States and their colleges and universities face competing pressures when it comes to meeting the economy's demand for a more educated workforce. As providers and regulators of online education, states have a unique and challenging opportunity. They must promote access and quality assurance while working in coordination with the federal government…

The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education and the subsequent review of federal regulations dealing with accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education have energized a national dialogue on fundamental issues concerning student learning, quality assurance, educational effectiveness, and transfer of credit. We…

Although the regulation of the counseling profession has been sought and accomplished in most states, it is questionable whether the public is best protected by state regulation. Offers an alternative to governmental regulation of specialties. (JPS)

In less than 25 years, licensure laws on counseling have been passed in 41 states and Washington, D.C. Although much progress has been made regarding certification and licensure, many problems remain. Provides a reaction to certification and licensure issues. (JPS)

The Office of Education convened the National Invitational Conference on Institutional Eligibility for the purpose of reviewing and analysing the issues surrounding eligibility for postsecondary educational institutions and programs. Some of the specific goals and purposes of the conference were to review and make recommendations concerning: (1)…

The hearings were held September 12 and 13, 1974. The document contains statements by the various witnesses before the committee (articles, publications, communications, and selected tables and charts). (PG)

This paper offers options to state policymakers interested in a P-16 system of educational reform. P-16 systems are attempts to create a coherent, flexible system of public education that stretches from preschool through the fourth year of college. The range of options for policymakers is broad and depends on existing state programs and plans. The…

State government is taking a more active role in defining field experiences and requiring input from professional and consumer groups. It is also monitoring the programs and practices of teacher education programs more actively. (Author/IRT)

This report provides information on the actions of the states in educational reform. A state policy overview is presented in seven areas: (1) school leadership; (2) teaching; (3) parent involvement and choice; (4) readiness; (5) technology; (6) school facilities; and (7) college quality. Reports are given of financing school improvement,…

This paper reports on efforts of several states in the southern United States (Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia) to respond to the mandate for training early childhood special education professionals. The paper describes how teacher certification standards are being met in these states and examines the role of the state…

Fiscal and policy implications of continuing education requirements in the health professions are considered, with particular reference to the case of California. For 14 professions, data are presented on the average number of hours of continuing education needed annually to meet the requirement, the costs to the practitioner, and the total annual…

This almanac provides information about the major participants in external quality review in higher education, listing recognized regional and national accrediting organizations, specialized and professional accrediting organizations, and state agencies, with contact available for each organization and agency. An overview section: discusses the…

The role of the state government in higher education assessment is clearly expanding as both the state's interest and investment in higher education grows. Currently, patterns of state involvement vary widely--from indirect incentive programs to direct legislation or regulatory action. Institutional assessment and the resulting reform must be…

The federal government has no constitutional mandate relating to education, and must deal with established institutions and private accrediting agencies. Federal-aid-to-education legislation implies that in order to be eligible for benefits, institutions must be accredited by nationally recognized, nongovernmental accrediting organizations, which…

Evolution of "quality" in higher education as an institutional concept is traced, and differences between approaches at the institutional and state levels are explored. Contrasting approaches in Florida and Illinois are examined, particularly in the case of Miami-Dade Community College (Florida). Contribution of the different approaches…