Four institutional/school value conflicts or dilemmas which educators face in confronting the dropout problem in high schools are analyzed: (1) public accountability vs. professional autonomy; (2) subjective vs. objective authority structure; (3) extended vs. specialized educational responsibility; and (4) diverse vs. common student work and…

Conditions leading to the loss of accreditation by Parsons College and ethical questions raised by the closing of the college are considered. Practices at the college that were undertaken under the Parsons Plan during 1955-1967 increased enrollment from 200 to over 5,000 students in 11 years. These practices included: open-door admission for…

Prompted by the increased possibility of teachers facing educational malpractice charges, this paper outlines the historical legal precedents through which plaintiffs have sought recognition for this new cause of action, the defenses established against it, and the rationale on which various courts have balanced their decisions. The paper also…

The state of competency-based education (CBE) and liberal arts is examined in this reflective discussion. Questions addressed include: What does liberal education seek to accomplish? What are the liberal competencies? What has liberal education to do with the human condition, as expressed in work or a job? Issues and difficulties are frankly set…

The problems of public confidence in higher education are addressed with emphasis on fundamental doubts about the efficacy of the higher education process, the proper role of colleges and universities, and their effectiveness with respect to rising costs, both to the tuition-paying parent and to the tax payer. Suggestions are made for (1) agreeing…

Boards of education and professional educators have been charged with the responsibility for being accountable for the educational dollars. This involves designing and utilizing a model of accountability that would focus on staff development whereby each individual is cognizant of his assignment, areas that need improvement, and assured assistance…

The concept of academic malpractice is discussed in terms of student gains in consumerism regarding institutional accountability, and in terms of faculty rights to academic freedom and relationships with administrators. (LBH)

Maintains that academia has not escaped the litigious nature of the current U.S. social climate. Cites pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases on academic judgment and reviews lower court cases where students challenged their assigned grades. Provides suggestions for lessening the likelihood of litigation. (CFR)

This report finds two fundamental problems threatening higher education's ability to help America succeed in challenging times: first, the lack of recognition by state and national leaders of higher education's value; and, second, the lack of recognition by colleges and universities of their need to change. The report presents recommendations to…

The fifth of eight related documents, this booklet is part of a series of papers presented at the 1978 National Right to Read Conference examining issues and problems in literacy. In examining the issue of student accountability, this booklet first sets forth the prototypical case of pupil illiteracy and surveys the arguments that can be made for…

In this keynote address, the author introduces several topics of concern for participants in a workshop on competency-based adult education (CBAE). First, he defines four basic terms: adult performance level, minimum competency testing, comptency-based education, and competency-based adult education. Then he reviews the historical background of…

Discusses the recent phenomenon of educational malpractice as a legal versus a political issue. Notes difficulties of educational malpractice suits with respect to establishing negligence and fraudulent misrepresentation. Discusses two types of malpractice cases and defines four principles that administrators and educators should follow to avoid…

This paper provides a synopsis of the findings of a national survey of headteachers conducted in 1999 by means of a self-completion postal questionnaire. The survey sought to establish the perceptions of English headteachers with regard to their state of readiness on taking up the role. Where respondents reported themselves as well prepared or…

Legal implications of competency-based education (CBE) could be substantial, because the CBE approach would articulate specific standards applicable in employer and institutional actions which are now upheld by the courts for lack of accountability standards. Six problem areas relating to CBE's effect on employment and educational institutions are…

The quality of education being offered by institutions of higher education is being questioned. Trends toward educational quality are evident by court cases that are cited; the issue has been school finance. The equal protection clause of the Constitution has been extended to apply to several areas through the idea of "fundamental rights." The…