In the summer of 1985 the state of Maryland added one credit of fine arts to its high school graduation requirements. Major initiatives that brought this about are described. (RM)

A table prepared by the Education Commission of the States details the high school graduation requirements of each state, based on a survey conducted in November and December 1983. (TE)

Certain states and local districts are setting up performance criteria a student must meet before he can graduate from high school. (IRT)

This paper traces the development of methods for determining students' qualifications for the baccalaureate. In the 1700s and into the 1800s, students stood comprehensive examinations, which were often oral and public. Later in the 1800s, comprehensive examinations were written and reviewed by faculty, without involving public review. At the end…

The high school diploma is a benchmark of success in the United States, but what the diploma represents has continued to change. The number and types of options for diplomas vary from state to state, with some states having as many as seven choices and others as few as one. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 has increased the pressure on…

Reports, also, a 1963-64 survey; based in part on author's Ph.D. dissertation, Purdue University, 1960. (Editor/Rd)

New criteria for conferring degrees are proposed. (HS)

The question ofwhether degree requirements should be inflexibly enforced for foreign students is analyzed. (HS)

The author addresses the concern that many learning handicapped students are being denied diplomas because of minimum competency testing (MCT). The beginnings of the MCT trend are traced, faults with MCT are pointed out, and legal aspects of MCT are considered. (SW)

Alleges misinterpretation by the media of school book selection policies. Criticizes the findings of the nationwide survey on censorship sponsored by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Association of American Publishers, and the American Library Association. Details controversies in Montgomery County, MD, Merrimack,…

The author considers that, although a year has passed since the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies called for increased emphasis on languages, American schools and colleges have done little to implement this objective. Condensed from "Basic Education," January 1981, pp6-9. (SJL)

The article addresses issues in minimal competency testing for physically handicapped and learning disabled students. Adapting the competency test to the needs of the handicapped students, relating minimal standards to the individualized education program (IEP), and adopting different criteria for graduation are three options considered. (CL)

The article addresses 10 questions that should receive thoughtful consideration prior to initiating a competency testing program for handicapped students. (Author)

Surveys of 331 four-year universities nationwide examined swim test requirements and reasons for administering or not administering swim tests. Responses from 331 returned questionnaires indicated that 5% of the schools had swim test requirements, though 25% had them previously. Lack of a physical education requirement was the most commonly cited…