Presented are the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) standards for biology teacher education programs. Includes statement of program scope and lists of general and specific program outcomes. (JN)

An experimental program to provide decentralized training and certification for Utah's physician's assistants unable to leave their own communities is evaluated. Original program goals were met, but it was learned that the methodology is inefficient and the program requires more teaching time than most physicians can contribute. (MSE)

Evaluates mandatory continuing education in social work and suggests alternatives for ensuring continued competence. Current programs under development show a trend toward real-life practice simulations instead of paper and pencil tests. Continuing education will be the result of self-motivation instead of simply meeting a requirement. (Author/JAC)

Chief student affairs officers (N=219) responded to a questionnaire assessing their views of graduate preparation programs in student personnel services. Results indicated chief student affairs officers are supportive of the programs and want to be involved in efforts to improve them. (RC)

Because of educational reforms in 1970, a competency-based state medical licensing plan was proposed and met with considerable opposition. Negotiations resulted in regulations for testing reflecting both medical care needs and existing, traditional medical education systems under which the examinations take place. (Author/MSE)

Discusses five trends which affect health care in the United States and describes possible health care systems within four alternative scenarios of the future. The trends include: an aging society; the communications revolution; environmental disasters and economic dislocations; shifts in life-style toward voluntary simplicity; and accreditation…

Dr. Saul Cooperman, newly appointed Commissioner of Education in New Jersey, discusses his views on state aid cuts; the "Thorough and Efficient" Law, formally known as the Public School Education Act of 1975; paper work, urban education, good schools, and other issues facing New Jersey public education. (Author/LC)

A national survey of teachers of death education was conducted to determine the status of death education courses in the college and university health education field. Several concerns were investigated: (1) faculty development; (2) certification of teachers; (3) quality control; (4) textbooks; and (5) support of professional health associations.…

An analysis of determinants of quality that should be universal and those that should vary among institutions is presented. Baccalaureate programs should achieve both standards of excellence: a universal quality and an individual quality. Quality is seen as a measure of the best a particular institution can achieve. (MLW)

A brief history of linguistic considerations suggests that language is not merely "how teacher educational certification policy is expressed" but actually is "teacher education and certification." Teacher certification linked to institutional accreditation, it is suggested, fails to distinguish training from competence. (MLW)

Major companies that offer streamlined, standardized bar review courses available in various media are listed, and state bar associations and licensing procedures are outlined for each state. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, $1.00.) (MSE)

Pennsylvania's success in requiring public school districts to offer environmental education (conservation and outdoor education) programs is briefly reviewed. Also discussed is the development of the professional school personnel standards for certification in environmental education. (AN)

The Italian educational system's experiences with national examinations might help United States educators understand the impact of state tests on students, schools, and education in general. (JT)

Actions related specifically to teacher education are usually made by persons or bodies outside of education. The execution of the actions becomes the responsibility of institutions of higher education although they are excluded from the decision making process. (Author/CMJ)

Surveys literature on ethical standards, confidentiality and professional responsibility, and American and Canadian decisions on legal liability. Recommends legislative recognition of the profession and provincial licensing of entry into the profession to lessen the conflict between guidelines incorporated in informal codes of ethics and standards…