Testing provides a major tool to assure the quality of education and access based on merit. In selection processes, the opposite of meritocracy is not equality but favoritism. Without adequate testing, society will have weaker assurance of an individual's performance capacity and productive contribution. (Author/CM)

A fantasy of the future is described, when the gains go not to the most qualified but to the most affluent, when college admissions seek to match supply with demand. The "product" higher education wishes to produce and the objectives of the admissions process are considered. (MLW)

Peer nomination (the practice of student selection of the outstanding students in each class) is suggested as the best criterion for identifying which medical students are likely to become the best overall physicians. A study comparing admissions information for award finalists and their classmates is described. (Author/MLW)

Presents an analysis of student science projects at science fairs that judges are likely to encounter. Presents a challenge to the organizers of science fairs to define the goals of the fair and the criteria for selecting winners. The problems associated with the process are discussed. (SA)

Examines the extent and nature of social bias in the recruitment of school board members. Concludes that board members of both races tend to have family origins that are generally of higher socioeconomic status than those of the corresponding adult public, and that they have achieved more upward social mobility than their respective general adult…

A modified admissions process is described that would reduce total costs without any deterioration in effectiveness. The changes are minor but may be considered revolutionary since the dominant role of A-level grades and the generally mechanical function of selectors would be made much more explicit. (LBH)

The Chinese system of education is described, emphasizing the "Key Point" schools which serve gifted and creative students and are better funded than other schools. These students, from primary level to high school, complete informational, political, and behavioral studies and are expected to study up to 16 hours each day. (JDD)

Describes the fierce competition and the selection process involved in gaining entrance into the Republic of Singapore's Art Elective Program. Discusses this curriculum's enriched and accelerated art program in which students gain a broader education and outlook. Activities include a live-in camp and an overseas trip for secondary students. (KO)

In recruiting for smaller, fast paced companies, telephone interviews are a cost-effective method of screening candidates. The initial telephone interview can determine a candidate posses desirable qualities such as initiative, persistence with charm; positive attitude; quick thinking skills; coachability; superior communication skills; creative,…

College admissions staffs deal with complex, overlapping, and competing demands, including issues such as achievement of campus diversity, promoting access to education, and balancing consumer demands and educational objectives. Involving people outside the admissions office and maintaining core institutional values are suggested as ways to serve…

This book reports results of a National Research Council study and the validity of generalizing from its studies of about 500 occupations to over 12,000 jobs. The use of the General Aptitude Test Battery for prediction is discussed, and its impact and recommendations for future use are considered. (SLD)

Examines origins and potential effects of liberalizing reforms in Japanese secondary education in light of British experiences with policies such as local school management and school choice. Argues that Japanese reform involves necessary diversification of curriculum and pedagogic practices, but administrative shifts toward deregulation and…

This study provides initial evidence for the criterion-related validity of tacit knowledge (TK) as an alternative measure for selecting psychology graduate students and adds insight to the construct of TK by evaluating its factor structure, assessing convergent relationships with other variables, and exploring alternative reasons for why TK…

The purpose of this study is to examine the appointment procedure of the teachers employed in public schools in Turkey. Specifically, this study explores the correlation between the pre-service teachers' Civil Servant Selection Examination (KPSS) performance and their "cognitive ability" represented by Student Selection Examination (OSS)…

Projects supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) have a very high survival ratio after the grant has ended. The reason for this success seems to lie in the structure and principles of FIPSE. These principles (which can be adopted as guidelines in the creation of other innovation funds) include allowing maximum…