An Overview of Skill Standards Systems in Education & Industry. Systems in the U.S. and Abroad. Volume I.

This first volume in a four-volume study of industry- and education-driven skill standards in the United States and other countries describes current practice. Chapter I is the executive summary. Chapter II is an overview of historical and current issues that will affect a voluntary network of industry-based skill standards, competencies, and certification systems. Chapter III describes purposes and legal rationale for performing job analysis; alternative techniques; time factors, resources, and skills; and job analysis as typically practiced. Chapter IV lays out issues surrounding assessment as part of a national standards program: legal issues, technical considerations and guidelines for test development, and selected industry practices. Chapter V makes observations on the issue of terminology and common language. Chapter VI describes some key umbrella organizations that accredit accreditors, certify certifiers, or approve testing and assessment instruments. Chapter VII summarizes findings of a survey of state vocational-technical education agencies regarding their involvement in skill standards. Chapter VIII reports findings of a study of the role of national industry and occupation-focused organizations in the skill standards issue. Chapter IX answers six questions to clarify the scope of the roles for the federal government and private sector in the development and implementation of skill standards to improve competitiveness in the global market. The volume contains 71 references and 25 legal citations. (YLB)