Discusses problems in measuring science students' achievement. The amount of learning achieved over a period of time is termed "value-added." Presents how a science department might demonstrate the extent to which it has value-added through the education of pupils. Highlights value-added analysis in science departments. (ASK)

Discusses the need for good reading assessment that is authentic and trustworthy with clearly established procedures for gathering information. (MG)

Provides information useful to educators who are rethinking their current approach to assessment and identifies characteristics of each assessment that seem particularly noteworthy. Concludes by raising a number of questions that should be considered before deciding whether or not to use these new performance-based assessments. (MG)

Discusses several data collection procedures involved in four manageable writing classroom evaluation measures. (MG)

Argues that the complex nature of music education makes it difficult to assess students' progress based on a single letter grade. Suggests that instead of giving a letter grade, teachers should provide parents with a developmental profile based on the National Standard for Music Education and state or district guidelines. (DSK)

Presents an alternative to using a single-class-period test to assess a college student's knowledge in the mathematics area. Evaluation of student mathematical knowledge and understanding of concepts is improved when students are given opportunities to design problems and solutions, applying classroom-acquired knowledge to new situations. Such…

Describes the frustrations and successes of seeking student accountability through the assessment of comprehension in literature discussions. Presents journal entries and discussions from three teachers. (MG)

Noting that issues of assessing and evaluating learning and teaching have become a dominant concern in recent years, this book describes the journey of a group of classroom teachers, administrators, and researchers as they addressed the issues of evaluation and assessment. The book details the results of a collaborative project undertaken in…

Addresses the problems and methods of assessing individual performance within a group project. A peer evaluation technique by Culp and Malone was implemented in which group members were asked to identify the percent contribution they and other group members made to categories such as creativity, research, writing, and organizing. Ratings were then…

Intended for teachers of all subjects, grades 3 through 12, this book explains how teachers can build a community of writers in which the students use portfolios to demonstrate progress and accomplishment across the curriculum. The book outlines practical strategies for ensuring that every student explores a variety of meaningful challenges. The…

Demonstrating that gender perceptions and expectations can influence assessment decisions that seem neutral on the surface, this book examines the responses of 31 freshman composition teachers to student writing. The book shows the negative effects of gender biases on assessment. For writing instructors to increase their sensitivity to gender…

Presents a discussion of trying to best account for the variation resulting from guessing on a multiple-choice exam. A mathematical process is given to determine the amount of variance that could be added or subtracted from a student's score to account for guessing. Examples are provided. (MVL)

Explains a set of processes that teachers might use to structure their evaluation of students' learning and understanding. Illustrates the processes of setting goals, deciding what to assess, gathering information, and using the results through a measurement task requiring students to estimate the number of popcorn kernels in a container. (MDH)

Discusses the problems of grading an organic laboratory course. Proposes that the grade should be based as: products--30 percent of the grade; notebooks--30 percent of the grade; exams and final report--40 percent of the grade. Gives an exception policy for special considerations. (MVL)

Intended for practioners, this book discusses many of the critical questions being asked about the role of whole language in schools. The book not only examines the growing research base that supports whole language, but also offers practical and realistic suggestions for tackling the many thorny issues involved in the assessment and evaluation of…