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 1995, the Board made the requirement effective beginning with the graduating class of 2001. Students who were in grade eight for the 1996-97 school year…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated state appeals processes for students with disabilities who fail state-mandated graduation exams. State Web sites were studied to determine the extent to which there are other options for demonstrating skills, to check the availability of these to students with disabilities, and to…

This guide for parents of students with disabilities in Florida provides information about the types of diplomas available through the Florida public school system and is intended to help parents and students make diploma choices in middle school and beyond as part of yearly transition individualized education program (IEP) meetings. Part 1…

This survey of graduate work in engineering has for its objective the presentation of the development and present status of graduate work in engineering in this country. The relatively rapid changes that have taken place in engineering education in recent years have caused greater activity and increased responsibility in graduate departments,…

In more than 90 percent of the American colleges the prevailing method of transfer from secondary school is by certification, based on the pupil's record in secondary school. In the large majority of cases a record of graduation from an accredited secondary school is required of every student admitted to college. When it is considered that in…

Trends in college foreign language requirements and enrollment are reviewed, and the experience of Carleton College is outlined. The college's efforts to strengthen languages' role in the upper division curriculum have included special efforts to create interesting courses and incentives for further study, extracurricular activities, study abroad,…

Reviews a federal court ruling in Florida stating that minimum competency tests must be fair--that is, they must cover material that has actually been taught. Unfair tests used to determine eligibility for graduation violate the equal protection and due process clauses of the Constitution. (Author/WD)

Presents three addresses given at a conference at the College of St. Thomas (Minnesota) by Terrel H. Bell, Scott D. Thomson, and Theodore R. Sizer on the priorities of American secondary education from a national perspective. Jean Parent, Lloyd Nielsen, and Willard McGuire respond. (WD)

Japan produces more technicians and engineers than the U.S. as a result of higher standards for high school graduation and college entrance, highly effective teacher inservice training, and public support for science and technology. However, the reliance on imitation and rote learning remains a weakness in the Japanese educational system. (WD)

A study conducted at Alma College to determine how and why grade inflation occurred is discussed. Grade inflation is seen as being caused by many factors including calendar changes, requirement reductions, better defined grading scales, and shifts in faculty attitudes. (MLW)

Responses from 40 of 50 state supervisors of vocational agriculture and other administrators at the state level identified problems in program administration and supervision. It was found that lack of accurate employment data was the most serious problem, followed by increased high school graduation and college entrance requirements and public…

Provides a yearly summary of research and graduate study activities at most United States and several Canadian engineering colleges. Provides officers of the institution; number of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students; extension centers; doctoral research areas; budgeted research; and degree requirements. (MVL)

Some states are mandating basic skills testing and encouraging comprehensive universities to provide remedial programs for students who do not pass the tests. Texas House Bill 2182 is an example of this trend and is discussed in light of 10 key issues posed by assessment experts. (Author/MLW)

This position statement of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities addresses the importance of equal opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and the need to support the independent functioning of these individuals. Specific…

Discusses the community service requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. Contends it enhances arts instruction and highlights student accomplishments. Describes a program in which performing arts students meet the requirements through participation in concerts, art shows, and similar community-based activities. (CFR)