In the opening paper in this Special Edition I outlined the major issues that led to the establishment of "project e-scape". The project was intended to develop systems and approaches that enabled learners to build real-time web-based portfolios of their performance (initially) in design & technology and additionally to build systems…

Uses a description of large-scale collaborative portfolio assessment in the secondary school system in England as a means of seeing the American system and the recent reform efforts in comparative perspective. (RS)

Outlines development by the United Kingdom's National Health Service Training Division (NHSTD) of a set of national standards for Information Management and Technology (IM&T) professionals in health care. Describes the technical-rational and "professional artistry" models of education and gives an overview of the Professional Awards…

Asserts that new student assessment methods incorporate more direct assessment of student knowledge and performance. Describes changes in student assessment in California as a result of state and federal reform efforts. Discusses classroom implications and the role of teachers using the new assessment techniques. (CFR)

England's Learning and Skills Development Agency welcomes the introduction of a coherent national funding and delivery strategy for adult literacy, numeracy, and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The agency believes that the strategy should incorporate the lessons of previous literacy and numeracy initiatives and build on examples of…