This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 3-year project of faculty and curricular development using a variety of classic texts and involving 10 liberal arts colleges and one state university. Three-week summer seminars were held for faculty who studied self-selected classics introduced by master teachers, and discussed…

The purpose of this study was to determine if the 55 test specifications for the Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments computer-based tests (CBT) and the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) were judged to be appropriate for entry-level vocational education teachers regardless of specialty area. The test specification statements were…

The Quality Education Checklist focuses on key inputs, processes, and outputs of schools needed to ensure continuous improvement. Intended as a self-auditing aid for schools, the checklist may also be used as a method to define the priority of areas for improvement, as a way to gather information from customers, as a professional development…

The purpose of this study was to investigate student responses to a developmental writing instructor's feedback on their writing assignments in college-preparatory writing courses at a community college. Using observation, analysis of teacher responses on a writing assignment, surveys, and interviews, the research investigated how students…

This handbook offers a practical model for developing a comprehensive faculty evaluation system that responds to the specific needs, concerns, and characteristics of faculty and administration in an individual academic unit. The eight steps of the model are: (1) determining the faculty role model; (2) determining faculty role model parameter…

Software designed to promote the use of open-ended investigations in science education was evaluated in a study of whether using case-based simulation enhances students' understanding of ethical issues and data interpretation in science. The software was a DNA gel electrophoresis simulation that enabled students to conduct simulated genetic tests.…

In February 1997, the Alabama State Board of Education authorized the Alabama College System to convert to a semester based academic calendar, effective for the 1998-99 academic year. The decision to move forward with the semester conversion was guided by the fact that collegiate research indicates that the semester system provides a superior…

This paper reports on a computer initiative implemented by a metropolitan school district in Virginia. The initiative began in 1995 when the school district of 44,000 students funded 5 computers and a color printer for each elementary classroom in 34 schools. The goals of the initiative focused on: increasing student performance; addressing…

Although support for using portfolios in student assessment is widespread, few educators agree on what portfolios are and what their purposes should be. This book details a step-by-step process to help preschool and elementary educators get started in the use of portfolios for student assessment or gain new insights or strategies in their use.…

This study compared three spelling interventions to increase the spelling accuracy of elementary students with learning disabilities. Thirty-six randomly selected third, fourth, and fifth grade students with learning disabilities were assigned to three interventions: (1) the traditional spelling procedure; (2) a multisensory procedure without…

Of primary concern is the ability of students high school age to be able to conceptualize what actually goes on in electronic circuitry in order for them to be able to build and troubleshoot with precision skill. The Fault Assisted Circuit Electronic Trainer (FACET) was used on three students to determine if this electronic computer-aided…

The National Council of Primary Education held its fourth annual meeting in the red room of Hotel La Salle, Chicago, 9.30 a: m., Tuesday, February 25. 1919, with the chairman presiding. The Chairman: "The Primary Council is very happy indeed to welcome this audience this morning. This is our fourth birthday, and we are glad have so many people…

Describes research leading to the development of SEEQ (Students' Evaluations of Educational Quality), a program which collects college students' evaluations of teacher effectiveness. Three tables, a 29-item reference list, and appendices outlining the information contained in the SEEQ survey and in the SEEQ summary report are included. (JL)

Discusses the integration of videodisc technology into classrooms and presents criteria for evaluating the interactivity of videodiscs. Three levels of interactive videodiscs (IVD) are described, and a criteria checklist is included that evaluates skill development, simulation, feedback, the interaction of the student manual with the electronic…

Seven articles discuss the importance of using evaluation forms and methods tailored to the library, rather than to teachers, for the evaluation of school librarians. Appropriate evaluation criteria are suggested and three evaluation forms are provided, including one intended to be completed by students. (CLB)