While an increase in review procedures, regulations, litigation and demands for information may be necessary to achieve educational goals, it may also be a way of hiding shortcomings in the educational system; therefore academics must analyze the situation, especially in regard to federal control.

Institutional accountability in higher education and accountability based on measuring "objective" outcomes are described. Assessment, whether it can be performed objectively, and what effects external accountability pressures will have on the practices of higher education are discussed. (MLW)

A recent project in higher education in which evidence of falsification was found is described along with two other projects that demonstrate the possibility for falsification. An advantage of standardized questionnaires and machine techniques for scoring and reporting is the low cost, but the need to detect and prevent falsification raises…

Assessment is intended to raise in value what the public gets for the dollars it invests in education, not to raise new dollars for educational institutions. To many people within universities, assessment is perceived as a threat. Ways to reduce anxiety that comes with assessment are discussed. (MLW)

Recent state and national developments regarding assessment of higher education suggest that a decisive point for assessment policy is approaching. Too many higher education leaders remain uninvolved, and public patience is wearing thin. Increasing frustration with higher education may lead public policymakers toward greater prescription and…

The image of business colleges held by many liberal arts faculty members is challenged by a former teacher in a business school. Issues discussed include academic standards, teaching quality, student recruitment, student financial aid, and support services. (LBH)

Recommendations of commission reports on improving quality in public education are seen as primarily political statements reflecting the public outrage over the declining quality of American schooling. If the recommendations for sharpening basic skills spill over into higher education, there will be pressure to make colleges into trade schools.…