China is the world's largest market for solar water heating systems, installing 13 million square meters of new systems in 2004, mostly in large cities. Municipal authorities, however, are sensitive to quality and visual impact issues created by this technology deployment. Therefore, there is currently a trend toward developing building integrated…

The shortage of certified teachers in mathematics and science in Texas classrooms is a major concern and mirrors national tends. Dramatic increases in shortages of teachers have stimulated the design of new certification programs that recruit and place teachers in classrooms as quickly as possible (Texas Center for Educational Research, 1999).…

This paper explores the implications for assessment of embedding qualifications from the vocational education and training (VET) sector within university qualifications. As VET qualifications are now all competency based, assessment in the two sectors is quite different, since universities have generally eschewed competency-based training and…

Alternative teacher certification (ATC) programs offer one method to help alleviate teacher shortages. While much debate has arisen over ATC programs, very few have empirically examined their impact on the teaching pool. The present study was designed to explore differences by certification type and program characteristics based on novice…

This article synthesizes results from 5 studies that used noncertified tutors to work with at-risk primary-grade readers. Each of the studies featured (1) twice-weekly tutoring lessons that included guided reading, word study, and reading for fluency; and (2) supervision of the tutoring by a knowledgeable reading teacher. Results from the 5…

Focusing on Child Development Associates (CDAs), this third national CDA report examines whether CDAs have benefited from the increased activity at the federal, state, and local levels to enhance the status of child care providers. The following questions were asked: (1) What changes or consistencies are there among CDAs?; (2) What has been the…

Surveys were conducted of two multi-state samples of educators, who provided ratings of the importance of two preliminary versions of the classroom performance assessment criteria being developed for The Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers(TM). One sample, with 114 respondents, was chosen primarily on the basis of its…

This study contains the results of a nationwide survey concerning day care regulations and licensing procedures throughout the United States. The regulatory offices of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands were surveyed. The listings, which are arranged according to location, provide the address and telephone…

Tech prep is an alternative to the traditional college preparatory course of study. It is a 4-year sequence of study encompassing Grades 11 and 12 through 2 years of postsecondary occupational education culminating in a certificate or associate degree. The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 is the catalyst for…

This document explores the rationale and technical issues underlying the proposal for a common credit framework in Great Britain. This volume, aimed at senior institutional managers, curriculum managers, and practitioners, offers advice on levels, credit value, and award of credit within the framework proposal. A list of terminology is found at…

The paper reports on the Montana Education Stakeholders Conference for National Board Certification (Helena, Montana, May 5, 1995), which met to discuss the impact of National Board Certification on Montana education. The content of the meeting is outlined, including summaries of presentations on the National Board for Professional Teaching…

Certification of professional counselors is presently viewed in two realms, that of state regulation and of national voluntary credentialing. This digest considers national voluntary certification. The first national certification began in 1972; in 1983 the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) began certification for general practice…

A study examined issues of teacher professionalization within adult literacy education. Relevant research and theory on professionalization were reviewed, the historical experiences of other professional fields were examined, data on state certification requirements for adult basic education (ABE) teachers were analyzed, officials from states…

Setting performance standards is an area that different constituencies see quite differently. The choices of elements for a particular standard depend to a large extent on the purposes the standard is intended to serve. Standards can be used in certification, as predictors, as descriptors, and as motivators. While performance standards indicate…

This directory is designed to assist individuals in locating information pertaining to Missouri institutions of higher education with professional and pre-professional education programs. The institutions listed have met rigorous standards and are officially approved by the Missouri State Board of Education. The four-year institutions that are…