This paper identifies issues to consider as educational policy makers make decisions about diploma options and graduation policies for students with disabilities, especially in the context of the increasing use of requirements that students pass specified tests to graduate. A table compares advantages and disadvantages of four diploma options: (1)…

This paper reviews recent developments in the growth of testing as a requirement for high school graduation for K-12 public school systems throughout the United States. It then examines performance patterns on such tests by focusing on results for students indifferent racial and ethnic groups in several states. The multiple meanings of the…

This field memo to all teachers and administrators of public and nonpublic schools is the first of three in a series of updates from the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education on standards and assessments in New York. This document contains information on New York's learning standards and the…

Changes that should be considered in the Indiana public school system involve: (1) longer school year; (2) commitment to student and parent freedom of choice; (3) teachers' salaries; (4) tougher graduation requirements; (5) teacher/administrator workload; (6) functional literacy test; (7) concern for non-public education students and teachers; (8)…

A survey reported in "Education Week" suggests the purported science/mathematics education crisis is highly diverse. Although teacher shortage is the central issue, some states report slight shortages or surpluses of qualified teachers. In addition, little/no consistency among states in use of financial incentive programs to recruit/retain…

Thirty-three universities were surveyed by the University of Arizona to see who was responsible for the process of evaluating students' remaining degree requirements, how much of this process was automated or computerized, and who in each institution responds to the Higher Education General Information Survey. Results are presented. (MSE)

The New Jersey Education Association feels that the state proposal to set minimum graduation competencies would reduce the range of high school course offerings, erode local control of schools, and limit student opportunity. A text of the proposed state regulation is included. (SJL)

A policy statement by the New Jersey Education Association on the high school graduation requirements adopted by the New Jersey State Board of Education on March 5, 1980. (SJL)

Argues that the minimal competency movement contains much that is inimical both to the teaching of language arts and to the integrity and individuality of professional educators. Contends that the movement is creating both damage and diversion in the schools. (FL)

This article examines the kinds of changes undergraduate colleges are making in their curricula in response to the ongoing debate about the quality of undergraduate education. The authors detail responses to a survey of 226 institutions on educational change, noting that most adopted a wide variety of recent changes that had a positive impact on…

Investigated factors involved in counseling students' (n=106) endorsement of personal counseling as a requirement for counseling program graduation. Results indicated that 66 percent of students endorsed a counseling requirement for counseling students, but those who endorsed the requirement were not more likely to seek counseling for help with…

Suggests that legislative involvement in community college operations stems from fiscal responsibility. Describes the structure of higher education in Florida and the development of the College Level Academic Skills Test. Discusses the adoption and results of the Gordon Rule, which establishes English and mathematics requirements for the first two…

Describes an objective test used as the comprehensive examination in a graduate library school and discusses its advantages over essay tests. The topics covered include test construction, the use of item analysis for scoring and test revision, and student reactions to the objective test. (1 reference) (CLB)

Ten factors relevant to the standard-setting decision on important tests (i.e., high school diploma tests) are proposed as a basis for a standard-setting preparation program. It is suggested that, typically, those who set standards have had little or no experience and would benefit from formal preparation. (SLD)

Describes the writing-intensive courses developed at Broome Community College, Rockland Community College, and Kapiolani Community College as graduation requirements to incorporate writing permanently into the curriculum. Reviews the problems experienced at each campus in gaining faculty and student support. (DMM)