Argues that tests should be used to improve instructional programs. Specific suggestions include the study of reports on test performance, item analysis on classroom tests, item analysis as a part of standardized test reports, use of diagnostic or inventory tests, and careful selection of test items. (PK)

State policymakers have the following options in attempting to ameliorate the high school dropout problem: (1) additional money; (2) general aid or targeted aid; (3) incentives or mandates. Research findings on the effect of each of those options are summarized and suggestions for state policies are made. (PS)

Provides an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials dealing with the community college mission, educational quality, maintaining an effective faculty, effects and management of retrenchment, and the state role in community college education. (LAL)

The present status of mathematics education in Japanese schools is described, focusing on students and on ways to improve high school mathematics education. Data from the Second International Mathematics Study and a Japanese survey test are included, as well as information on student attitudes, improvement, and teaching methods. (MNS)

Argues that the public distrusts the educational system because it feels the system resists evaluation, has fuzzy objectives, is awash in theory, is against research, ignores the costs to the public, and is preoccupied with political concerns. Suggests that communication between parents, teachers, and the public may help change these views. (SRT)

The emerging population of learning disabled college students is presenting a new challenge to college professionals: admission officers, counselors, financial aid personnel, academic advisors, and professors. Learning disablities interfere with the ability to perceive, process, sort, store, or retrieve information regardless of level of…

A study showed that the acquisition of voting knowledge in a civics class positively influenced ninth- and tenth-grade students' attitudes toward voting. Teachers should give students a solid foundation concerning the electoral process and encourage students to participate in the political process. (RM)

This overview of educational evaluation in the Netherlands provides background and details the state of the art in student, curriculum, and innovation evaluation. The role of international evaluation issues (such as evaluation criteria and the decision-making process) in evaluation theory and practice in The Netherlands is discussed. (BS)

This paper discusses classroom variables as an academic ecology; describes how linking assessment to effective intervention requires an understanding of this ecology; reviews procedures for assessing the academic ecology including classroom observations, teacher interviews, and examination of permanent academic products; and presents a case study…

The potential value of developing item banks that would both guarantee the quality of teacher-made examinations and allow for national comparison of student achievement is described. Use of Rasch model methods, rather than classical item analysis techniques, to calibrate the items for these banks is illustrated. (BS)

Distinguishes between Stanley Fish's idea of interpretive communities and rhetorical communities and asserts that because language is the passport to these communities, schools should seek ways to help students enter the communities to which they seek access. Cites evidence from an international study of writing to support the idea of rhetorical…

A statewide performance funding initiative provided a strong incentive to examine student outcomes. The result has been a systematic program of data collection and dissemination that has significantly affected both the curriculum and the university's budgeting process. (Author/MSE)

This study employs a program evaluation method to collect intervention effectiveness data for a special education program designed to serve mildly handicapped students with reading difficulties. The potential contributions of effectiveness data to decision making are discussed within the context of a classification model. (Author/LMO)

Geographic literacy pre- and posttests administered to 19 community college students in an introductory regional geography course showed that many students, including education majors, are functionally illiterate in geographic concepts and skills. Ways that teachers can increase their geographic literacy are discussed. (RM)

Demonstrates the interrelationship of the language arts--talking, listening, reading, and writing--as children explore and respond to the meaning in books. Notes that observing and listening in classrooms is a powerful tool for teachers seeking to assess children's learning. Shows how talking about books contributes to children's learning. (HTH)