In successful secondary school programs the element of compulsion is removed: the decision to participate creates a voluntary group with a common purpose, the experiences are real, and there are opportunities for socializing within the contexts of the activity. (Author/MLF)

Presents a report of the results and initial conclusions to be drawn from a survey of 26 "experts" in the field of chemical dependency designed to assist in the development of an agreed upon list of competencies and skills required for chemical dependency counselors. (Author)

Drawing on vast experience in curriculum decision-making, the author identified nine key points for curriculum oriented leaders to ponder during the process of competency development, e.g., deciding what sources to use in determining proficiencies, deciding what degree or level of competency is essential to all learners in the school district by…

Describes a regimented competency-based program for teaching writing to underprepared students; a controlled system with short term goals and clear, objective standards. (DD)

Clarifies the objectives of the back-to-basics movement, its impetus in society, and some of the forms it takes in schools and in state requirements. (IRT)

A proposal eliminates the "single diploma" concept and creates three basic graduation certificates: standard diploma (with endorsements for academic or vocational achievement), certificate of attendance, and certificate of basic competencies. (Author/MLF)

Practical suggestions for the selection and development of evaluation approaches and instruments to assess the clinical performance of students in health professions programs are offered. These guidelines are intended to apply to a broad spectrum of programs in medicine, nursing, allied health, dentistry, and others. (Author)

The literature on competency-based education is reviewed and a scheme is suggested by which a faculty can begin to modify their curricula. The model outlined is not all-inclusive, but indicates the major activities that should occur in the systematic development of a competency-based curriculum. A 300-item bibliography is included. (LBH)

Although the movement toward minimal competency testing has gained enormous momentum, a number of people are pointing out hazards and difficulties in implementing such tests. (Author/IRT)

Describes the components of a competency-based elementary reading program, including the concept of instruction, the elements of a learning module, the components of modular development, the role of the classroom teacher, and the level of student performance. (JM)

Presented are the results of a faculty development project in which the domain of written communication was analyzed and incorporated into a training curriculum for family medicine faculty members. A wealth of literature was found to support 47 requisite competencies. The recommended curriculum integrates expert consultation with seminars,…

In 1982, the Vocational Training Council in New Zealand changed the apprenticeship program. It provided for young people to be apprenticed to industry as a whole as well as to individual employers. It promoted competency-based education, improved training for women and adults, and encouraged broad-based training. (JOW)

Describes a program at Pennsylvania's Dauphin County Technical School that has moved beyond providing vocational students with basic communication and mathematics skills and is incorporating vocationally-oriented competency-based instruction into all academic areas. (JOW)

The author describes the open-ended vocational programming being used at the Maryland Correctional Training Center. The programs are competency-based and feature a Student Competency Profile Record that helps instructors know what competencies a student already possesses. (CH)

Examines the issues and lists available options for these questions: why don't teachers (1) teach about the future, (2) use results of educational research, (3) focus on teacher-student interaction, (4) assign grades from a competency criterion, and (5) teach the structure of mechanical drafting. (SK)