Reviews 7 books on curriculum and instruction. Among the themes are that reform should begin within the schools; schools must redefine intelligence as the ability to solve problems; and schools should use the past 20 years' worth of research on teaching and learning. Two books trace the political history of the Head Start Program. (MLF)

Entertains some general ideas about what arts accountability might look like, keeping in mind the obvious though often overlooked premise that testing should always be in the interests of the children tested. States why accountability is good for reasons beyond its perceived political expediency and outlines some of the major features necessary…

A review of public demand for accountability uncovers three types of educational assessment problems: demand for valid reading measures, need for a broader range of assessments, and value of assessments for various audiences. Integration of the various types of assessments is recommended. (SK)

Educational reforms will not automatically have the same effects for native English speakers and English language learners (ELLs). Equitable assessment for ELLs must consider equity issues of assessment technologies, provide information on ELLs' developing language abilities and content-area achievement, and be comprehensive, flexible, progress…

Develops the concept of policy model as an analytical tool for educational policy studies, using the Irish educational system as the cultural setting. Defines policy models as frameworks embodying linguistic, normative, and epistemic dimensions governing policy processes. Describes characteristics of policy model in relation to aspects of the…

This book is a collection of nine commissioned papers that consider the educational reform represented by performance assessments, their advantages and disadvantages, and the challenges of successful implementation. Both theoretical and practical issues are addressed. (SLD)

Observes that there are numerous imperatives for changes in U.S. mathematics teaching and learning, but, in many schools, classroom practice remains conventional. Examines the reforms enacted in a midsized, urban school district. Reports that the resources available for mathematics education restricted possibilities for reform. (DSK)

Argues that there is little rationale behind current methods of assessing higher-education quality because there is little exploration of what constitutes quality. Despite good intentions, quality monitoring has become overly bureaucratic, and potential for significant change is hampered by an inappropriate focus on accountability, not on…

Discusses weaknesses in the system for rating educational quality in medical schools, and suggests ways to enhance the mechanics of the ratings task, the system used to obtain ratings, and factors affecting raters' judgments. The effect of the current health-care environment on ratings is examined, and guidelines are offered for a national effort…

Begins by questioning the significance of the form of institution in which teacher training occurs. Outlines reasons for doubting arguments against transferring teacher education out of universities. Presents three possible politico-educational strategies for reforming teacher training: (1) administrative, (2) professional-political, and (3)…

Explores the relationship between national standards as policy recommendations and the transformation of those recommendations into programs for school science and mathematics. Provides a brief introduction to national standards, proposes a strategic framework for standards-based reform, and discusses specific challenges associated with the…

A survey of 164 accounting departments found that more of those accredited by American Association of Colleges and Schools of Business used assessment for planning purposes. More of those accredited by Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs used assessment results for instructional changes. (SK)

A survey of 885 public undergraduate institutions examined influences of state characteristics, accreditation emphases, and institutional dynamics on three approaches to student assessment (cognitive, affective, and post-college). Institutional dynamics and accreditation region were found to be the primary influences on all three student…

Identifies and describes some of the mathematics curriculum issues associated with graphing calculators such as equity, role of calculators, content and sequencing, textbook design, learning to use a calculator, worksheets, student decision-making, calculator dependence, assessment, electronic algorithms, multiplying choices, calculator…

A study examined the rate of participation of Hawaiian students with disabilities in state-wide assessments in grades three, six, eight, and ten. Results found that roughly 64% of all students with disabilities were assessed in 1995. Most students who were excluded from testing were those with severe disabilities. (Author/CR)