This article outlines the standards, accountability and assessment measures mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In addition to summarizing the accountability measures, the author outlines the consequences associated with failing to meet performance expectations and provides a comprehensive list of NCLB assessment vocabulary terms and…

Begins by distinguishing between internal and external forms of assessment. Methods and criteria for internal assessment are determined by the appropriate academic and governance structures within the institution. External assessment criteria usually are determined by an entity outside of an individual institution. Examines the utility of…

Forty-nine African American children (ages 3-5) enrolled in Head Start were assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Their mean score was significantly lower than the mean for the normative sample. Few items were systematically missed; instead, performance seemed reflective of socioeconomic and/or ethnic patterns of vocabulary usage.…

Describes the organizational culture at Shoreline Community College (Washington) and how it supports data collection and assessment throughout the institution. Traces the development of the culture and identifies key organizational practices and characteristics underlying the college's commitment to assessment theory and practice. (Contains 12…

Describes Ireland's participation in an international comparative study investigating childhood services settings, types of services used, and reasons for particular choices (the IEA Preprimary Project). Provides account of recent developments in early education in Ireland, addresses the question of quality in service provision, and describes…

This paper explores assessment issues that are problematic in a performance-based subject in a school-based assessment context, that of secondary school physical education in Queensland (Australia). A strength of the program has been its movement toward authentic assessment characterized by relevant tasks. (SLD)

Provides a bibliography of introductory resources regarding community college leadership roles. Explores whether there is a leadership crisis in the community college, if such a leadership crisis can be predicted, and if there is, actually, an excess of leadership. (Contains 15 resources.) (AUTH/NB)

This article reviews research associated with instructional programs on writing strategies that are part of the "Learning Strategies Curriculum." The research shows that secondary students with disabilities can learn to use complex writing strategies to such an extent that they can write multi-paragraph themes appropriate for general education…

Addresses issues in evaluating the consequences of assessment programs that are developed to hold schools accountable to state standards. Proposes a validation study to obtain consequential evidence for state assessment and accountability programs that includes a validity argument, propositions that follow from the validity argument, a definition…

Examines current educational trends in the community colleges, based on critical issues addressed at the 2002 Community College Futures Assembly (CCFA) in Orlando, Florida. Describes the CCFA as an independent policy forum, sponsored by the University of Florida, that convenes annually. Discusses the top three critical issues presented: the needs…

A sampling of student assessment and accountability in selected countries to help put trends in the United States in perspective. Examines national student assessments in England, France, and Hong Kong. Also looks at several international collaborative assessment projects for reading literacy, mathematics, and science. (Contains 10 references.)…

Argues for a redefining of the concept of "academic major" for students and administrators. Stresses that students should be challenged to developing skills to invest in their educational outcomes rather than fulfill requirements of the major. Argues for administrators to abandon the concept of "major," replacing it with "fields of study." (DMM)

This special issue contains a collection of 2 editorials and 15 articles concerning the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Mathematics which were produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1989. Sections include "Background,""Implementation,""Issues," and "Reactions." (CW)

Described are the composition, design, administration, and evaluation of practical examinations. A table of the composition of biochemical unknowns for analysis in practical examinations is included. (CW)

Reports that the procedures for scholastic achievement in West Germany are established by the state administration, including judicial review of student evaluation. This judicial review is largely formal and not specific to schooling. Advocates the insertion of pedagogical criteria into the legal review of student assessment. (Author/LS)