This document presents five scenarios, each referring to a means of assessing learning. These examples are then used to discuss pitfalls faced when tests are used to assess learning, and the conclusion is reached that testing should play a supportive role only, not a major role in the quest for excellence. Effective schools research shows that…

This paper presents a study of the contrast of social and clinical perspectives on the selection and use of information by school staff, including: (1) an outline of the context and activities of the study; (2) a definition and discussion of the basic distinction between social and clinical perspectives; (3) an examination of case material…

The National Board of Inquiry on Schools conducted hearings in nine states to determine the extent to which equal educational opportunity has been achieved and to identify the areas in which additional efforts must be made. The study found several significant achievements and changes, but also found that inadequate funding and prejudicial…

In response to the Utah State Board of Education's new high school graduation requirements, five task forces of adult basic education teachers were charged with the identification of functional competencies for adult students in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and computation, and with the development of curricular materials…

An approach was developed based on item-response models defined at the level of salient subject groups rather than at the level of individuals, designed for use with multiple-matrix sampling designs. In each of three National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics subtopics, Reiser's group-effects latent trait model was fitted to…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a federally funded, nationwide survey of educational achievement in 10 academic fields. The program is examined to determine whether viable alternatives exist to measure educational achievement. The information produced by NAEP concerns the educational achievement of 9-year-olds;…

The Arkansas Educational Assessment Program (AEAP) was initiated in 1979 when the Arkansas legislature passed Act 666, the Education Assessment Act. AEAP provides meaningful data on student achievements to educators, legislators, parents and citizens on the status and progress of Arkansas basic skills education. This information assists schools in…

This document presents a transcript of the hearing on science, mathematics, and technology education in the public schools, held by the National Commission on Excellence in Education at Stanford University, March 11, 1982. National perspectives on the topic were given by representatives from the National Academy of Sciences, the Council of…

This four-section report presents information on the 1982-83 Louisiana State Assessment Program. The major purpose of the program is to assess student performance in reading, writing, and mathematics. Section I discuses the scope of the 1982-83 program, provides highlights of results, and briefly considers test administration and reporting…

The main barrier to effective instructional practice is lack of information. Comprehensive information systems are evolving which will capture and present the information required for a truly effective and efficient education system. Barriers to computerized information systems are no longer technical but stem from a lag in the will, wisdom, and…

Focusing on technical issues, this paper critiques proposed changes in assessment procedures at the further educational level (ages 16 through 18) in England and Wales. Major structural changes are taking place at this educational level, partly because of large scale youth unemployment. The two current examination systems for the final year of…

The lack of high quality data to describe and monitor U.S. educational systems hampers reform decisions and will impair reform evaluation. This paper sets forth the Council of Chief State School Officers' (CCSSO) recommendations for the Council and federal, state, and local education agencies to help improve the quality of educational indicators.…

Educational outcomes are most commonly defined as the consequences of educational programs or as changes in individuals as a result of an educational program. Vocational education outcomes are those that occur specifically as a result of a vocational education program. The processes and criteria used to identify outcomes of vocational education…

A study authorized by the General Assembly of Virginia during the 1983 session examined the specific education and training strategies that the state should pursue to meet the demands of technological advancements. Information was gathered concerning instructional computing, computer science programs, the needs of local school divisions,…

Intended for students taking the Grade 3 Language Arts Achievement Test in Alberta Canada, this booklet contains the reading portion of the test, which consists of 36 multiple choice questions related to the 10 stories, reports, poems, or short paragraphs provided in the booklet. The machine-readable answer sheet is included in the booklet. (EL)