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…

Describes a service established at an adult education college in rural England which provides individually oriented correspondence programs of home study supported by personal tutorials. The most unexpected feature of the service's development is the extent to which students from urban locations have chosen to follow individually supervised…

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 cooperative effort between the local school districts, state departments of education, professional organizations, and institutions of higher education on in-service education would result in more efficient use of resources and in more competent teachers. It would also achieve the end result of a better education for the students. (Author)

An ambulatory medicine program for university hospital clinic residents was found to be effective in improving students' knowledge, enhancing attitudes toward the clinic, and improving performance of influenza vaccinations. No adverse program effects were found. (MSE)

An outspoken opponent of big-time college athletics expresses his objections to his university's choosing to upgrade its athletic program from Division III to Division I, and counters arguments commonly made in favor of Division I sports. (MSE)

Two faculty development programs designed to train medical school faculty members for family medicine educational programs produced participants going to different academic settings and becoming involved in quite different activities, especially in the area of scholarly work. Factors affecting differential scholarship and their implications for…

Survey data were collected from Illinois pharmacists to assess interest in an PharmD program. A discriminant analysis showed how employer support, reasons for participation, personal commitment and demographic characteristics contribute to explaining group variance of likely participants. It was found that external program design factors would be…

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)

A new national program being developed by France's Ministry of Education will create nationally regulated certification of elementary level French language skills for foreigners. The certification is not attached to any course or curriculum but will be available to anyone with specific practical language competencies. (MSE)

A major reform of the educational system and teacher-training is underway in Bulgaria. A discussion of both preservice and inservice teacher education reforms is offered. (DF)

General and specific issues to be considered in examining program financing options are discussed, including perceptions of patient needs, faculty's role in patient care, public health policy, links with the patient care delivery system, the patient mix, resident stipends, and program management alternatives. (MSE)

Describes a program offered by the U.S. Department of Energy for undergraduate science and engineering students aimed at providing research experience during the academic year at the six national laboratories. Reviews the potential interest and benefits to students. (CW)

Promotes a plan for laying the foundation of a journalism program, including making contacts with junior high advisers, sending newspaper staff to junior high and grade school classrooms, and approaching administrators with a plan. (MS)

Describes a program option for undergraduate chemical engineering students interested in biotechnology. Discusses how this program is deployed at the University of Southern Florida. Lists courses which apply to this program. Discusses the goals of teaching applied microbiology to engineering majors. (CW)