The problems of urban public schools and current reform efforts are examined in this issue of "FOCUS," a publication of the Educational Testing Service. Declining support from parents and teachers, budget cuts, declining enrollment and deficiencies in student performance in mathematics and science skills are among the problems discussed.…

Originally created in the late 1960s, DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) is a method for conducting an occupational analysis that identifies the tasks that must be performed by persons employed in a specific job or occupational area. As a result of the occupational analysis, a profile chart is developed that identifies the duties and tasks associated…

Because preparing people for the world of work remains the primary purpose of vocational education, the behaviorist approach is the preferred learning theory on which to base vocational instruction. Other instructional activities aligned with behaviorism that are regularly used by vocational educators are active responding, required practice, and…

During the past three years, Santa Fe Community College (Florida) has designed and implemented an experimental competency-based program in human services training with a specialization in substance abuse counseling that meets the needs of atypical adult students and also the accountability demands of the academic community. Both a residential…

Three ways in which cognitive psychology can apply to the study of performance discrepancies in learning disabled (LD) students are discussed: explaining variance in test performance, focusing on competence, and revealing processing discrepancies when overt performances of LD and non-LD students are similar. (Author/JW)

Examines the reasons for test-centered educational reform and suggests that this has lead to decreased reliance on professional judgment and increased state regulations. Predicts that the operation of the schools as organizations will continue to be affected by the increased reliance on technical evidence. (MLF)

Discusses changes in teaching English since the Dartmouth Conference. Discusses issues in education in the mid-l960s; the second international conference at York University in England; the third international conference at Sydney, Australia; and the l984 international seminar at East Lansing, Michigan. (EL)

Equitable outdoor leadership responsive to social justice issues has historically been absent in the field of adventure education. The call for social justice in the field has been hampered by lack of information, negligible programmatic support, personal conditioning and bias, resistance to reform from those in power, and firmly established…

This discussion of the education received by professionals in the fields of libraries and information services highlights education versus training, educator and practitioner values, complaints about library education, improvement of library schools, alternatives to the problems, and identification of basic competencies. Ten sources are noted.…

Clearer conceptual and operational distinctions in doctoral education are advocated, based on professional functions that graduates are expected to perform. Distinctions between education for advanced practice and education for research are encouraged. Content areas for practice-related curriculum are suggested. (MSE)

Defines the concept of competency-based adult education (CBAE) and maintains that it is not a curriculum, but an adult education process emphasizing individualized instruction, learner goals, functional literacy, and other life skills. Discusses the importance of program evaluation, adult teaching/learning principles, and the teacher's role in…

Citing William Spady's distinction between capacity and competence, the author asserts that current competency tests mainly measure academic (capacity) not life (competency) skills. He then considers problems inherent in delineating, teaching, and testing essential practical living competencies and presents some alternatives. Part of a theme issue…

Transferring credit for experiential (as well as classroom) learning could be improved if institutions defined more clearly the expected outcomes of student learning. In basing program articulation and work transfer on such definitions, faculty assume responsibility and authority for carrying out their traditional assigned role of establishing…

Competency-based education programs could raise three kinds of legal issues: claims under the due process clause, claims of discrimination under the equal protection clause, and claims of negligence. (Author/JM)

An overview and critique, with special reference to independent schools, of the minimum competency testing movement as a solution to the political and educational furor over declining student achievement. (SJL)