An expanded framework for validating tests is needed to include the perspectives of teachers and students as well as of test makers and scientists. The development of educational assessments must take place within an understanding of how tests are used in context. (SLD)

Results from a statewide survey of 100 Alabama day care program directors identified the scope of health education activities, the program directors' perceptions of benefits and barriers to health education in child care settings, and factors affecting the adoption and delivery of early childhood health education programs. (IAH)

Techniques of cost-effectiveness analysis and their applications to educational policy are discussed. Recommendations are made to increase the capacity of evaluators, policy analysts, and decision makers to use these tools appropriately for resource allocation. (SLD)

The ways an institution, committed to assessment as a means to focus attention on the curriculum and the learning environment, can accomplish its purpose are described. The assessment process at Western Michigan University is described. (MLW)

This article describes the Valley Education Consortium, a long-term, ongoing school-university partnership to achieve concurrent improvements in secondary school curriculum and assessment. The partnership consists of 10 school districts in western Oregon, three county education service districts, the Oregon State University-Western Oregon State…

Discusses a new paradigm for choosing educational software, based on the perspectives of the teacher, student, and designer; describes a study of the use of this paradigm by a group of teachers. Results indicated the paradigm helped assessors to articulate a holistic awareness of educational issues, enabling a coherent review of pedagogical,…

Describes an educational experiment at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland) in which 40% of the mathematics assessment for the students' first year was undertaken by a computer program. Discusses aspects of security, human-computer interface, and educational matters such as partial credit, and presents implications for the future.…

To develop a curriculum for advanced general dentistry, the University of Kentucky surveyed 40 practicing dentists concerning inclusion of 65 topics. Fifty-nine topics were voted essential or desirable, 40 by a two-thirds majority. The Delphi Technique was found useful for involving potential students in curriculum design, and the resulting…

Interviews with 24 academics and 2 students in 3 Finnish universities examined their attitudes toward quality assessment, the most appropriate assessment unit, connection of assessment and decision making, the value of peer review, and the issue of "bad" teaching. In general, attitudes toward quality assessment were positive. (JDD)

Observational studies of student learning from classroom experience in science and social studies in elementary and middle school classrooms were carried out with 14 students. A model is described that explains how students use multilayered episodic and semantic memory for learning experience and related knowledge to answer achievement test items.…

Using portfolios as vehicles for reflection and professional development was studied with 32 physical therapy students, 12 baccalaureate nursing students, and 5 master's degree nursing students. Results suggest that portfolios are useful in professional development, though they may vary in structure and complexity. (SLD)

The world outside of schools has changed four to five times faster than the world inside. Students live in a technological, information-based society that is increasingly driven by global competition. Students in other countries score better in applied knowledge than do U.S. students. (MLF)

Cost factors associated with the development, administration, and scoring of performance assessment tasks are examined in the context of a statewide or other large-scale assessment program. Resources of money, time, and expertise are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a British study of education and training for older adults. Briefly reviews older adults' participation in education and training, and identifies issues and obstacles. Defines a policy agenda, puts forth initial policy proposals, and discusses issues of quality and cost effectiveness. Refers to exemplary practices among employers and…

Defines a portfolio as a container of documents that provide evidence. Suggests the following questions that most be considered in using portfolios in educational assessment: (1) What does the portfolio contain evidence about? (2) What will count as evidence in the portfolio? (PR)