Critiques the recommendations proposed by the Bradley Commission on History in Schools' report on the state of history in the schools. Maintains that the recommendations are too narrowly centered, and points out that few members of the commission were from the public schools. Challenges the supposition that more history leads to good citizens. (RW)

Means by which state legislatures practice evaluation are examined by analyzing oversight strategies for monitoring recent educational reforms in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Focus is on the inextricable link between politics and oversight; the oversight strategy and methods for policy evaluation are largely…

Points out that it is unfair to evaluate art and design courses by using information concerning initial employment. Stresses that lateral movement is necessary for gaining wide experience in the field of design and argues that first destination statistics do not reflect this situation. Suggests continuous monitoring of graduates. (KO)

Presents study which extends the analysis of economic understanding and attitudes of high school students using a national data set of the Test of Economic Literacy (TEL). Using matched pre- and posttest scores, the study investigated factors that explained level of posttest economic achievement or attitudes and analyzed reasons for gains in…

Identifies questions pertinent to the issue of assessment. Notes that comparison of student achievements has negative social and psychological consequences. Suggests problems which are inherent in the process of assessment by objectives. Urges the measurement of the progress of each pupil from one stage of learning to the next. (KO)

Focuses upon three current issues in educational evaluation. Looks at the limitations of examinations and the interpretation of results in considering reliability and validity. Discusses grading and context of learning relative to formative and summative assessment. Deals with cultural background when exploring uniformity of testing versus…

Six essays are presented that discuss the definition, methodologies, and contexts of program environment evaluation. Specific topics covered include the use of profiles and models, social-psychological classroom environments, program/organization congruence, program personnel, and measuring implementation of social treatment. (TJH)

Discusses the components of curriculum alignment (agreement among stated objectives, instructional program, and assessment program) and presents the results and conclusions of a statewide curriculum alignment survey of the principals of Connecticut's public high schools. (SR)

Comments on World Bank report. Agrees with improved primary school quality as principal focus of endeavor, but suggests that Bank views on decentralization of primary school finance are incompatible with achievement of universal primary education. Questions whether suggested cost containment measures for higher education are politically feasible.…

Describes the financial crisis in African education, and comments on the World Bank's recommended educational strategies: selective expansion of services, financial adjustment through cost sharing and containment, and revitalization. Presents 26 specific suggestions for the Kenyan situation. (SV)

Summarizes the findings of a two-year study in Bahia (Brazil) designed to provide insight into the failure of the schooling system in Brazil to meet the educational needs of the population. Gives information from the literature review, reports on the survey results, and discusses a case study of four schools. (KO)

Discusses the differences in educational environment between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) and predominately White institutions. Emphasizes the following issues: (1) individualized attention; (2) educational outcomes; (3) admission standards; and (4) racism. (FMW)

A telephone survey was conducted to discover what colleges and universities were doing and calling assessment. Results indicated limited university involvement in activities commonly associated with the current assessment movement (measures of added value or student progress and growth). Reported activities were testing and evaluation. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the influence Harold D. Drummond's ideas had upon social studies education. Noting that, although Drummond had a great influence upon the development of research and researchers, the significance of his ideas lies in their emphasis upon the practitioner as scholar and vital contributor to the field. (KO)

Vocational interest assessment for handicapped students is discussed, and 10 popular vocational interest inventories for handicapped and non-handicapped individuals are reviewed. Recommendations for the use of interest inventories by school psychologists are made. Issues relating to the selection and interpretation of interest inventories are…