The uneven skills profiles of diversely prepared students suggest the need for a broadened definition of basic skills. An enlarged, pivotal role is proposed for skills specialists, with a goal of helping to create skills-competent institutions. (Author/MLW)

Individual Student Improvement Plans (ISIP) cover students with basic skills deficiencies at sixth grade or later levels. Many plan mechanisms provide schools with comprehensive diagnostic data. The state code requirements for evaluation are given with NJEA recommendations to rely upon existing data regarding student standing in course objectives.…

The promotion of basic skills need not conflict with present elective systems which seek to create interest and to address student concerns. The solution is not to narrow subject offerings to a "no-frills" level, but to design learning systems which ensure that current offerings cover the basic skills. (SJL)

A problem raised by teacher use of basic skills checklists is the possibility of focusing on listed skills to the exclusion of others, including necessary prerequisite skills. (JMF)

Outlines a two-day lesson designed to illustrate how using a tape recorder can improve listening, reading, comprehension, and writing skills. After listening to "The Arrival of Africans to the American Colonies," students answer questions using the notes they took while listening. (KC)

The proliferation of coaching schools for tests like the SAT and the LSAT is one sign that schools and colleges are changing their foci so that students will be prepared for standard tests, while other skills are being relatively ignored. (Author)

Reviews the sequential steps followed in teaching basic composition at the University of Alabama. Discusses traditional teaching techniques, word choice, and types of writing, and describes alternative teaching techniques. (DR)

A discussion of the impetus for the back-to-basics movement, requisites for skill identification, evaluation of achievement in basic skills, curriculum, and staff development is presented. (MK)

The effects of a criminal diversion project on recidivism rates are described for late-age adolescent defendants with learning disabilities (n=73). Recidivism rates were 12% for the project completers, 40% for noncompleters, and 38% for nontreated subjects. The importance of skill development and interventions targeted toward this population is…

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…

Stresses the importance for wind instrument players to have the skill called tonguing that is the ability to clearly articulate notes. Provides tips and guidelines for beginning and intermediate wind players to develop different types of tonguing and a learning sequence that offers students an introduction to multiple tonguing. (CMK)

Discusses the benefits and limits of quick job placement and basic education strategies, and suggests ways to create more effective welfare-to-work strategies. Focuses on the challenges of helping those for whom job searches are unsuccessful, and recommends ways of helping them find and sustain employment. Contains 18 citations. (VWC)

Summarizes the implementation of a new General Education Program at Kean University, which sets forth a vertical, skills-based curriculum. The program directly addresses developmental education, calling for a restructuring of ways to deliver it and a vision for incorporating it into the University curriculum. (VWC)

The model school-to-work system creates a foundation in the early grades and continues to build until students complete their studies. In the elementary grades, the major components of students' school-to-work education are career awareness and developing basic skills. Developing career awareness includes creating an environment where students see…

The Summer Academic Skills Enhancement Program (SASEP) was offered in June-August 1993 to provide Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) clients with the reading comprehension and language mechanics skills required for employment in entry-level positions. A total of 125 referred clients were enrolled into both of two remedial courses of study.…