Competency-based education (CBE) refers to online and hybrid courses and programs that offer credit or degrees based on evidence of student learning, or competencies, rather than on the amount of time spent in a course. Students work at their own pace, receive personalized academic support, and demonstrate mastery as they progress through their…

Community colleges and businesses have a shared interest in preparing students and existing workers to be successful in their careers. Community colleges seek to educate and train individuals in their community to have the knowledge and skills for current jobs and long-term career opportunities. Employers seek employees with both job-specific…

Higher education is ripe for innovation. While emerging technological developments such as digital courseware and mobiles apps have made it easier than ever for people to engage with learning resources, significant issues of access and equity persist among students from low-income, minority, single-parent families, and other disadvantaged groups.…

U.S. public university system policies were examined to learn how credit hours were determined for asynchronous online education. Findings indicated that (a) credit hour meaning and use are not consistent, (b) primary responsibility for credit hour decisions was at the local level, and (c) no policies exist to guide credit hour application for…

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

Results of a national survey on state postsecondary regulations concerning the use of competency or other tests required of college students in the course of their undergraduate programs as a check on academic standards, and the impetus for such a requirement, are reported. The policies of Georgia, Florida, and California are highlighted. (MSE)

The new requirement that Florida state college sophomores pass a four-part academic skills test before qualifying for an associate's degree or continuing as juniors is outlined, the recent history of the new regulation is discussed, and the skills tested in the program are listed. (MSE)

This paper describes the development of the program in Educational Leadership/Administration at Florida State University (FSU). It outlines the importance of leadership skills for aspiring administrators and emphasizes the belief that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for leadership in today's schools formally begin upon entry into a…

This study was designed to measure instructional design competencies as a result of participation in a 9-month Web-based training program called "Roadmap to Effective Distance Education Instructional Design." The researchers used a self-assessment pre- and posttest to determine participant initial and final competence in 12 areas: adult…

This second annual report to the Florida Legislature and the State Board of Education reviews the reasons for student acceleration programs, the methods of acceleration, and the financial implications of time-shortened degree programs. Statistical data are provided on the number of Florida high school and postsecondary students taking advantage of…

The fourth annual report to the Florida Legislature reviews the reasons for time-shortened education, methods for student acceleration, and financial implications of acceleration. This progress report contains information on year-round matriculation, credit by verified proficiency (including equivalency tests and advanced placement), credit for…

Current Florida funding formulas for advanced placement, dual enrollment, and international baccalaureate instruction are examined, as well as suggested funding formulas to offset the cost of providing each kind of instruction. After the executive summary, the introduction discusses the commission charge and activities. Articulated acceleration…

A variety of viewpoints were represented in this symposium for chief state school officials and senior staff of state departments of education. Russell Vlaanderen, Education Commission of the States, opened with a national overview: "The Policy Implications of Minimum Competency Testing: The Case of the Standardized Student." Attorney…

Addressing often neglected broad issues, rather than the pragmatics of test development and administration, this Conference on Minimum Competency Achievement Testing was organized around six topics: (1) social and philosophical roots, uniqueness among testing movements, and policy issues; (2) legal, curricular, and social-demographic consequences;…

Vocational teachers for industrial and health occupations programs are usually recruited and selected directly from industry based upon their work experience, craft skills, and other technical criteria. This procedure provides schools with technically competent instructors who have little idea of how to teach. The certification requirements of…