It is not that the weaknesses described are unimportant, but to use such arguments against external programs begs the real issue: the task of developing a high-quality, legitimate, and competitive program of study that broadens and strengthens another approach to learning. (Author)

Created in response to earlier published articles critical of external degree programs, this article consists primarily of a letter from a vice-president of Nova University and excerpts of letters written in support of Nova. (IRT)

Briefly discusses external degree programs in New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Primary focus is on New York's Regents External Degree Program. (IRT)

In response to criticism of his article concerned with a perceived lack of quality in external doctoral programs, the author asserts that his position has not changed. (IRT)

The author raises questions about the quality of nontraditional doctoral programs. (IRT)

Cites increasing newspaper criticism of external degree programs, particularly that of Nova University, and notes that, unless something is done, both internal and external Ed.D. degrees will sink into disgrace. (IRT)

The authors offer rebuttal to critics of their earlier article critical of Nova University. (IRT)

In general, there is little uniformity in the response of the states to the prolem of regulating the quality of accredited higher education. States' statutory schemes vary from absence of any mention of higher education to far-reaching legislation that assumes vast powers over higher education. The pattern that does emerge from an examination of…

Describes the Open Access Study plan, an external degree program, of the Atlantic Institute of Education. (IRT)

The rapid growth of the external degree movement has had its problems, and in a recent study called Legal Constraints to the Development of External Degree Programs, the author discussed the decision making process regarding the regulation of postsecondary external degree programs. (Author/RK)

Attempts to determine relevant indices of good practice by which external degree programs should be judged. (Author/RK)

The dynamics of today's society are causing substantial changes in traditional education norms and forms. The total learning opportunities, regardless of where they occur, should be promoted by the accrediting institutions. We must make sure that our requirements for quality performance, and our accreditation and other standard measures, encompass…

Over the past several years studies have indicated that traditional certification models are not working as well as they once did, particularly in relation to a larger and larger number of unconventional students to be served, and if possible, certified. Two major problems stand in the way of creating educational opportunities that would afford…

Continuous student assessment in Britain's Open University courses is based on CMAs (computer-marked assignments) and TMAs (tutor-marked assignments). To insure common standards are applied by all tutors, TMAs are monitored by two methods: staff inspection and statistical procedure. Use of the latter for standardizing grading is described fully…

The evolution of a group monitoring system directed at rendering the monitoring process more open, as well as improving feedback and direct tutor involvement in the process, is described. Issues discussed at Open University tutors' meetings include grading standards and personal knowledge of students. (AF)