Summarizes key differences between academic and industrial settings and offers illustrations of what modern instructional craft has accomplished in industry. Describes a typical developmental sequence related to criterion-referenced instruction, including techniques for instructional analysis, design, development, and implementation. Includes…

The success of competency based vocational education (CBVE) implementation depends upon commitment of staff and administration, visits to institutions with existing programs, and staff development and materials adaptation. (JOW)

The Italian educational system's experiences with national examinations might help United States educators understand the impact of state tests on students, schools, and education in general. (JT)

McClung has written several articles on the legal aspects of minimal competency testing. In this article he states that Getz and Glass ("High School Journal," January, 1979) seriously distorted his earlier works. He attempts to set the facts straight regarding avoiding litigation by practicing preventive law. (KC)

A variety of external degree programs and the unique characteristics of administration are discussed. (JMF)

This article argues for the development of curriculum reform and graduation requirements that will help students gain and demonstrate the variety of skills and attitudes necessary to survive and function in our society. (JMF)

Critics of vocational education do not recognize its potential to develop outcomes similar to general education. Vocational curriculum should be based on a holistic integrated model of competence, stressing problem solving and workplace learning, that might serve as the model for general curriculum. (SK)

In addition to the benefits of the oral proficiency movement, problems are seen, including flaws in the claim that the testing is proficiency based, the potential misuse of competency-based education, and the Oral Proficiency Interview's inability to test nonlinguistic barriers to communication. (Author/MSE)

Theories and practices in second-language learning have changed in many ways, particularly toward communicative or proficiency-oriented outcomes. The discussion emphasizes proficiency and performance, communicative objectives, instructional approaches that promote proficiency, and testing and assessment. (Contains 10 references.) (LB)

Reform of undergraduate education will only succeed if undergraduate study is reconceptualized as a process of gaining proficiencies, learning to think critically, and strengthening character traits, not simply taking a series of courses. The college environment must also support this kind of individual development. (MSE)

The purpose and evolution of educational assessment are considered. Alternatives to standardized assessment include performance assessment, authentic assessment, and portfolio assessment. Issues concerning outcomes of the assessment revolution include appropriate standards, associated changes in curricula and grading, and questions regarding…

Discusses the growing importance of transnational, competency-based training in information technology and considers implications for traditional institutions of higher education. Considers the awarding of certificates rather than degrees; the types of providers offering training; the role of testing companies in the certification process; and the…

Before developing a curriculum for radiologic technology, one must first attempt to define the term "curriculum." The term is not easy to define precisely, although it does imply the necessity of a master plan that outlines institutional philosophy and goals, course descriptions, description of competency-based evaluation, performance objectives,…

The Adult Performance Level (APL) project, which developed and validated a series of objectives for adult functional competency free from school-based notions of literacy, is the most widely accepted approach to adult literacy and adult literacy education in the United States today. Yet a review of the project and its impact reveals that the APL…

This document discusses measurement-driven instruction, necessary conditions for effective management, and effective program coordination in the context of the design, implementation, and coordination of future Follow Through programs. The discussion of measurement-driven instruction addresses several issues, including selection of objectives,…