Dynamic assessment is described as a framework for the educational diagnosis of writing disabilities that is consistent with process models of writing instruction. Procedures use interview and response-to-instruction paradigms to study children's abilities and their knowledge of procedures for writing. Diagnostic protocols are outlined and…

A model for the recalibration of teacher assessment that assesses and evaluates in one operation is formulated. The instructional effectiveness coefficient is discussed as an edumetric device, and a new research-evaluation model that is quantitatively intuitive and empirical is formulated. The model is nonstochastic in its logic. (Author/SLD)

"Measuring Up" describes the current standards-based educational reform movement for a general audience and professionals who have not been involved in reform. The simplified perspective does not do justice to the complexity of reform issues in some contexts, but the case studies illustrating reform efforts are particularly useful. (SLD)

Learning environments and assessments must be designed to include homeless children in their reform efforts. Although homelessness is not a problem educators can solve, they must be sure that they do not contribute to its problems through neglect of disadvantaged children. (SLD)

Explores whether OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) inspections result in improvement in British schools. One-third of the 821 secondary teachers surveyed expressed an intention to change practice as a result of inspection. Seniority level was linked with intention to change and content of that change. Teaching experience, preparation,…

Findings from reports of 75 children (ages 3-5) with autism indicate 39% had no standardized assessments before education authorities determined their special education provision and only 9% had follow-up assessments for evaluating progress. The development of a protocol for prescribing specific educational intervention and evaluating progress is…

Discusses the significance, challenges and process of infusing assessment practices into religious education programs. Reports key findings from an assessment survey distributed to parish catechetical staffs and then outlines how assessment contributes to the creation of a strategic plan for faith formation. (Contains seven references.) (RC)

A systematic, consistent design framework provides a common language for educational change. A performance-based curriculum design model within a learning-centered framework focuses instruction on expectation and allows for varied and innovative teaching strategies. (SK)

Describes how Skagit Valley College (Washington) addresses program-level learning outcomes assessment. Reports that the activities and requirements related to the college's participation in the League for Innovation in the Community Colleges' 21st Century Learning Outcomes Project have encouraged a more comprehensive assessment effort. (Contains…

The mathematics self-efficacy and problem-solving performance of 327 middle school students were assessed with multiple-choice and open-ended methods. No differences in self-efficacy resulted from the different forms of assessment, although those who took the multiple-choice test had higher scores and better calibration of ability. (SLD)

Relationships between pretraining skills, learning, and posttest performance were studied in spatial and verbal tasks for 84 preschool children. The measurement model that fit the data best maintained separate verbal and spatial domains. The best structural model included paths from pretest and learning assessments to posttest performance within…

Data from large-scale international studies for 13 countries indicate that U.S. students are clearly not the most heavily tested students on earth if one compares systemwide tests by their duration. In the United States, tests are much more likely to be of low consequence for the student. (SLD)

A method to investigate consequential evidence of validity for a state assessment developed to change teacher instructional practices is presented. Survey responses from over 1,000 Kansas teachers were used to construct a path model that allowed effects of the state assessment to be studied at building and teacher levels. (SLD)

Describes the development of an educational audit tool to assess the quality of the learning environment for nursing students in practice settings. The tool evaluates the physical environment, the learning climate, and students' perceptions. (SK)

Reviews challenges to evaluation that are presented by integrated school-based services. Describes field-based evaluation approaches designed to yield valid and useful information about such programs. Calls for multistage evaluation approaches which includes qualitative and quantitative and process and outcome evaluations. Places emphasis on…