utilize a competency model based on: (1) job functions assigned; (2) level of expertise expected given the content and resources available; and (3) specific context and situation in which the…

This handbook provides information for persons who are preparing to take a test for certification in the plastics industry. The nine sections of the handbook provide information on the following: (1) the mission of the Society of the Plastics Industry and the value of the National Certification in Plastics; (2) tips on preparing for the exam; (3)…

School counselors represent an integral part of a quality educational program designed to meet the personal, social, academic, and career development needs of today's students. Michigan school districts are experiencing and reporting a significant shortage of qualified and appropriately credentialed school counselors. A statewide initiative was…

This guide was developed to provide teachers, related service personnel, administrators, paraprofessionals, and other individuals charged with assisting in the development of Minnesota's paraprofessional workforce, with information and strategies to build strong, effective, supportive teams to ensure successful educational services for all…