Several methods for determining a passing score on an examination from individual raters' estimates of minimal pass levels were compared through simulation. The methods used differed in the weighting estimates for each item received in the aggregation process. Reasons why the simplest procedure is most preferred are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses the weaknesses and strengths of both term papers and short reports in fulfilling the supplementary goals of an introductory biochemistry course, namely, the development of written communication skills in concert with the presentation of course materials. (JJK)

Offers suggestions to make homework more beneficial to students and teachers. Discusses motivating students, planning assignments, grading, communicating teacher expectations, and maintaining consistency with respect to homework. (MDH)

Presents the experiences of a Russian mathematician teaching in Russian and American Universities. Topics discussed include what was taught, the importance of grades, cultural and parental factors, mathematicians' attitudes toward teaching, and some problems in elementary mathematics. (MDH)

Discusses how various school districts are addressing school quality on tight budgets. Options discussed include use of portable classrooms, streamlining non-educational services, leasing and performance contracting, and energy improvements and working with power utilities to cut costs. Argues for adopting and enforcing ISO 9000 standards to…

Research indicates that the most profound barriers to implementing portfolio assessments are time requirements and grading difficulties. Principals can help teachers by allowing released time for organizing meetings, developing curriculum, networking, and grading portfolios. Teachers also need recognition and storage/documentation materials and…

Investigated whether students report professors are excellent teachers if little studying is required to receive high grades. Evaluations from 1,939 students in 75 first-year classes found that when grades varied markedly across sections of the same course, professors assigning the highest grades for the least studying received the highest…

Provides guidelines to make grades a better assessment of learning. Argues that, for any assessment task to be fair, its content, context, and performance expectations should (1) reflect knowledge appropriate to all students; (2) tap knowledge that all students have had time to acquire in the class; and (3) and be as free as possible of cultural,…

Explains that a portfolio is a collection of student work that reflects the course content and is assembled by the student in a folder or binder over a specified period of time. Discusses how to use portfolios, the benefits of using portfolios as assessment tools, and potential concerns teachers need to address. (CMK)

Surveys 117 English teachers to determine their current essay grading practices and their preferences for receiving and using computer ratings. Almost all of the teachers reported that they would use computer ratings to provide feedback to students. However, many reported that they would do less marking on student essays that are rated by computer…

Making report cards more understandable and valuable to users is a top priority for educators revising them. Administrators should tie report cards to new standards and exams; be open-minded; involve parents, teachers, and schools; check with technology people; and strive for clarity. A Maryland district's experience is profiled. (MLH)

In their widely read article "Inside the Black Box," the authors demonstrated that improving formative assessment raises student achievement. Now in this article, they and their colleagues report on a follow-up project that has helped teachers change their practice and students change their behavior so that everyone shares responsibility…

When the instructor violates the norms of teaching, there is an impact on student learning.

High school teacher and instructional coach Tony Winger laments how traditional classroom grading practices lead to grades becoming a distraction from learning--a commodity students feel they work the system to attain--rather than a clear message to students and parents. Teachers' passion for their subjects is too often met with students'…

Assigning students to different classes on the basis of their achievement levels (tracking, streaming, or ability grouping) is an extensively used strategy with widely debated consequences. The authors developed a model of the effects of tracking on self-concept and interest that integrates the opposing predictions of "assimilation" and…