The uses and applications of testing in education and the implications of the Bakke decision are considered. Pluralism and diversity in education have convinced many observers that a different philosophy or theory of testing is needed. Alternative uses are sought in ways that would shift the aptitudes and general intelligence to skills and…

Factors contributing to the underrepresentation of minority groups in higher education and professional schools are discussed, along with suggestions for state postsecondary education agencies and for state legislative and executive branches in light of the Bakke decision. A 1977 Educational Testing Service study concluded that if admissions…

Control of entry into teacher education programs should be a function of the teaching profession, with philosophy and parameters set by the professional associations while policy and procedures are set by the teacher training institutions. This problem is approached by examination of conditions that prevail in Louisiana. A strong foundation in…

Traces development of library/information science doctoral study; examines current status of doctoral programs including enrollment, degrees awarded, costs, financial aid, admission and degree requirements, and coursework; presents reaction to current status of programs by deans of doctoral and nondoctoral programs; and provides personal…

Current admission criteria for graduate and professional programs are discussed, their validity in predicting graduate student success is examined, and a potentially more effective model for predicting the success of various student groups (women, minorities, older students) is outlined. Innovative admission criteria and procedures are also…

Assessment of Hopwood v Texas ruling on admissions at West Texas A&M University finds it has had little effect on that institution. The school stepped up recruitment efforts, targeting high schools with diverse populations. Additionally, the state's "10 percent" rule automatically made the top 10% percent of graduating students…

This paper examines the controversies surrounding the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and its use in college admissions policies. An early section reviews the history and development of the test. Next the essay reviews a series of challenges to the SAT: many argue that the structure of the examination is biased against women and minorities. Others…

This publication is a compilation of papers presented at the "Presidents' Conference on Excellence in Illinois Education." These conference proceedings outline the complex and difficult nature of the educational problems facing the state of Illinois and the nation as a whole. These papers, by presidents of universities in Illinois,…

When properly understood, scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) support the hypothesis that the performance of American students as measured by the SAT is steadily improving. As the overall pool of SAT takers increases and as pressures to adopt SAT scores as an administrative measure of instructional performance mount, SAT averages at the…

The challenge posed by a decline in minority enrollment and a new push to raise college admission standards is discussed. State governing board members must consider whether to institute more stringent and systemwide admissions policies and must weigh the effect of such policies on prospective minority enrollment. Policymakers need to protect the…

Eight priority recommendations are outlined for attracting and preparing teachers, developing the new teachers, improving the teaching climate, and rewarding effective teaching. Consideration is given to issues related to effective teaching within the framework of seven areas: (l) early student interest; (2) entry into teacher education; (3)…

Issues pertaining to access to higher education in Great Britain are considered in seven papers. Medium- and long-term policy issues concerning the demand for and access of British residents to higher education at the undergraduate level are reviewed by Oliver Fulton, who also outlines policies to increase demand and improve access, along with…

Guidelines for the selection of students to undergraduate social work education programs are suggested in light of the growing recognition of the baccalaureate degree as the first professional degree in social work. The criteria for the selection of students to these programs has become more significant since their accreditation by the Council on…

Barriers which may prevent Mexican American women from participating in higher education include: sex role restrictions, low socioeconomic status, lack of parental financial support, "culture shock," and traditional admissions criteria. Programs designed to provide financial and motivational support are desirable to help break down the…

The structure and reasoning of Justice Powell's decision in the Bakke case are examined with specific reference to the concepts of institutional autonomy and academic freedom. (BH)