So much effort has been expended in identifying competencies needed for entry-level jobs, developing career ladders, and conducting task analyses that distributive educators, as other educators, have addressed consumer skills only slightly. Educators must help students develop those consumer survival skills, knowledges, and attitudes that will…

Describes Oregon's experience with developing and implementing new requirements for high school graduation, based on minimum competency standards defined by local school districts. (JG)

The historical background, development, and selection of criteria for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Britain are described, and provisions for candidates with special education needs are outlined. The desire to retain the integrity of examination standards while responding to the needs of handicapped candidates is…

To address staffing problems caused by tougher graduation requirements, Winfield High School (Kansas) recommends a rotating seven-period schedule to complement the normal six-period day. The schedule requires the same teaching load and choice of electives, reduces the pupil-teacher ratio, and increases facilities use and student contact. (MLH)

Analysis of changes in the graduation requirements, credit requirements, and curriculum in high school English in California since the adoption of minimum competency testing by state law during the 1976-77 legislative session suggests that statewide legislative mandates can have significant impact on school district programs and priorities. (PGD)

Critiques educational reform movement. Believes that unless the human dimension is improved, all reform proposals will fail. If American public education is to be saved, a better job of teaching the link between public education and a free society is needed. (MD)

To determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the Alabama High School Graduation Examination were being taught in the Alabama public schools, a survey was conducted of teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. Competencies that were not being taught are identified and possible explanations are outlined. (Author/EGS)

Surveys the present state of and newest trends in British education. Examines grammar and comprehensive schools, the new extension of compulsory attendance to the 16th year, the "liberalizing" of the new Certificate of Secondary Education (as against the traditional GCE), and Open University adult education. (IFS/WGA)

During the past 10 years, there has been a movement among state education departments to develop academic content standards, standards-based assessments of student achievement, and standards-related high school graduation requirements for students. This Digest discusses: (1) state content standards in history; (2) standards-based student…

The North Carolina State Board of Education, as part of the Quality Assurance Program, initially established a computer proficiency requirement for diplomas issued to the Class of 2000. In October of 1995, the Board modified the requirement by making it effective beginning with the graduating Class of 2001. Students who were in grade eight for the…

High school graduation exams are in place in nearly half the states, and more than half the nation's high school students have to pass them to earn a diploma. After a detailed analysis of the mathematics and English language arts exams in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas, Achieve reached three conclusions: (1) Tests are…

This paper presents the revised Core Curriculum standards (the essential ideas, concepts, and skills) for the K-6 reading language arts required of students in Utah. It notes that the Core should be taught with respect for differences in learning styles, learning rates, and individual capabilities without losing sight of the common goals.…

This guidebook is designed to help Virginia high school students plan for college. It suggests ways for students to prepare for college, classes they should take in high school to make sure they will be accepted into college, and ways to get scholarships and other kinds of financial aid. The booklet outlines the courses required for graduation…

In the year 2000, the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) was given for the first time. The HSGQE is currently scheduled to be a graduation requirement for all students graduating as of January 2002, but early results from the use of the HSGQE in the Anchorage school district raise serious questions about the use of the…