Karl Jaspers argued that academics must be prepared to accept, perhaps even to welcome, the fact that most students "will learn next to nothing" from a university education. In this paper I shall argue that, while Jaspers' model is unpersuasive as an ideal and inaccurate as a description, there is an uncomfortable truth lurking behind his…

Consequences of the bicultural goal are: (1) failure to review the unreasonable goal critically; (2) prevention of standardized scores from "leaking out" to the public; (3) attempts to "interpret" evaluation results to make them palatable to the schools' critics; and (4) lack of attention to various evaluation techniques. (RL)

Discusses problems that arise in evaluating social participatory art. Contends that concentrating solely on the social policy function during project development can have the effect of drying out the artistic content of the work. Proposes that evaluation processes are needed, but they must evolve from the structures of the projects and the needs…

The applicability of conventional measurement techniques in the assessment and evaluation of a middle school educational program has been disputed. The objectives of this program include assisting students in the development of several areas. Among these are independence, healthy self concepts, viable ethical and value systems, socially…

The responsibility of connecting theory and practice when developing physical education units falls on the teacher rather than on the theorist. The teacher is most familiar with the students and environment where the program takes place. Suggestions for connecting theory and practice are discussed. (DF)

Discusses five instructional purposes for computers (opportunities for students to become familiar with computers, development of skills with computers, curriculum enhancement, educational reform, and cost-effectiveness), their similarities and differences, and the ways in which each purpose could be evaluated. (Author/IRT)

Presents a critical rejoinder to Stedman's article that dismisses the validity of school effectiveness guidelines. Stedman has misused school effectiveness research findings, for the data actually support these characteristics. Stedman's generalized alternatives lack adequate supportive evidence. (CJH)

Comprehensive assessment of educational systems can assist educators in improving the nature of formal education. Goals of education are long range and very general. By observing, describing and classifying teacher and student behaviors, realistic and immediate goals can be established. Effective assessment aids administrative decisions by…

The first part of a two-part article describes the significant differences between the kinds of problems that adults really face and the problems that students are taught to resolve in critical thinking programs. Among the differences are several aspects of the ways in which problems and solutions are defined. (PGD)

Appropriate use of computers for educational purposes begins with objective evaluation of human and educational priorities. Professional educators must consider if they are using the computer in educationally appropriate ways. A discussion of computers in the school environment is presented. (DF)

Reviewing the many possible outcomes (intended and unintended) of vocational education programs, the author posits four tests for evaluation criteria: appropriateness, importance, feasibility, and usefulness. He discusses policy implications of the lack of consensus over the particular outcomes for which vocational education should be accountable.…

Historical changes in the emphasis and focus of Project Head Start from 1965 to the present are briefly reviewed in this paper. Head Start was conceived of as primary prevention designed to enable children from lower income families to obtain educational prerequisites to formal schooling. The early years of the project were also characterized by…

Asserts that the widely cited set of characteristics of effective schools cannot be substantiated. The lack of research supporting the formula raises questions about school effectiveness programs. Recommends a synthesis of approaches that meet a school's needs and include a broader political agenda. (CJH)

Presents a study that describes the development and assesses the effectiveness of a federally funded arts-in-education project undertaken by the Homer (New York) Central Schools. Concludes that the stated goal of integrating arts experiences regularly into the total school program was not being met and makes suggestions for effective…

Presents an interview with Reed Hundt, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who implemented the Education Task Force to coordinate the FCC's role in educational provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. He asserts that writing clear rules for the communications sector will promote competition and ensure educational…