In responding to John Raven's critique of the current situation in education and the role of evidence-based interventions, there are a number of observations that Steve Higgins makes, but he starts by supporting Raven's key argument about the damage that high stakes accountability has done to the system of teaching and assessment in schools. This…

The Internet enables new models. In the commercial world, for example, we have eBay, Amazon.com, and Netflix. These new models operate with a different set of rules than do traditional models. New models are emerging in higher education as well--for example, competency-based programs. In addition, courses that are being provided from outside the…

In this chapter, the author contemplates the future of accreditation in the changing landscape of higher education in the United States. He presents a set of proposals for how accreditation can regain the confidence of college leaders and public policymakers. He begins with the assumption that changes in accreditation--some significant in their…

Federal policy directed to teaching and teachers is the subject of this review, which is organized around: (1) recruitment; (2) training; (3) accountability; (4) incentives; (5) qualifications; (6) class size reduction; (teacher working conditions; and (8) human resource management and the overall coordination of teacher policy. For each theme,…

Accountability structures and processes have become such an integral part of education policy development and implementation that Ranson (2003) argues, "accountability is no longer merely an important instrument or component within the system, but constitutes the system itself" (p. 459). This argument is supported by the growth of an…

Discussed are evolving concepts of accountability in the United States. The majority of states have taken the position that accountability should be mandatory, leaving the specifics to the discretion of local states. Problems in accountability are also examined. (RM)

This statement offers guidelines, principles, and recommended practices for governing boards at institutions of higher education. First, some facts and perceptions such as the increase in number of part-time or adjunct faculty, failure of state funding to keep pace with cost increases, and public demands for greater accountability are identified.…

The interview with Dr. Reid Lyon examines questions concerning the relevance of teacher education practices, effects of the regular education initiative, suggestions for improving teacher preparation, university faculty accountability, and future trends in teacher preparation. (DB)

Until 1985, higher education was a growth industry, and new programs were a by-product of that growth. Now, new programs must be justified by extensive data analysis. This trend and others indicate governing boards are taking the new-program approval process seriously. (MLW)

Presents a response to "School Psychology Training for the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities" (this issue). The author highlights additional points to consider, including performance-based accountability and expertise in system level change. (GCP)

Discussion of college faculty tenure focuses on the positive role of tenure in fostering academic excellence through shared governance and creative scholarship. Notes the relationship between the rise of the managerial university and the accountability movement, and sees both as undermining educational quality by eroding faculty autonomy and by…

Reviews the literature on developments in quality assurance in European higher education over the last decade. Applies the metaphor of sub-atomic structure to order the literature, moving from publications closely related to the practice of quality assurance methods to more theoretical publications. Identifies some seminal publications as…

Discussion of the current demand for accountability at the higher education level examines its historical background and finds the influence of the conservative backlash against the 1960s and the global demands of capitalism. Suggests that part of this movement's broader agenda is defunding the public university and submission to market forces.…

This booklet contains two statements from the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). The "Statement on Institutional Governance" encourages all governing boards and chief executives to examine the clarity, coherence, and appropriateness of their institutions' governance structures, policies, and practices. It presents…

After a comparison of institutional autonomy and government influence patterns in Australian and United States higher education institutions, it is concluded that variety in balances is possible and does exist. These balances can be altered to suit state needs and also free independent institutions for their own purposes. (MSE)