This book examines educational improvement in Great Britain in recent years. It addresses three concerns: (1) develop better estimates of the extent to which schools have changed in their effectiveness over time; (2) understand the factors and strategies associated with changes in performance across schools; and (3) explore the school-improvement…

Examined is the possibility of applying industrial principles of quality assurance to engineering education. Describes an industrial quality assurance model emphasizing the assessment criteria of the quality of performance and capability. (YP)

The National Policy Board for Educational Administration report ("Improving the Preparation of School Administrators: An Agenda for Reform") reiterates the need for program improvements for educational administrators. Obstacles to any real change occurring in the near future are pointed out. (six references) (SI)

A discussion of external evaluation of a college or university program or unit looks at two different approaches used in the United States for accreditation purposes--standards of good practice and competency-based learning and review. Methods of maintaining consistency and eliminating bias are examined briefly. (MSE)

A recently implemented program of institutional evaluation in Spanish universities, designed with the intention of improving the quality of teaching, research, and administration, is discussed. Objectives and mechanisms for assessment in each of these areas are detailed. (MSE)

Discusses what is meant by quality mathematics in school and how teachers can bring students to share this vision of a quality mathematics performance. (MKR)

Questions the value of accreditation as an effective force for improvement at large and/or prestigious institutions. Challenges institutions, accrediting agencies, and evaluators to emphasize the centrality of teaching and learning to all institutions in confirming quality. Offers suggestions for enhancing the value of the evaluation/accreditation…

Characterizes globalization as a new imperative for U.S. higher education and a new challenge for the accreditation community. Addresses the need for assuring institutional integrity and quality as international programs are developed. Offers recommendations for the initiation and evaluation of international programs. (DMM)

Presents research findings concerning the quality of Catholic education and reviews educational marketplace characteristics leading to declining enrollments. Recommends that middle school enrollment declines be viewed as retention problems. Offers guidelines for recruiting middle school students to Catholic education. Advocates a critical…

Good tribal colleges must encourage smooth transitions for entering students, offer academic and social support to all students, offer general education that provides skills for life, emphasize and reward good teaching, clearly define relationships with the tribal government, and evaluate student outcomes to improve programs and curricula. (DMM)

A study of 55 recipients of the University of California, Berkeley's Distinguished Teaching Award found most felt the award had little effect on their careers and provided little incentive to improve teaching. Four recommendations for making the reward structure more effective in motivating teachers to improve instruction are offered. (MSE)

A survey of graduating university students (n=165) investigated factors influencing their satisfaction with their majors. Career-related learning, communication skills, and parental influence in choice of major were the best predictors of satisfaction with major. Perceived quality of instruction and career opportunities/services were also highly…

The performance model of administration, not a resource model, is what is needed for colleges and universities to thrive in an environment of budget cuts and lowered public trust. Continuous improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes demonstrates quality management principles such as those embodied in the Total…

Presents the presidential address of the 1990 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual meeting. Contends the current debate over social studies curriculum should continue to examine a variety of curriculum models. Argues the source of curriculum content should reside in the citizenry. Maintains educators must redirect their energies…

This article proposes six "quality" indicators of assessment practices with culturally and linguistically diverse students, including: (1) examination of opportunity to learn; (2) involvement of parents or caretakers; (3) use of trained interpreters; (4) nonreliance on psychometrics; (5) use of a multidisciplinary team; and (6) use of informed…