Articles in this series on testing and evaluation specifically address the use of tests to assess and improve educational status; achievement test selection; and trend toward increased use of coaching materials to improve test performance. Professional literature on educational measurement is reviewed. (MBR)

Three articles present: results of survey of use of videocassettes and audiocassettes in academic and public libraries; (2) results of a survey of library collections of audiocassettes of books and their acceptance by patrons; and (3) a description of the operation of a videocircuit by a regional library system. (EJS)

Through an examination of U.S. circuit, district, and Supreme Court school library censorship cases from 1972 to 1982 an attempt is made to discover whether school officials' actions and court officials' decisions show a reverence for the spirit of First Amendment freedom of expression guarantees. (MBR)

By increasing salaries, raising hiring standards, improving working conditions, and giving teachers more professional status, public education will greatly improve the quality of its teachers, but the best will not be attracted until base salaries are above $30,000 or other means are found to bring top scholars into the field. (MSE)

Discusses methodology and results of a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts in which bored versus stressed subjects were provided opportunities to watch television. Results indicate bored subjects more frequently selected exciting rather than relaxing programs, while stressed subjects selected similar quantities of each program type.…

Report on the role of public library services in adult literacy education highlights the nature of service clientele, literacy program development in the United States and Australia, literacy research projects, patterns of service, library collection development, and librarian training. Footnotes are given. (EJS)

A survey of sociology departments revealed that good teaching is not taken seriously in evaluation of candidates for new positions and in decisions regarding promotion and merit pay increases. The relative weights given to teaching and research and how to overcome resistance to rewarding teaching excellence are discussed. (Author/RM)

Surveys the textbook censorship picture over the past decade with particular attention to the activities of Tim LaHaye and Norma and Mel Gabler. Suggests 10 steps teachers can take to try and protect controversial texts from censorship. (RBW)

Reviews over 50 textbooks grouped into three categories: (1) workbooks; (2) sentence style books, most of which use sentence combining as the fundamental type of exercise; and (3) copy books, which are used by directly copying passages with signals for particular changes. (EL)

Examines policies and procedures concerning substitute teachers in public schools in the 19-state area encompassed by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (MH)

Investigates collective nature of commercially prepared language development materials, identifying features describing language use in communicative events. Profiles collective nature of language development materials. Presents survey of practicing bilingual educators' perceptions of language use. Discusses findings, conclusions, and implications…

Proposes that objective-referenced tests replace norm-referenced tests as a vehicle for program evaluation. Describes a methodology, based on latent trait theory, for joining norm-referenced and objective-referenced testing in a customized testing program. (TE)

The purpose of this research study was to illustrate the ways in which out-of-level testing policies have changed over the three years from 2000-2001 to 2003-2004. In 2000-2001, 12 states were using out-of-level tests to measure student progress toward content standard proficiency. A detailed research study conducted at the end of 2000-2001 to…

Confused about how to start on your journey as an educator? This ultimate guide to getting hired and staying inspired is a must-purchase for any beginning elementary school teacher. Donna M. Donoghue and her coauthors have done the legwork for you and provide great tips, strategies, and tactics for getting your foot in the door and beginning a…

In this guide, transition is defined as the period of time when adolescents are moving into adulthood. This guide is designed to (a) help youth and the adults who work with them understand the role of assessment in transition and (b) describe ways to collect and use data that will lead to informed choices based on accurate assessment of each…