The popular image of foreign language study as primarily for academically talented college-bound students is explored, and related historical documentation examined. It is suggested that contemporary versions of the theory on which this myth is based can support open-door rather than elitist policy toward foreign language study and reinforce…

Because students don't learn if teachers can't teach, the Bay Area Writing Project is getting teachers fired up about writing and the teaching of it. (Editor)

Describes an outcomes approach to educational and training systems as utilized in Britain's National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Units of competence are explained, including performance criteria; analysis of competence is discussed; higher-level competence is considered; and an example of a core skill specification is included. (11…

Describes a study of general education at 700 colleges and universities, based on tabulation of credits and content analysis of goal statements. Examines degree requirements, the disciplines comprising general education, differences among majors, statements on general education, the use of labels, purpose and rationale, methods, and structure of…

Designed to assist with the monitoring of the Basic Skills Program Standards for grades K-8, the individual student profiles provided in this booklet are arranged according to grade level for the section on mathematics, written communication, and oral communication. The section on reading is arranged according to skills in word identification,…

The paper focuses on the need to broaden the objectives of adult basic education instruction in order to make them more relevant to the immediate needs of participants and more germane to the mandate to foster economic independence and social participation. (Author/MW)

Based on the philosophy that language is central to learning, this booklet defines common curriculum goals for elementary and secondary schools that combine both general, essential learning skills and the common knowledge and skills that form a strong English language arts curriculum. The guide has two main sections: the receptive section focuses…

Five positions on the nature and purpose of basic studies in the college curriculum are considered. The five positions are summarized as follows: (1) to develop essential skills; (2) to introduce students to disciplines of knowledge; (3) to introduce students to the basic modes of thinking or ways of knowing; (4) to develop understanding and…

Debate continues about the appropriate role for vocational education at the secondary level. The many educational reform reports issued during the early to mid-1980s initiated a reexamination of the role of secondary vocational education. As a result of the reform reports, high school graduation requirements in academic areas have increased, and…

This bulletin describes the Dallas Community College District's (DCCD's) efforts to develop a common learning core curriculum. Introductory material discusses the creation of Committees for Common Learning to decide on standards and requirements for all students who enroll in degree programs at any of the seven district colleges and to design an…

In light of substantial declines in enrollments in liberal arts mathematics courses in two-year colleges, this paper looks at some of the reasons for these declines and suggests ways of revitalizing the traditional "great ideas" mathematics course. First, a brief outline is presented of the history of liberal arts mathematics, focusing on the…

This material considers the questions of: 1) What is basic in mathematics? 2) What mathematics do all children need for their lives in a society that depends on technology? and 3) What do pupils need in order to go on and learn the mathematics they will need for access to jobs in business, industry, and careers in the professions? What mathematics…

The author devoted a sabbatical leave to visiting publicly supported alternative high schools in Canada and the United States. This booklet contains his reflections on his experiences. He identifies various types of alternative schools and the specific students for whom they are designed, discusses the qualities a person needs if he is to be an…

Career Development education is inseparable from education in general since, ultimately, education leads to vocational choice. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the school to develop a positive attitude in all students toward work and to foster the idea that all work is honorable. In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the process of internalizing…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a Danish parliamentary resolution requesting the Government to work out plans to introduce a bill for the continued development of the Folkeskole (elementary/lower secondary school) and other basic educational programs. The Folkeskole should be organized as a ten-year…