This article argues that a "probabilistic" interpretation of competence can provide the basis for a link between assessment, teaching and learning, curriculum resources and policy development. Competence is regarded as a way of interpreting the quality of performance in a coherent series of hierarchical tasks. The work of Glaser is combined with…

The success of any new curriculum depends on an appropriate level of qualified input on the part of many individuals at different stages of the change process. Professional curriculum centers are cited as important agents in the effective implementation of a new program. Workshops in curriculum development are explained. (CE)

In 1987 the Scottish Office Education Department published plans for a curriculum development program for ages 5 through 14. This article reports on an evaluation of the implementation of the curriculum planned for 1991-95. National samples and interviews with about 165 educators trace the early steps in implementation. (SLD)

A pilot project to integrate vocational and general education by developing and institutionalizing a new type of school as part of the higher secondary sector of the West Berlin educational system is described. The evaluation study and failure of the project are discussed. (DWH)

For five years, from 1995 until 2000, a group of eight educators and researchers met twice annually in Syracuse, NY, for the purpose of revising Bloom's Taxonomy. Based in part on the structure of educational objectives, in part on advances in cognitive psychology, and in part on numerous other attempts to classify educational objectives that were…

Formative evaluation of a physics curriculum unit (PLON) is reported. Phase one used general ideas and many instruments; phase two focused on specific questions arising from phase one. Findings suggested that relating curriculum content to ability to think about and explain a task was a prerequisite for student satisfaction. (CP)

How much of the improved performance of Hungarian students on the Second International Science Assessment (1983) over the 1970 assessment could be attributed to the modernized science curriculum was explored, comparing achievement gains to curriculum implementation. Results show the value of international assessments in educational improvement.…

To alter the predominance of secondary school enrollment in lower vocational education in the Rotterdam district, the Educational Social Environment Project has developed and introduced kindergarten and elementary school curriculum for socially deprived children. This article describes the project's summative evaluation design, variable…

Evaluation of an elementary level science curriculum unit (MATAL) illustrates intensive evaluation. This method involves classroom observation by trained observers, formulation of course objectives, student interviews (ability tests), and lesson planning. It stresses the identification of learning difficulties which hinder attainment of course…

Problems associated with evaluating the restructured curriculum and educational system implemented in Kenya in 1985 are reviewed. Most of the problems center around time constraints and the large numbers of students versus the small numbers of teachers and administrators. (SLD)

The introduction and six articles of this special issue focus on curriculum evaluation in the Netherlands, reviewing approaches and results in the nation overall, and in the specific areas of physics, mathematics, and English. The use of innovative approaches and practice profiles is also explored. (SLD)

The design and reliability testing of two instruments--the Macro Argumentation Structure (MARS) and the Coalition forming and Dominance (CODOM)--to assess the deliberation process (argumentation and interaction) during curriculum conferences/decision making are reported. The study was conducted at the Department of Education of the University of…

Parameters are presented for evaluating the extent to which the teacher has been taken into account in the writing of new curricula. Nine categories are developed to aid in determining whether the teacher is perceived as a promoter of or an obstacle to change. (SLD)

Although Israel's educational system is centralized, the syllabi of the Department of Curriculum Planning (part of the Ministry of Education) are not compulsory. Curriculum facilitators are used as the link between the Department of Curriculum Planning and the teachers in the school where the facilitator continues to teach. (RL)

Principal themes associated with assessment and evaluation as these constructs or concepts have evolved in relation to special education in England and Wales are discussed, concentrating on developments since 1978. Shortcomings of the proposed National Curriculum with regard to special needs students are discussed. (SLD)