Empirical literature on the match between teacher-based assessments of student achievement levels and objective levels of student learning is examined. Data on the relationship between the teacher's a priori judgment and student's actual achievement reflect the validity or accuracy of teacher-judgment measures. (SLD)

Addresses the need to include all available data (physical, environmental, language, cognitive, affective, and educational correlates of reading) to evaluate students' reading strengths and weaknesses. Argues that this holistic approach makes the assessment of reading skills efficient and avoids test replication. (RS)

Reviews publications that examine the quality of American higher education and suggest methods for improving education at the baccalaureate level. The discussion covers the treatment of the role of college libraries in these reports, reactions of librarians to the reports, and the need for librarians to gain full participation in the education…

Describes the Dutch educational assessment system. Lists a number of critical remarks relative to the problems found in this assessment program. Suggests principles upon which a better examination system could be based. Points out ways in which this model would eliminate psychometric, educational, and political objections to the examination…

Presents an overview of two approaches for the maintenance of standards and explores the psychometric aspects of each. In the first approach, tests items are a fixed factor. In the second, two or more examinations can be constructed in advance. Suggests using the Rasch model to evaluate both approaches. (KO)

Identifies the main educational issues in Africa today as stagnation of enrollments and erosion of quality. Outlines policy strategies involving adjustment to demographic and fiscal realities, revitalization of the educational infrastructure, and selective expansion of services. Discusses the role of the international donor community. (SV)

Criticizes the World Bank report for (1) its neglect of African educational research; (2) recommended input-focused monitorial strategies to improve schooling that ignore curriculum and instructional issues; and (3) recommended cost-sharing and cost-recovery measures that finance qualitative improvements but erode quantitative gains in equitable…

Comments on World Bank report. Emphasizes the importance of raising teacher morale and motivation, providing primary education to the most deprived groups, and continuing technical and managerial training needed for Africa's development. Disagrees with the Bank's view that decentralization and school autonomy would improve administrative…

An analysis of current efforts underway to assess higher education student outcomes points out three potential problem areas (negative impact on curriculum and instruction; easily undermined assessment; correlation between assessment and instructional improvement) and suggests approaches to ameliorate these difficulties. (CB)

Topics related to the identification and use of effectiveness indicators in the economic analysis of education are discussed. These topics include the relation between economic concepts and educational production; the economic concept of utility; and the nature and use of input, process, output, and outcome indicators. (TJH)

A study of enrollment and degree rates in science, agriculture, and non-sciences in developing and developed countries suggests patterns are similar, with science and agriculture degrees somewhat higher for some developing nations. Results suggest that emphasis on science and agriculture are less crucial than overall enrollment in producing…

To deliver challenging, high-level, fast-paced instruction in public schools, the gifted and talented must be grouped together for at least those subjects in which they are talented and need differentiated instruction. Arguments that less able youth suffer in the absence of gifted students are flawed. (MSE)

Student responses in evaluating a chemistry program were used to map out significant objectives of the program, courses most liked, courses least liked, and the qualities of these courses and their lecturers. The significant objectives were those related to practical work, followed by those dealing with the world of work. (Author/MLW)

A survey of 167 institutions engaged in the regional reaccreditation process between 1987 and 1992 revealed that the presence of institutional research activities was positively related to the institution carrying out a systematic assessment of institutional effectiveness. (Author/MLW)

The evaluation and research unit of the Syracuse University Center for Instructional Development is described. The center provides information relative to courses, curricula, academic and nonacademic programs, academic and nonacademic administrative concerns, and institutional issues. The development of a new teaching assistant orientation program…