Discusses, in the context of the National Research Council's next study of research-doctorate programs, arguments over continuing use of reputational surveys as the primary measure of program quality, as opposed to more objective measures of research performance. Eleven tables rank institutions for specific fields by reputation, citation density,…

Examines the current status of electronic learning/ distance education in colleges and universities and finds a tension between richness (the overall quality of information) and reach (the number of people involved). Suggests that to date institutions have focused their e-learning ventures on reach instead of richness. Urges schools to use…

A rebuttal is offered to James O'Toole's July 1978 article, "Tenure: A Conscientious Objection." Focus is on his points that academic tenure is unnecessary and that tenure systems frustrate a health rate of faculty turnover. It is suggested here that tenure provides a rigorous standard of senior faculty quality. (LBH)

Most Americans oppose establishing a set of universally required texts--not because creating a core curriculum is inherently undemocratic, but because it's an un-American idea. The Chall curve shows graphically what is at stake in teaching literate culture to everyone. (MLW)

College assessment systems, suggest New Jersey's governor, must be built from two sides to have integrity: a common core of statewide information about college performance defined by public bodies and boards, and institutional mission-related information defined by college presidents, faculty, and trustees. (MLW)

The quality of U.S. higher education as described in three early nineteenth century reports are reviewed and compared with similar recent reports in substance and approach. (MSE)

Tennessee's higher education funding based on institutional performance is discussed by three key participant-observers of the state's initiatives: Steve Cobb, Arliss Roaden, and John Folger. Money for remedial education was taken out of university budgets and put in special college preparatory institutes. These institutes are discussed. (MLW)

A study on the objective correlates of undergraduate quality ratings, state or regional biases, and other methodological issues relating to reputational ratings of undergraduate quality is reported. The subjective judgments of departmental quality made by college and university faculty were studied. Reputational ratings appear to be redundant with…

A Ford Foundation data collection project offers tangible proof of the continued viability of women's colleges. Women's colleges have a positive effect on intellectual self-esteem and women are more likely to attain positions of leadership, to become involved in student government, to develop high aspirations, and to persist to graduation. (MLW)

This article examines trends and criticisms of higher education and encourages universities to place a high priority on the quality of undergraduate teaching. Other suggestions include involving university faculty in improving public schools, improving the health care system, and providing support to the business community. (DB)

The arrival of the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach in higher education has brought both support and skepticism. Although consultants are busy selling tool-driven, seven-step workshops, it is not yet clear what the academic version of the approach will be or how it will evolve. (MSE)

Recent books presenting the neoconservative criticism of higher education are reviewed including books by Allan Bloom, Charles Sykes, Jacques Barzun, Peter Shaw, Roger Kimball, and Thomas Short. Common assumptions include the worsening of American education resulting from warped curriculum reform and distorted performance standards. Agreement with…

Seven liberal arts college students were recruited to seriously audit first year science courses, keeping a journal about how the class was structured, their reactions to the material, and the classroom culture. The students' experiences are discussed, and the implications for improvement of science education are examined. (MSE)

A new two-track system of higher education is being laid down in the U.S., suggests this vice-president of the Danforth Foundation. The two tracks are occupied by institutions that are narrowly academic or traditional, and by those that may be described as broadly educational or nontraditional. The differences and implications of the trends are…

Corporate philanthropy has become a standard practice in the business world, allowing corporations to serve the broader and longer-term interests of the society while at the same time promoting corporate prosperity. Strengthening of the humanities and social sciences is discussed by the president of the Exxon Education Foundation. (MLW)