Attempts to explain the basis for criticisms of comparative education and to demonstrate some valuable progress toward meeting them. Describes the efforts of the I.E.A. project to compare educational achievement in different countries. (Author/RK)

An education reporter who took a leave of absence to observe competency-based education writes about his findings, which include both support and criticism of competency-based programs. (MF)

Analyzes the effects of quantity of schooling on achievement. The author concludes that, contrary to earlier findings, quantity of schooling is not of great practical importance for achievement. Additional research is called for. (Author/DB)

Recognition of various abilities and skills in university degree work, and the development of an appropriate range of assessment modes to test these abilities, presupposes that students will perform differently under the various forms of assessment. The limited data available to test this supposition are reviewed and analysis of one geography…

Analyzes five studies that evaluated vocational education research and development conducted during the past three years and makes recommendations for future evaluations in this area. A table of comparison factors for the five studies supplements the text. (MF)

This article describes an effective method for evaluating counseling efforts. It applies a modification of goal-attainment scaling to the school counseling setting. (Author)

Intended for rehabilitation teachers, the article explains the importance of the first meeting with a visually handicapped student and discusses how to use activities of daily living skills as a means of evaluating the student. (Author/IM)

Presents an inventory instrument designed to facilitate conversation, communication, and assessment of programs and goals in secondary science teacher education. (SL)

Examples of possible methods for unobtrusively evaluating student progress through real problem solving outcomes without formal testing are illustrated. These methods include the use of interviews, artifacts, observations, I learned statements, checklists, flow of discussion charts, and self-awareness exercises. (MN)

Examines the interdependence of the community and the educational process in the United States and West Germany. Recommends development of educational models which will politicize learning in schools and help children become more effective citizens. For journal availability, see SO 505 820. (Author/DB)

It is argued by some critics of the education system that a conspiracy exists to maintain the status quo rather than to educate; this claim suggests a deliberate policy of suppression without examining the more complex reasons for flaws in the system. (JD)

This article tackles the debate on general intelligence tests versus specific skills assessment as predictors of academic performance. In a Minneapolis study, a wide range of tests were given to 355 preschoolers. Results from a test assessing early reading skills more closely predicted actual third grade reading achievement than did results from…

Discusses how criterion referenced testing, when combined with a program of individualized instruction, can result in each student's achieving his maximum potential. Describes positive results of such a program in which Mexican American students made great gains in a short time. Mentions implications for all children with so-called learning…

Sets criteria for social and educational adequacy of standardized tests. Drawing an analogy, the author says people would not subject themselves to medical tests unless they could anticipate a diagnosis and, if all is not lost, a treatment. Says standardized tests are not diagnostic, serve to maintain inequality, and should not be continued.…

Discusses the institutional effects of education as a system of social legitimation which confers success on some and failure on others. Comparative and experimental studies are suggested. (Author/DB)