Competency testing is only one component of competency-based education (CBE); the others are: educational objectives, instructional process, remedial instruction, and program evaluation/reconceptualization. To implement only competency testing may result in disillusionment with the entire concept of CBE, which seeks to improve programs, not fail…

Advocating the study of practical arts as a means of preparing youth to cope with a wide range of personal and societal problems, the author presents his rationale for and an outline of a practical arts program. Male and female students would be required to enroll in a four-year block (grades 7-10) of practical arts programming. (DTT)

A teacher describes the development of and preparation for a "French Day" for secondary school students. The event focused on modern technological development and involved student projects such as videos, writing, computer activities, and reading sessions. (CB)

Explores various ways to assess and develop gifted students' leadership skills. (MCG)

Describes the keyboarding program at Nicholls State University in Louisiana for gifted and talented junior and senior high school students. Gives results of a questionnaire distributed to 93 students concerning favorite activities, scores of timed writings, uses for keyboarding skills, computer accessibility, and student and teacher assessment of…

This directory profiles 60 secondary school programs designed to accommodate the educational needs of immigrant students with low level English and/or native language skills, and often a background of limited formal schooling in their native countries. Most are intended as transitional programs, attended until the student can be placed in the…

This handbook provides guidance to schools operating Community-based Vocational Education (CBVE) programs for students with disabilities and encourages the adoption of CBVE programs by schools not presently using this approach. By following the information and examples contained in this handbook, schools can proceed with confidence to operate…

This article discusses designing leadership lessons for students with mild disabilities and results of a study evaluating the effectiveness of leadership training of 12 adolescents with mild disabilities. After attending bimonthly leadership workshops, students developed their ability to manage interpersonal relationships and work cooperatively,…

Discusses a project developed using HyperCard to teach geography and history. Describes research of weather patterns and corresponding historical accounts; HyperCard's capabilities for producing animated maps to display information; and the effectiveness of HyperCard as a teaching tool, including its flexible use as a lecture display tool or in a…

This paper describes the experiences of four beginning secondary school teachers in Australia during their first two years of teaching, looks at policy and literature on existing teacher orientation programs and needs, and makes recommendations for further research and program development. Significant contradictions of policy and practice are…

The nature of schools and science education in Korea are summarized and the Ohio State program conducted for the Korean Ministry of Education is described. The program emphasized laboratory experiences and the development and evaluation of instructional activities. (KR)

Three factors tied with secondary student success in content-area reading are demonstrated: validated teacher-focused and student-focused interventions, integrated and comprehensive service delivery systems, and well-designed, data-based professional developmental programs. The key role that school administrators play in ensuring each of the…

Reports on the history of the Advanced Placement (AP) program, considering such issues as the program's initiation, changes within the program, its various problems, growth in Advanced Placement, and the program's reach overseas. (CMK)

This article provides an overview of programs based in post-secondary settings in Maryland that serve students ages 18-21 with significant disabilities who are still receiving public school special education services. Student and setting characteristics, staffing, funding patterns, referral and admission practices, and program components are…