This publication presents several articles about the profession of teaching as well as recent conversations with experts in the field. The articles include: "Putting National Board Certification to the Test" (David T. Gordon); "Teacher Excellence: Improving the Conversation" (a conversation with Ann E. Harman); "What…

The question of whether the term "intermediate skills" has a distinctive meaning across business and industry in the United Kingdom and in its major competitors was examined. The study focused on the following sectors: housing construction; broadcasting; the care sector; the exercise, health, and fitness sector; and engineering (high…

This book answers more than 70 key questions that business managers and trainers ask about using e-learning in their company as a business tool. Chapters 1 and 3-11 are comprised of questions and answers related to these topics: what e-learning is all about; what e-learning costs; applying e-learning to the business; what today's e-learning…

This publication provided the competencies and key indicators for a program that enables students to prepare for a number of occupations within the broader metalworking industry. Specializations include machinist, computer numerical control programmers, and maintenance and machine builders. Competencies and the related key indicators are presented…

Based on personal experiences in organizing and evaluating initiatives designed to improve the management and assessment of learning, these 10 papers provide a critical commentary on current piecemeal education and training of young people in Britain. "Setting the Scene" (Rob Halsall) reviews key steps taken post-1979 to raise the…

Many diverse Internet/Intranet-based training (IBT) opportunities are now available through academic, government, and commercial sites. Currently available IBT-based programs include the following: full-featured tutorials, half-hour courses, long-term courses, and seminars that can be tailored to user-appropriate levels. Situation-based learning…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Chancellor's District high schools. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics…

This report restates selected Southern Regional Education Board policy recommendations on teacher quality since the early 1980s, outlines key policy areas that need attention, and provides examples of state actions to make needed changes. Regarding teacher preparation, the report discusses university responsibility, partnerships with schools, and…

This brief examines the impact of teaching on student achievement, necessary steps for ensuring teacher quality, and policies needed to support that effort. Research has identified the strong connection between student achievement and teacher preparation and skills. Efforts to generate consistently high teaching levels across all classrooms must…

This paper examines Kate Walsh's Abell Foundation report, which purports to prove there is no credible research supporting the use of teacher certification as a regulatory barrier to teaching and argues against reforms that would strengthen incentives to bring qualified teaches to inner city schools. This paper discusses inaccuracies in Walsh's…

While considerable attention is paid to training and development for teachers, not enough is paid to the training of educational leaders, this paper contends. The aim of this paper is to provide an analytical groundwork and comprehensive direction for reform of educational leadership training to help policymakers design specific solutions to…

This report, in a booklet format, presents seven recommendations for increasing the numbers of highly qualified teachers for the middle grades. The recommendations focus on content mastery and professional support for both preservice and inservice teachers. The report also addresses the following topics: (1) what it means to be a highly qualified…

The BEST (Building Exemplary Systems for Training) Initiative was evaluated in meeting the following goals for youth workers: (1) increase and strengthen training opportunities at the local level; (2) help communities develop professional development systems; (3) build local capacity to make training accessible and supported by youth-serving…

Trends in assessment and certification of generic skills in vocational education and training (VET) across Australia were examined. Data were collected through the following activities: a literature review; semi-structured interviews with managers of assessment and teachers and learners in six registered training organizations across Australia;…

This multimedia School Development Outreach Project package on teacher quality provides a perspective on this emerging education issue arising from national, state, and local leaders. The package contains a set of two audiotapes and a booklet. The booklet gives an overview of the issue, examples of research and current practice, and suggestions…