The conceptual framework is vital in linking elements of quality assurance in teacher education. The development of professional accountability in teacher education is a continuum that links colleges of education responsible for teacher education to the state, to teachers' induction processes within the schools, to professional and learned…

In the elections of 2000, one-half of U.S. citizens did not vote, or vote effectively. This reflects a marked decline in civic participation. Before these serious civic issues could be addressed, a second national civics lesson suddenly upstaged the first when international terrorists hijacked and crashed commercial airliners into the World Trade…

If Britain is to deliver a genuine framework for lifelong learning in the 21st century, a qualifications system must be developed to support this framework. The National Qualifications Framework may not be fit for the purpose of supporting lifelong learning. A policy on lifelong learning must explicitly connect with qualifications reform to have…

Describes the creation and objectives of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and reviews the findings of an evaluation of the NAEP, published in "Measuring the Quality of Education," by Wirtz and Lapointe. Focuses on the role that the NAEP can play in establishing uniform, national educational standards. (GC)

Describes current provision of early childhood education in Australia, focusing on the South Australian curriculum, standards, and accountability framework. Argues that educational quality is relative to a particular culture, dependent on one's understanding of optimal child development, of societal priorities, and of the resources available to…

Explains the process for creating a curriculum in music education. Offers a definition of curriculum and address issues to be considered while designing the curriculum. Discusses how to incorporate the National Standards for Music Education, describes important music concepts, and offer guidelines for writing. (CMK)

It is suggested that special educators follow the mode of other helping professions by developing national standards for professional certification. The proposal is justified, steps already taken to facilitate this process are outlined, and the positive impact of such a move is discussed. (MSE)

Current mathematics reform policy conflicts with the political and social dilemmas facing math teachers in urban schools: math course tracking, fiscal inequities, and failure of traditional assessment to meet the needs of underserved children. Policy decisions must be based on an expansive view of equality. (SK)

Reflects on the process of standards writing conducted by the National of Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association, from both an insider and an outsider perspective. Reflects on the larger forces at play and the deeper issues which derailed the standards effort and which "produced standards that no one has much…

Discusses the formulation of the Australian Literacy Benchmarks for Year 3 and Year 5. Suggests they (1) lay claim to designating a minimum standard; (2) represent "fuzzy" standards; and (3) are a composite based on a number of underlying criteria. Claims teachers' knowledge of student literacy achievement is a richer source of valid…

Examines the national standards for science education, noting they do not specify how to reach the goal of all students attaining scientific literacy. Presents what must be done to implement the standards successfully, discussing the size of systemic reform standards, ways to achieve scientific literacy, impediments to change, the need for…

Explains why the national standards effort in education failed, discusses the existence and diffusion of current standards, and describes how credible national level standards might be developed. Development recommendations include brevity; concentration on skills required for student advancement; the need for review, revision, and field testing;…

Believes that teachers should use a literature-enhanced curriculum to teach geography because this approach allows them to meet the National Geography Standards, bridge geographically distant worlds for their students, and promote multiculturalism. Stresses the importance of carefully choosing literature and provides an appendix that lists…

Believes that there has been a return to the definition of citizenship forwarded by educational reformers of the 1890's that characterizes the reform efforts of the 1990's. Reviews the ongoing debate in reform efforts of whether citizenship education should be integrated into the social studies as opposed to the history curriculum. (CMK)

Over the course of the last several decades, advances in the Internet and media have brought distant parts of the globe closer together. It is now possible to email, chat with, and offer web-based classes or conferences to colleagues and students from all over the world. As this occurs, it is becoming increasingly possible for physical educators…