The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's comprehensive collegiate skills program is described from proposal to implementation. Junior year students must demonstrate competence in: writing, reading, mathematics, research paper writing, and library skills. (MLW)

Many states are turning to minimum-competency testing at the secondary school level. Although at least 17 states have enacted legislation that sets minimum-competency standards for graduation from public high schools, the basic skills testing movement at the postsecondary level is still in its infancy. (MLW)

Survey results from 50 state education agencies and the District of Columbia about secondary school reform show 88 percent have developed an improvement effort. Text and four tables present responses to the following topics: major impetus for the reform effort, funding for support, graduation requirements, testing programs, teacher certification…

Data from a major study of secondary classroom dynamics (120 high schools, 893 classrooms) compare comprehensive, area vocational, and vocational specialty schools on seven characteristics: numbers and types of program offerings, teacher experience and training, business-industry linkages, currency of facilities, counseling services, increased…

The influence of test wiseness on the performance of 736 high school seniors in British Columbia on provincial school leaving examinations in English, algebra, geography, history, biology, and chemistry was studied. The performance of many students on the multiple-choice sections was spuriously enhanced by test wiseness. (TJH)

The current study examined the effect of high school graduation exams on states' graduation rates, states' aggregated SAT scores, and individual students' SAT scores. Three data sources were used: One source identified states requiring a standardized test for graduation; the NCES provided state aggregated data on graduation rates for the class of…

In addition to acquiring an appropriate undergraduate degree and passing a subject area ExCET exam, preservice teachers in Texas are required to pass the Professional Development Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET PD) to become certified teachers. This study was designed to examine the effects of a 5-week WebCT online…

This fact sheet provides information and references on U.S. high school students and high school requirements. Statistical data covers: demographic distribution (2003-2004); number of high schools and average high school size; high school student achievement; SAT scores, 2004-2005; school funding; high school graduation rate; and high school to…

This handbook contains profiles of 107 historically black colleges and universities in the United States and the Virgin Islands. Information is derived from the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges database. Information for each school describes: (1) admissions criteria; (2) graduation information; (3) academic programs; (4) campus and student…

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) is a statewide program designed to ensure that all students attending public colleges and universities have the basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills necessary to perform effectively at the college level. All entering first-time freshmen are required to take the TASP test, which has a basic skills…

This study investigated the upper age educational mandates of 15 states and the policies regarding alternative awards to the regular diploma in 19 states. The study was based on analysis of state policy documents, a 1990 state survey of exiting procedures, and telephone conversations with state education agency officials. The first section…

This curriculum review presents and comments on state and county trends in the curriculum offerings of Oklahoma secondary schools. For comparison, it provides the secondary level curriculum offered by each secondary school in the state. Vocational education offerings are not included. The state mandates four units of English, two of mathematics,…

The purpose of this brief is to draw from the findings of the 1990 Reform Up Close study of high school mathematics and science in six states by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education in order to: (1) characterize standard-setting policies in high school mathematics and science, (2) document the effects of these standard-setting policies…

This book is designed to help college students (and prospective college students) prepare themselves to meet and complete the requirements of their college or university and obtain a bachelor's degree. Individual chapters offer advice on: (1) the enhanced earning power of a college degree; (2) deciding whether to attend a four-year college or a…

A project developed competency profiles identifying entry-level skills and employability skills to be acquired by handicapped students before graduation. Research literature was reviewed to identify generalizable skills, employability skills, self-help skills, and job skills. Feedback was obtained from practitioners in the field regarding rating…