There are both strengths and weaknesses of using standardized test scores as a criterion for admission to institutions of higher education. The relative importance of scores is dependent on the institution's degree of selectivity. In general, decision processes and admissions criteria are not well defined. Advantages of test scores include: use of…

Student distribution among institutions of higher education corresponds more to the socioeconomic status of institutions than to the test-predicted performance levels. Aggregate data shows that the more costly institutions recruit wealthier students with higher test scores. Traditionally black institutions rely far less on test results, preferring…

This paper explores the ideological changes which have influenced American education during the past 25 years. Gradual shifting of values and fluctuating attitudes are examined in the broad areas of authority, educational theory, the idea of merit, and moral perspectives. It is pointed out that public disastisfaction with the schools has been felt…

Addressing the diverse educational needs of the adult student population can be achieved without dumbing down the college curriculum, using costly remedial programs, or sending the wrong message to America's youth. Possible solutions include college-public school partnerships providing remediation, community college programs, distance learning,…

Two trends will impact the academic labor force through the rest of this century: approximately half of the existing professorial positions are held by persons within 15 years of retirement, and demographic projections are that by the year 2000, ethnic minority groups will constitute 30% of the national population. Underrepresented minority…

Limited English proficiency creates barriers to both education and employment for approximately 28 million people in the United States. They face societal, institutional, and personal barriers to equitable employment. The American job market and employer expectations may be confusing, and the concept of lifelong learning is foreign to them.…

On the basis of research reports, a survey of secondary school principals, a public opinion survey, state comparisons, public hearing testimony, and findings from high school visitations, the Michigan Commission on High Schools developed recommendations for improving seven aspects of secondary education in Michigan. First, the commission…

The controversy surrounding college admission criteria is examined. It is noted that racial classifications and preference of ethnic and racial minorities, as part of a university's admissions policy have been seen to constitute reverse discrimination. Proponents of a racially neutral admissions policy argue for a strengthening of standardized…

Describes the current South African university curriculum and degree structure, and proposes a new, more flexible model of academic progression that aims to improve articulation within the university system and between vocational/technical and higher education. The model is also intended to satisfy an emerging labor market need for more graduates…

Analysis of 14 experts' perceptions of medical practice in 2020 resulted in predictions about the patient population, health care system, information management needs and capabilities, patient-physician relationship, and teaching methods in medical education. Implications for admissions objectives and practices and for research on progress of…

Although the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) are rooted in the tradition of providing transfer education to Chicago's working class youth, the current administrative acceptance of a market-oriented, vocational philosophy has resulted in a decline in general education courses and has jeopardized equal access to higher education. This vocational…

Legal limitations faced by law schools adopting university diversity admission policies are considered in light of the new judicial climate in which consideration of nontraditional race criteria is in disfavor. Difficulties in admitting a fully diverse law school class under the traditional application process are examined, appropriate standards…

Two veteran high school counselors answer college bound students' common questions about selecting and applying to colleges. Topics discussed include where to begin research, criteria for selecting schools, number of applications to submit, parent role, getting counselors' help, relative importance of admission criteria, applying to parents' alma…

Information on eleven conferences focusing on post-Bakke policy and sponsored by the American Council on Education for administrators of high-demand programs is presented. An introductory report by Todd Furniss ("Professional Education After Bakke") discusses the rationale for the conferences and examines some of the implications for…

Fourteen articles are directed to college-bound students regarding student financial aid information, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), advanced placement and credit by examination, college selection, types of colleges, choosing a major, and earning power after graduation. Techniques and publications that may help students gather accurate…