Describes a study of the accuracy of student responses on objective tests. Investigators examined the frequency of correctness on initial responses versus changed responses, and the relationship to degree of familiarity of the content. Results show that changing test answers tends to produce more right than wrong answers by more students.…

Ways in which teaching neurology can be simplified for the nonspecialist practitioner are addressed in this assessment of the state-of-the-art in France. The hypothesis implies simplifying both the diagnoses and symptomatology. (LBH)

Comments on the content of pharmacy education are offered in this conference speech. Considered are: assumptions and factors influencing change in developments within the health care system; decision-making; entry-level education; educational concerns; advanced-level practice; and education of basic-science faculty. (LBH)

This article is concerned with the report of a panel of national experts on continuing education. The panel recommended that continuing education courses for industrial workers and college faculty be offered on campus. They cited motivation problems and the need for tangible rewards for employees taking courses. (MA)

A description of the program through which the state of Michigan has assessed the minimal competencies of its school pupils is given. (JT)

The purpose for which a test is needed is the most important criterion for deciding which type of student assessment tool should be used. Standardized tests were developed as sorting instruments based upon certain views of knowledge and learning. Educators, according to their own values, must either bring standardized tests more into line with…

Rather than requiring individuals to adapt to means of instruction, the desired objective is to adapt the conditions of instruction to individuals. This objective can be realized if learning can be designed to take account of an individual's profile of achievements and cognitive skills. (Author/GC)

In this description of Michigan's state-wide testing program, implemented in 1969, to measure "educational health", the tests are designed to be administered to students in the fourth, seventh and tenth grades, and provide reports on individual students, classroom profiles, and school and district summaries. The author believes the…

The potential for performance indicators for the teaching function in higher education was examined. Study of data from Lanchester Polytechnic and Loughborough University indicates that there is support for the systematic collection of data on instruction and resource utilization patterns within and across institutions. (Author/LBH)

Responses to papers in this Quarterly by Roger W. Shuy and Courtney B. Cazden. (JM)

A four-stage approach in second-grade classrooms which: (1) contrasts urban vs. rural settings, (2) explains achievement results on standardized tests, (3) compares past program implementation with present. (Author/DAG)

Describes 10 warning signals of potential or actual problems within a school's talented and gifted education program. Eight references are appended. (IW)

Raises issues for public debate and discussion about the child's right to learn. Suggestions include immediate closure of harmful centers, state licensing laws, expanding present child care services in the public schools, and federal legislation of a Comprehensive Child Development Act that puts early childhood education programs into the public…

The complex and sensitive question of how to introduce new ideas and approaches into postsecondary education in ways that will facilitate their consideration and implementation is discussed. Assessment and the processes of change; changes in federal, state, institutional, and individual roles; and change models are described. (MLW)

New theory and practice in testing is replacing the standard test by the test item bank and classical test theory by item response theory. Eight papers and a commentary are presented in this special issue concerning test item banking. (SLD)