This review employs a conceptual framework that distinguishes methods of detecting measurement bias based on either observed or unobserved conditional invariance models. The primary interest is in group-level measurement bias. Methods for bias detection in both continuous and ordered-categorical measures are reviewed, as are methods for testlets…

Survey of 43 British secondary teachers showed that the National Curriculum positively influenced teaching methods, encouraging greater variety in delivery and more active learning. Concern was expressed that these practices may be hindered if national assessment tests are narrow in nature and content. (SK)

Reviews the debate over the compatibility of education for academic degrees the competency-based approach required by Britain's National Vocational Qualifications. Considers problems in the definition of competence and the methods of assessment. (SK)

The five chapters of this report provide resources that deal with the validity, generalizability, comparability, performance standards, and fairness, equity, and bias of performance assessments. The book is written for experienced educational measurement practitioners, although an extensive familiarity with performance assessment is not required.…

Evaluates the ultimate goals of environmental and ecological education. Examines two versions of an established outdoor ecology program in a national park. Surveys students (N=700) using knowledge statements. Contains 64 references. (DDR)

Describes the benefits found by five tribal colleges, in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, that collaborated to achieve a more culturally aware accreditation assessment. Contends that colleges must have measurable objectives and outcomes and that they should use data to encourage student success. (VWC)

Reports statewide data on post-college earnings of students who last attended a California community college during the 1992-93 academic year. Presents analyses by age group, vocational major, and economic disadvantage. Discusses methodology, as well as policy implications, for using earnings data derived from administrative databases. Contains 14…

Reflects on the personal experiences and research that lead to the idea of recruiting avocation teachers in Jewish supplementary schools. Raises provocative questions about the possibilities and limitations of avocational teachers as a vehicle for improving the quality of these schools. (DSK)

Presents observations on the state of democracy, race, politics, and education in South Africa based on a recent trip to that country. Discusses the material and historical realities of race, the teaching of history, possibilities for inclusive histories, and postcolonial politics. (DSK)

Argues that the heterogeneity of teacher training in Switzerland provides a quasi-experimental situation, and evaluates teacher training within the framework of a national research program concerning the efficiency of educational systems. Points to resulting questions about the selection and standard of contents in teacher training. (DSK)

Argues that understanding the crisis of youth must be central to any notion of literacy, pedagogy, and cultural politics. Offers suggestions for the political and pedagogical roles educators might play in addressing the crisis of youth as part of the broader crisis of public life. (NH)

Examines the relationship between institutional spending patterns and performance funding standards at the 14 public community colleges in Tennessee. Analyses reveal a relationship between expenditure categories and performance standard scores, with higher scoring colleges spending a greater portion of funds on academic support and instruction…

Offers an "outsider's perspective" on social education by someone who worked in other subfields of education before entering social studies. Discusses problems in social education, for example, the paucity of research in the field and the lack of perceived importance of social education. (DSK)

Reports on the development and validation of a universal inventory that equips health professionals and medical educators with a diagnostic tool to measure the state of their school's teaching and learning climate. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Describes approaches for evaluating the effectiveness of a school's music program. Discusses the expertise-oriented approach (relies heavily on professional judgment of committee members), objectives-oriented approach (examines curricular goals and outcomes), and naturalistic approach (uses qualitative inquiry techniques). Includes a list of…