Addresses the involvement of international interest groups in defining and determining educational quality in developing countries, suggesting that global measures of quality damage the educational systems of developing countries by creating feelings of isolation and inferiority. Suggests alternative measures which meet global standards and may be…

This article is organized into two parts: (1) a review of literature on teachers' grading practices, and (2) a discussion of the findings about teachers' grading practices in light of evaluation and motivation theory. The discussion considers both research implications and practical recommendations. (Author)

Assesses the provision of universal primary education in seven rural villages in Guatemala. Indicates that although increasing numbers of children are enrolling in school, repetition and dropout rates remain high and that girls are at a greater disadvantage than boys. Suggests that families, communities, and schools provide input into policy…

The utility of item response theory (IRT) models in computerized adaptive tests is considered. Measurement questions that have been answered using IRT, and those that might be overlooked because of IRT, are reviewed. Areas in which fuller use of IRT could improve adaptive testing practices are identified. (SLD)

Describes a nontraditional technique for identifying gifted African American children. Defining giftedness from an African culture-centered perspective is discussed. The Gifted Children Locator for Parents and a version for teachers are presented as behavioral-observational interview rating scales. Studies with 64 and 284 children support validity…

Because assessment instruments of the future may well be composed of a combination of types of questions, a way to combine those scores effectively is discussed. Two new graphic tools are presented that show that it may not be practical to equalize the reliability of different components. (SLD)

Discusses ways in which technology can affect learning, beginning with the nature of the learning process. Topics addressed include characteristics in the educational encounter, i.e., exposition, explanation, challenge, assessment, and motivation; characteristics and roles of students and teachers; matching appropriate technology with particular…

Research on the use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) with hearing-impaired children is reviewed. An adaptation for the hearing-impaired was administered to 127 deaf children approximating the WISC-R standardization sample. The WISC-R appeared to provide satisfactory psychometric assessment when its limitations were…

A major challenge facing state policymakers who are demanding a high level of accountability in education is to design an accountability mechanism to track educational reform. The structure and uses of eight exemplary approaches to accountability are examined, resulting in a set of design characteristics for state accountability mechanisms. (TJH)

Experiences of the author in creating and implementing accreditation-like reviews of graduate teacher education programs in Indonesia are described. Lessons are drawn that might be useful for those who want to introduce program evaluation and accreditation into Third World countries. (SLD)

Based on experiences in working with school district staff, suggestions for enhancing evaluation use through stakeholder involvement are discussed in terms of who should be involved, when involvement should occur, and how stakeholders should be involved via a dialogue-dependent process. (SLD)

Presents a variety of literacy evaluation strategies devised and implemented by a teacher who is making the transition to whole language. (MG)

Reviews two recent professional publications concerning alternative assessment: "Portfolio Assessment in the Reading-Writing Classroom" and "Assessment and Evaluation in Whole Language Programs." (MG)

A Michigan school district has developed its own system to ensure the quality of student learning, and the school board has been actively involved. Although ranking near the bottom in Michigan's per-student dollar expenditures, Mattawan students consistently rank among the state's best. (MLF)

A scenario and accompanying questions and answers are posed to help educators examine possible problems in interpreting a student's test score profile. Profiles developed and used soundly are very helpful, but possible pitfalls in test interpretation must be recognized. (SLD)