Roles suggested for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in proposed national testing are discussed. Recent proposals center around monitoring, evaluation and accountability, and serving as a benchmark for other tests. Monitoring has been the traditional function of the NAEP, and in this role, its influence has been substantial.…

This report is aimed at helping Congress: (1) better understand the functions, history, capabilities, limitations, uses, and misuses of educational tests; (2) learn more about the promises and pitfalls of new assessment methods and technologies; and (3) identify and weigh policy options affecting educational policy. To prepare this report, the…

A strategic plan to strengthen and expand the nation's existing apprenticeship system contains three components: apprenticeship promotion and marketing, national registration and tracking system, and quality. Efforts to promote apprenticeship must involve a two-pronged strategy that seeks both to develop new programs and expose potential program…

Currently in the United States there is considerable interest in developing a system of examinations that is substantially different from the large-scale testing programs presently in use in this country. These new exams would involve a different form of assessment than current tests and would also enable greater local control over the…

A study analyzed the role of adult and community education (ACE) in the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system. It considered the policy and funding contexts. Three premises formed the framework through which ACE's role was examined: ACE is a provider; ACE providers are community-based providers distinct from public and private…

A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of braille operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. This report presents the findings of the study in three sections. Section 1 provides background information, a summary of the first phase of operations, and the study objective for phase…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as "The Nation's Report Card," is a congressionally mandated survey of educational achievement of American students in a variety of curriculum areas and of changes in that achievement across time. Part 1 of this report consists of the results of NAEP's 1990 national…

This documentary study is based on 12 national dossiers on vocational education and training in the tourist industry. Part 1 is an overview of school vocational training diplomas and curricula and the provision of training programs in the tourist industry. The description of the provision of training in this sector is followed by a review of…

This paper summarizes the results of a research project completed by three doctoral students enrolled in an advanced curriculum development course at the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg). The students used a mock trial format to consider reasons to support establishment of a national curriculum (concerning the American public's…

A historical overview of the development of the British middle school system is presented in this paper, with a focus on the impact of the national curriculum established by the Education Reform Act of 1988. Based on field observation, information is presented on curriculum, the role of head teachers and faculty, parental involvement, and student…

The National Technological University (NTU), a consortium of approximately 30 American engineering schools which has been in operation on a continent-wide scale since 1985, uses telecommunications to broadcast engineering education courses to corporate sites across the country. Courses are produced at member institutions and are distributed to…

The Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program (JTHDP) was evaluated to assess its implications for providing effective employment and training services for homeless persons. Findings indicated that it is feasible to establish employment and training programs at the local level to serve the general homeless population and specific…

This publication presents the abstracts of the 57 National Workplace Literacy Program 1993 projects. Each abstract provides the following information: project title; award number; project director; awardee; address; telephone and fax numbers; funds by fiscal year (federal and nonfederal); award period; federal project officer; objectives;…

The proposed activities of the Office of Research and Evaluation of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District in 1990-91 are outlined. Evaluations and other major projects focus on: (1) externally funded projects; (2) systemwide achievement testing; and (3) systemwide evaluation. Twelve evaluations will assess the impact of programs and…

This report discusses a House of Representatives bill (H.R. 2435) to establish a National Council on Education Standards and Testing. The bill's title and purpose, and the congressional findings behind it are outlined first, followed by a summary of provisions concerning the Council's establishment, duties, reports, membership, director and staff,…