The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's comprehensive collegiate skills program is described from proposal to implementation. Junior year students must demonstrate competence in: writing, reading, mathematics, research paper writing, and library skills. (MLW)

Many states are turning to minimum-competency testing at the secondary school level. Although at least 17 states have enacted legislation that sets minimum-competency standards for graduation from public high schools, the basic skills testing movement at the postsecondary level is still in its infancy. (MLW)

Remediation programs have been successful in boosting poorly prepared minority undergraduates. Several different approaches are described that combine reconditioning, psychology, and simple faith. (JMF)

After reviewing some problems raised by Minimum Competency Testing (MCT), the authors present ideas on the role of the State Education Agencies in defining minimum competencies. Among the items discussed are the implementation time of MCT, curricular implications, the impact on children, the financing of remediation, and state versus local control…

A review of externally mandated outcomes assessment activities and resulting innovations in freshman programs focuses on efforts in Tennessee and Virginia, in which higher education funding is linked to outcomes assessment. Areas examined include registration, advising, student-faculty contact, computer use, basic skills, staff development,…

Describes a structured 20 week program in which the mastery of one segment in the sequence prepares the student for the next step. Focuses on reading and writing, with touch-typing providing a strong backup. Includes a history and principles of the program and the role of the teacher. (MVL)

Advances the following premises: (1) the thinking skills of low achievers should be cultivated as much as those of high achievers; (2) low achievers can be taught higher order thinking skills; and (3) the cultivation of effective thinking skills is at least as important as mastery of basics. Presents five recommendations for change. (AF)

Explores the relationship between post-secondary institutions and the corporate community in providing communication education for the adult learner. Contends that the communication profession should be concerned about the role it plays at all levels of the corporate learning enterprise. (MS)

This article introduces a self-determination curriculum, Learning with PURPOSE, intended for adolescent students with disabilities or students at risk for failure. It identifies critical self-determination skills, defines self-determination, outlines the curriculum, and notes the curriculum's parent component. (DB)

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

This paper reviews literature on employment skills needed by persons with visual impairments, noting skills employers look for among employees generally (such as employee attitudes, communication, and basic knowledge) and skills needed by employees with visual disabilities (such as orientation and mobility skills). Implications for career…

Basics skills achievement of students of 48 elementary school teachers who received in-service training in the Program for Effective Teaching was compared longitudinally to the achievement of students of 34 teachers who had not received such training. No differences in achievement between the groups of students were found. (BB)

Presents the proposals to improve workforce preparation from the report "America's Choice": (1) require attainment of high national standards of educational performance; (2) create learning environment that ensures this attainment; (3) establish professional certifications for non-college bound persons; (4) have employers allocate 1 percent of…

Reports on the experiences of students in a community college vocational program (approximately 60% African American and 30% Asian American) in banking and finance and the jobs students got and lost in the data center of a bank. Concerns about workers' literacy problems are explored. (SLD)

Argues that current educational practices underestimate the magnitude of diversity in educational achievement and that disregarding diversity widens the range of differences. Reducing concern with grade-level achievement and increasing concern with academic mastery would have long-term educational benefits. Changes are proposed for elementary…