Presents a critical analysis of reports and empirical literature on the quality of candidates in teacher education programs, and describes the results of a nation-wide survey of basic skills competencies required of such candidates. (BJV)

The article raises misgivings toward recent proposals to require standardized literacy testing for 10- to 14-year-olds in Australia. Three other papers on the dangers and possibilities of literacy assessment are reviewed. It is concluded that the teacher parent partnership and learning are threatened by an increased government role in assessment.…

The potential contribution of classroom research as a tool in the training of teaching assistants is explored. By collecting data on what students are learning in their classrooms, teachers can assess the effectiveness of their own teaching. (MLW)

This essay provides examples of two types of educational assessment that serve two interrelated purposes of the reform movement. The first are climate-related evaluations that have created a sense of crisis, thereby stimulating a desire for change in schools. The second are policy-related evaluations at the state level that have stimulated major…

Reviews actions taken by the Scottish Education Department that have led to research investigating school effectiveness and school improvement efforts in Scottish schools. Efforts included defining the research context, analysis of research relating to school effectiveness and school improvement, and examining the interplay between government…

A needs assessment survey examining whether high school students' needs for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education were being met indicated that they all received such education, though there were discrepancies between what the literature suggests about effective programs and what they received. Their…

Referent structures produced by the instructor, other experts, averaged experts, and the best students were compared with those of 71 college students for their ability to predict examination performance in computer-programming courses and to differentiate among levels of expertise. Differences among expert referents are discussed. (SLD)

The instructional impact of criterion-referenced testing during the past three decades is reviewed, and a method of devising criterion-referenced tests is suggested that departs from the usual model. Adding verification along the lines of panel review that newly constructed test items do elicit appropriate information is suggested. (SLD)

A performance-standard setting procedure termed judgmental policy capturing (JPC) and its application are described. A study involving 12 panelists demonstrated the feasibility of the JPC method for setting performance standards for classroom teachers seeking certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. (SLD)

Documents the approach and the design decisions taken during the establishment of a quality system for teaching activities in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. Describes the motivations for performing the work, how it was organized and resourced, the approach adopted, and the impact of the Higher Education…

Theoretical and practical issues that must be considered in the design, use, and interpretation of large-scale assessments that use collaborative small-group work are explored. It is necessary to ensure that collaboration works toward, rather than against, the purposes of the assessment. (SLD)

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of outcome-based education (OBE). Indicates that OBE's emphasis on concrete, demonstrable results allows educators to implement a unified and effective curriculum but that its methods raise questions about student motivation, the value of effort over ability, and compromised educational standards. (MAB)

Presents anecdotal data from informal discussions with 12 secondary teachers about types of evidence of students' mathematics achievements that were used by the teachers. Discusses oral evidence, written work, observed actions, voluntary use of mathematics, knowledge of the child, teachers' views of mathematics, and behavior and body language.…

Discusses the use of the Calculus & Mathematica materials, presents an objective assessment of student performance based on a uniform final exam, presents a summary of student perceptions drawn from responses to survey questions, and gives an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the courseware. (19 references) (Author/MKR)

Drawing on British data, this article discusses issues involved in analyzing educational indicator data. Gross productivity, new productivity, and inequality are discussed as types of indicators that describe interdistrict variation in Great Britain. Recommendations are made regarding features of an educational assessment that would be necessary…