In this publication on standards for nursing education, the major educational goals encompassing graduate education, basic education, and continuing education are presented. They provide a means of monitoring the quality of programs and of supporting innovation and testing of new roles in nursing. These standards focus on education for nursing practice, and reflect concern for promotion of social and political action for the improvement of health care and its delivery within the community and for the provision of learning experiences that focus on major health care issues. The publication presents basic assumptions about nursing, about the nursing profession's responsibilities to society and students, and about nursing education. Standards are presented for programs leading to graduate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, diplomas from hospital schools of nursing, and for continuing education programs. The contact hour as the basic unit of measurement for continuing education activities in nursing is discussed. A glossary of terms that will serve as guidelines in planning educational programs is provided. (SW)