Presents the use of concept mapping as an assessment tool augmented by an additional activity. Discusses how this elaboration of a concept map contains potential information on what students are coming to understand and helps the teacher to decide the direction of future instruction. Presents examples of students' concept maps. (ASK)

Investigates the use of a multi-step Test Item Post-Conference (TIPC) procedure with 30 English-as-a-second-language students. Notes that the procedure results in an "adjustment" of standardized multiple choice tests scores. Finds the procedure proved relatively efficient and the results were well-received by the participating ESL teachers.…

Defines the Transitions Endorsement program as a school improvement model based upon the credentialing of individual students. States that schools pursuing the endorsement must focus on helping students make successful transitions from school to school and from school to career. Outlines credentialing requirements and criteria for the endorsement.…

This article summarizes results from tests that have allowed examinee choice of test items. It paints a bleak psychometric picture for the use of examinee choice within fair tests. Choice is anathema to standardized testing unless the aspects that characterize the test are irrelevant to what is being tested. (SLD)

Suggests that writing centers should conduct more sophisticated evaluations, and should turn to educational program evaluation and select general types of evaluations most appropriate for writing centers. Presents an evaluation which exemplifies and clarifies what is called for in the first half of the article. (SC)

This article discusses five outcomes of interdisciplinary teaming in middle school settings, based on the School Improvement Self-Study. These outcomes are intended to illustrate the positive impact of teaming with data from schools of varying demographic features. Outcomes include improvements to work climate, parental contact, job satisfaction,…

Discusses the interaction of several factors that contribute to the success of interdisciplinary teaching teams at the middle school level. Describes importance of planning time, team size, keeping students in teams, designating team areas, and longevity of teaching teams. Considers how these research-based principles can guide the improvement of…

Discusses the National Catholic Education Association's (NCEA) Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE), what specifically is being measured, and the process put in place during item and assessment development to maximize the quality and suitability of its results. Describes religious education domains and key concepts measured. (CJW)

Argues that balance between assessment of learning, which is being practiced, and assessment for learning, which is not, are essential to maximize student achievement. Suggests a plan of action to actuate assessment for learning. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Argues that because of research evidence linking competent assessment with academic achievement, all states should require assessment competence for teacher, administrator, and counselor licenses; reviews current status of state requirements; briefly describes assessment standards developed by several national organizations; describes several…

Reviews advantages and shortcomings of computerized grading programs and electronic grade books. Concludes that despite advantages of these grading tools, teachers still have professional responsibility for fairly and accurately assigning student grades. (PKP)

Discusses the evaluation of teaching by students via online methods. Considers quality improvement in universities, flexible evaluation methods, and institutional strategies; and proposes criteria for successful online evaluation tools based on a case study of online evaluation at the University of South Australia. (Author/LRW)

Tracks an ongoing, 15-year initiative to reform and assess a general education program. Identifies four key phases in the process, chronicling emergent challenges, key setbacks, and noteworthy successes. Identifies five key lessons that may prove useful to other institutions integrating assessment into their general education program. (EV)

Computer-based testing can provide flexibility, instant feedback, and individualized assessment. The most straightforward use of computer testing is for traditional performance and accountability functions as evidenced in Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Other states are using computer-based testing for diagnostic and…

Reports on the results of a study involving an innovative assessment program initiated to investigate student predictions and revised explanations regarding a variety of optical phenomena. Suggests that the introduction of new forms of assessment in science education, although desirable, will require significant reordering of the goals and…