A competency-based, individualized, English course was designed so that, at any one time, students would be working toward a grade of C, B, or A. While some students, based on a pre-course writing evaluation, might begin work at an advanced level, other students might spend the whole semester attempting to achieve the skills required for a C.…

This project report outlines the entry-level competencies required for student success in 13 vocational programs at Pensacola Junior College: Accounting Technician; Computer Programming/Operations; Core Program--Major Appliances, Air Conditioning and Heating, Maintenance Technology, and Industrial Electricity; Cosmetology; Dental Hygiene;…

Concerns and objections regarding minimum competency testing (MCT) are raised. The tests are criticized for their tendencies to: (1) deny variability in growth, development, and intelligence; (2) expose rather than constructively examine underachievers; (3) divert scarce personnel and financial resources to test administration; (4) ignore…

Instructional personnel and staff members with academic rank at Virginia Union University are governed by the 1975-76 faculty handbook. The policies contained in the document pertain to areas such as the administrative organization; the duties and responsibilities of members of the administration; the faculty organization and various committees;…

A project was conducted to develop and pilot test a process for vertically articulating curriculum between the secondary and postsecondary levels of vocational-technical education in Minnesota. Subgoals were to develop and validate a procedure for developing statewide task lists and competency records and to develop a process for teacher and…

Research indicates that thoughtful technology use can positively influence learning process inside and outside the classroom, and one-to-one computing has been gaining popularity. Although some view such initiatives as passing, others look at the mounting research and see opportunities to reshape the nature of instruction and learning. This brief…

Under the 1998 reauthorization of Title II of the Higher Education Act, the secretary of education is required to issue annual reports to Congress on the state of teacher quality nationwide. "Meeting the Highly Qualified Teachers Challenge" is the inaugural report on this important issue. The 1998 reauthorization also established a…

This report provides background information on California's academic standards, resources and funding mechanisms. Its findings point to relatively low levels of school spending, a gap between academic standards and school resources, a finance system based on previous funding levels rather than actual school resources and their costs, and questions…

The Computer/Technology Standards of Learning identify and define the progressive development of essential knowledge and skills necessary for students to access, evaluate, use, and create information using technology. They provide a framework for technology literacy and demonstrate a progression from physical manipulation skills for the use of…

This report is published in accordance with Alaska Statute 14.03.120 for the school year 2003-2004. This publication reports the status of public education. It is a source of information for Alaska's educational policy makers, including legislators, the Governor, the State Board of Education & Early Development, local boards of education,…

This research brief summarizes a report by Heather Rose, Jon Sonstelie, Ray Reinhard, and Sharmaine Heng, "High Expectations, Modest Means: The Challenge Facing California's Public Schools" (2003) [ED497508]. The full report provides background information on California's academic standards, resources and funding mechanisms. Its findings…

This document contains a Handbook, a Guidebook, and an Implementation Guide. The Handbook, designed to complement the Guidebook, discusses topics such as: "What is an Educational Portfolio?"; "Types of Portfolios in the Teacher Preparation Program"; "Types of Artifacts for Documentation in the INTASC Standards";…

This bulletin discusses approaches that reformers are using nationwide to bring about improvement in urban schools. It focuses on (1) embracing more choices (school vouchers, charter schools, private management, public school transfers, home schooling, enrolling high school students in community colleges, and virtual education); (2) holding…

The No Child Left Behind Act Career Act's requirement that 100% of students in nine subgroups achieve proficiency in their academic requirements is once again placing career and technical education (CTE) at risk of decreasing student enrollments. If CTE is to remain a viable program in secondary schools, it is essential that CTE leaders and…

This document provides a framework for a broad-based secondary and postsecondary curriculum to prepare students for employment in marketing management and research (MMR). The first part of the technical competency profile (TCP) contains the following items: an explanation of the purpose and scope of Ohio's TCPs; college tech prep program…