This article proposes a formative appraisal system for improving classroom instruction that is characterized by a small number of teachers for each supervisor, cooperative goal setting, and the use of modeling techniques, low-inference observation instruments, and regular, timely feedback. Anticipated benefits include greater teacher…

Presented is a discussion of the change in the assessment of education in Australian schools from a system external to the schools to one internal to the schools. (SL)

Among the questions that are asked are the following: who will assess Black Studies at white universities; how will the assessment and evaluation be handled; and what criteria for assessment will be used. (Author/AM)

Declining test scores have been a major cause for concern in the past year. Describes the decline and explores some possible causes. (Editor/RK)

While other explanations cannot be ruled out completely, the most plausible explanation for the decline in test scores is that school achievement is down. Confirmation of this view is found in areas other than test scores. (Author/IRT)

This article outlines the linguistic control criteria of the CILA (Swiss Interuniversity Commission for Applied Linguistics) for a series of tapes dealing with the problem of the "schwa" in French. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

Suggests that the observation of student behavior may be a better method of assessing learning than the use of standardized tests and outlines several observational techniques, including student commentaries, shadow studies, checklists, and anecdotal records. (Author/JG)

This summative evaluation of Teacher Corps' training programs assesses the overall effectiveness of the training in terms of changes in intern teaching behavior. Five behaviors changed in frequency significantly and support is provided for the use of modeling, feedback, practice and reinforcement to influence teacher behavior. (BT)

The sample classroom observation checklist enables educators to judge the level of implementation of an innovative program in a classroom and in a school. (IRT)

The status of higher education in India is reviewed, with focus on the impact of colonial rule over the centuries and on the lack of homogeneity among educators. (LBH)

Standards of literacy in America have been severely criticized recently, but the author points out that the complaint was heard at least 100 years ago. The illusions surrounding America's literate past are shattered and reasons for the proportion of literate people remaining the same are explained. (Author/LBH)

Defines oral communication competency and reports a project designed to measure "minimal competency" in cognitive and behavioral/performance dimensions of oral communication. Includes a taxonomy of sample competencies for the basic course and an approach to criterion-referenced measurement. (MH)

This report begins with a discussion of why performance comparisons between charter and noncharter schools can be complicated. It also summarizes the most recent data from California's assessment and accountability systems, comparing types of charter schools and looking at them within the context of the larger system. An overview of the often…

Smart testing is concerned with what is tested and why, whether the testing instruments are up to the task, and how test results are used. Smart testing provides information in a timely fashion, and uses results to make accurate generalizations drawn from the data. This report is concerned with three smart testing components: (1) strong state…

As rural states nationwide struggle with cuts in education funding, declining enrollments and increased costs it becomes crucial to examine those schools that are successful in educating their students. These higher performing schools can then be used as models for education excellence throughout the state. Defining higher-performing is not an…