This study was part of a larger study investigating the influence of group collaboration during a group assessment on performance of the group and subsequent widespread performances. This study compared the verbal interactions of students while they completed a science assessment in small collaborative groups with their performance on the same…

This collection of articles summarizes what mental health professionals have learned about evaluating and treating infants and young children who have been exposed to violence in their homes and communities. Emphasis is on recognizing symptoms and behaviors demonstrated by very young children who have been exposed to violence, supporting…

This report documents the results of a survey on the current use and management of approval plans, and compares them with similar studies published in SPEC kits in 1982 and 1988. Overall, Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions still consider approval plans to be efficient and cost effective. Survey results include: (1) the percentage…

A collection of essays addresses issues in alternative assessment in English as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. Chapter 1, "Toward a Definition of Alternative Assessment," (Priscilla Butler) gives an overview of the concept of alternative assessment and introduces some theoretical considerations. Chapter 2, "The Roots of…

This paper addresses issues in assessment of college students, outcome studies, and attrition research in the context of trends toward requiring greater accountability from institutions of higher education. First the paper considers how assessment, student outcomes studies, and attrition research terminology might be more clearly defined. It…

The College of Education and Human Services at Wright State University (Ohio) has been working since 1987 to develop and refine a portfolio assessment approach for use with candidates preparing for teaching as a profession. This paper documented efforts in authentic assessment as they related to PRAXIS III/Pathwise Assessment, which has been…

This report describes Copenhagen (Denmark) Business School Library's (CBSL) use of performance measurement to manage the quality of library services and facilities. The CBSL quality management program consists of: a statement of strategic goals of development and operation, including a focus on users, good service, efficient internal functions,…

This study shows how performance measurement can be developed to take advantage of the most advanced computer software and hardware now available. The "Toolbox" study was commissioned by the European Commission (EC) and undertaken by De Montfort University in partnership with Essex County Libraries and the Library and Information…

This theme issue of a Texas journal focuses on gifted education and culturally diverse students. "Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Students in Gifted Education" (Donna Y. Ford and J. John Harris) discusses the challenges of recruiting diverse students in gifted education and presents solutions, including using different measurements of…

This report describes a 48-month project which developed, field tested, and evaluated the utility of the Vocational Assessment Protocol (VAP) for use with persons with traumatic brain injury resulting in a severe and persistent disability. The VAP is intended to assist in the community-based vocational rehabilitation of these individuals. The VAP…

This book for college faculty provides a resource for developing, using, and grading classroom exams. The first chapter addresses ways to determine what content should be included on an exam. The second chapter identifies testing considerations such as number of exams, difficulty level of items, and test length. Chapters 3 and 4 provide guidelines…

A study investigated alternative methods of assessing student language skills in Arlington County (Virginia) public schools' Spanish/English two-way bilingual partial immersion program, with the objective of improving information for developing more effective teaching. A team of teachers from each participating school worked with researchers to…

Planning for the instructional use of technology within a modern and progressive school system is extremely complex because of the speed at which technology is advancing. The identification of strategic goals and objectives and an evolving rough map of how to achieve those goals has replaced the traditional strategic planning process. This book…

This report describes current state monitoring systems in special education, identifies trends across states, and examines critical issues. Data are based on discussions with monitoring personnel, responses to a 1992 survey, input from meetings, and analysis of documents provided by the states. Analysis focuses on five areas: (1) the composition…

Designed as a planning tool and a statement of philosophy and mission, this five-part strategic planning report provides information on the activities, goals, and review processes of the Learning Resource Services (LRS) at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas. The LRS combines library services, access to computer terminals, and other…