Two fallacious assumptions can mislead assurance of learning (AoL) loop closing. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business guidance states that learning goals should reflect the outcomes most valued by the program, but evidence shows that schools assign equal priorities to the skills selected. The second false assumption is that…

Since its inception in 2009, the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Program (in the Department of Focused Inquiry at Virginia Commonwealth University) has evolved and expanded into an amalgamation of three distinct but overlapping elements: (i) teaching practicum, (ii) leadership seminar, and (iii) service learning experience. But only recently have…

Needs assessment is the first step in developing a leadership education program. During the spring of 2008 researchers and program planners conducted focus groups sessions with representatives from Virginia's agricultural community with the goal of assessing the leadership development interests and needs of that community. As one focus group…

Describes Virginia's Agricultural Education Service programs in horticulture, intended to provide mentally handicapped students with knowledge and job skills. (TA)

This Virginia framework for music instruction in kindergarten through 12th grade established objectives designed to develop concepts and skills, to encourage positive attitudes toward music as an art form, and to value music's role in daily life. The objectives are organized by grades and by choral and instrumental music experience. Sequential…

The standards of learning objectives for social studies are presented as a framework for curriculum planning and instruction. Program foci and objectives are described for each instructional level from kindergarten through grade 12. Objectives reflect the concern for developing concepts, attitudes, and skills in geography, history, culture, social…

A third-party evaluation was conducted of the first year of the Exploring Careers through Experiential Learning project (ExCEL). ExCEL is a planned adaptation of the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory model (NWREL) to meet the needs of students in Prince William County, Virginia, and to assist high school students in successful transition to…