Through a retrospective study, the methods of investigative journalism are analyzed as they are applied to a statewide evaluation of student achievement and to a local school evaluation of new student registration procedures. The benefits and shortcomings of the journalistic approach are illustrated. (Author/AL)

Reviews perceptions of community colleges that have appeared in recent literature. Suggests alternative criteria for judging the effectiveness of community colleges. Proposes a revised community college mission and offers alternative strategies for general and vocational education. Considers changes that will be required to fulfill the revised…

A survey found that the majority of learners enrolled in literacy schemes in Great Britain were making progress in their acquisition of reading and writing skills and that most tutors and learners were satisfied with the rate of progress being made. (CT)

Explores reasons for the current ineffectiveness of moral education and offers an alternative perspective on the proper purpose and methods for moral education. This ideal moral education is based primarily on the belief that social interactions during childhood are highly significant in the development of morality and on the functionalist…

Takes stock of current achievements and problems in the Soviet educational system. Identifies issues of the present decade, including lowering the school-starting age; strengthening preschool education; and improving educational facilities, curriculum, textbooks, assessment, and labor training. (Author/WD)

Discusses findings from a survey of 286 public school teachers in major American cities which indicated that students' lack of basic skills is a major problem in teaching. Teachers also expressed concern over lack of community and administrative support, lack of necessary financial resources, and shortage of qualified personnel in the teaching…

Six articles discuss top priorities of Soviet education policy. Topics discussed include labor training, revision of the curriculum for the 10-year general education program, quantitative v qualitative demands on the educational system, and extended-day programs for the children of working mothers. (DB)

This paper outlines some of the general characteristics of current LEA (Local Educational Agency)-inspired self-evaluation schemes and suggests that they may be usefully viewed from an organizational development standpoint. The construction and use of a self-evaluation instrument which was informed by such a perspective is briefly described.…

National assessment data on student performance in several phases of algebra are reported. It is noted that this performance has not reached the point of mastery even for most students with two years of algebra and a year of geometry. However, the data are not thought to suggest complete failure. (MP)

Describes the institutions providing vocational and technical education in the Republic of China: vocational schools; vocational classes in high schools; 5-, 3-, and 2-year junior colleges; and the National Taiwan Institute of Technology. Outlines their purposes, structure, admissions requirements, relationship, achievements, and plans for…

Explores the ability of social studies education to include balanced controversial issues within its textual materials. Suggests a code of content for the textbook industry and social studies educators, stating that the textbook industry should seek and develop ideas relating to controversial public issues and that personal opinions of authors in…

Findings from a Fry readability test indicated that the readability of "This Is America's Story" was about ninth-grade level but that many junior high school students would find the text too difficult because of readability variation. (DB)

A successful review of program quality, it is suggested, requires a clear understanding by all participants of what is meant by "quality." Academic quality is defined. Much of the confusion about assessing program quality results from an inability or unwillingness to try to determine exactly what is to be assessed. (MLW)

Explores some of the differences in open classrooms as they are being implemented in the United States, Great Britain, and Israel. Comparisons are discussed in light of psychological, social, and ideological variations. (Author/DB)

Discusses growing illiteracy in America, postulates possible causes of educational decline, and outlines the impact of illiteracy on employment, crime, national security, and individuals. (CK)