A number of states are considering policy proposals to update credential or degree requirements for early educators. Practitioners, policy experts, and researchers have expressed concern, however, that well-intentioned policies to raise educator qualifications without sufficient supports may have negative consequences for the adequacy; stability;…

The math problem is common to most U.S. school districts, and education leaders are well aware that U.S. math achievement lags far behind many other countries in the world. University Place (Washington) School District Superintendent Patti Banks found the conspicuous income gap for math scores even more disturbing. In her school district, only 23%…

Discusses an assessment program in the geography department of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Describes the development of a senior proficiency examination. Suggests that the assessment process include development of meaningful curricular goals and strategies for implementation. Breaks the project down into phases: the search for funding,…

Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

A pragmatic approach to implementing a Canadian studies program in secondary U.S. schools is described. The approach offers two great strengths: financial practicality because it does not require purchasing curriculum materials and interdisciplinary involvement among social studies and science teachers and the school librarian. (RM)

The extent to which current concern with teaching quality in British universities will enhance serious pedagogical development is examined. Recent government initiatives for faculty development from the Department of Employment are seen as useful but not a replacement for rigorous intellectual training, and improved incentives and funding. (MSE)

National Science Foundation support for instructional innovation in design curriculum is discussed. Programs that illustrate diverse approaches to teaching design are described. A list of programs given engineering curriculum development awards in 1988 and 1989 is provided. (CW)

Resulting from a 2-day conference held to discuss the most critical issues facing community colleges, this paper provides summaries of the participants' conclusions regarding finance, access, quality, and technology. The first section reviews the relationship between mission and finance, asserting that proper institutional support includes moving…

Six critical educational technology (ET) needs in California were identified at the first of two forums held in California in the summer of 1982. The six needs are: (1) state and local planning: coordination and cooperation across the state; (2) public awareness of technology literacy issues; (3) adequate funding for planning and implementation of…

This issue of "Forum," a journal designed to provide a marketplace of ideas for California community college faculty, contains six articles on current educational concerns. The first article, "Model Curriculum Committee: Santa Monica College," by Randal Lawson and Darroch Young, discusses the process of curriculum development…

The director of an educational technology center, who maintains that much of today's computer courseware is of low quality, provides a checklist of points which can be used to identify educationally viable software then outlines two future scenarios for academia, illustrating the results of courseware selection. (JN)

This essay describes the general education curriculum in six New England institutions who had received funding from foundations or government agencies to assist them in reforming such curricula. It is an examination of the importance of outside funds in the process of designing and implementing major changes in the general education curriculum. It…

Provides background to the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools and its report: "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century." Stresses that the commission represents a broad coalition from the social studies and history communities desiring curricular clarification and improved practice. Surveys the…

Service-learning is a pedagogy that combines community service with academic instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. This guide is designed to foster the development of service-learning programs at community colleges and presents experiences, ideas, and lessons learned from existing programs. First, reasons…

This paper describes the experience of a professor at the University of Rijeka (Croatia) teaching "Philanthropy and Education," a course offered for seniors in education in the 1995-96 academic year. The idea and support for teaching philanthropy in Croatia were developed and enabled through the project "Initiating Philanthropic…