Considers the use of outcome-based education (OBE) as an accountability system. The interpretation and use of OBE for accountability and issues arising from its use are reviewed. The use of OBE will exacerbate rather than solve current problems in education, but its potential should be explored. (SLD)

Examines the development of quality assurance in higher education delivered through open and distance learning. Highlights include recent publications on quality assurance, factors for change, key terms, debate about organizational mission, management, customers and students, competitive environment, and philosophy of professional- versus…

A quality assessment at the University of Jyvaskyla (Finland) started with self-evaluation followed by a foreign visiting group's evaluation. The positive effects of the evaluation were commitment, organizational self-understanding, a new frame of planning activities, future orientation, and a new position in external relations. (Author/JDD)

The relationship between odd-man-out reaction time tasks and intelligence was examined in 2 experiments involving 79 college students. The two experiments indicate that tasks that assess the ability to perceive relationships among stimuli rapidly are good measures of general intelligence. (SLD)

Two basic models are presented of emotional functioning as it is commonly considered relative to brain damage. Methodological concerns in the literature are reviewed, and issues of measurement are highlighted to demonstrate the importance of empirically defining the prevalence of emotional effects. (SLD)

A more fragmented approach to assessment of global ability concepts than is generally advocated is suggested, based on the assumption that decomposing a complex ability into cognitive components and tracking performance across multiple measures will yield valid and instructionally useful information. Specifications are suggested for designing…

This article describes the theory and implementation of zero-based curriculum review (ZBCR) in the higher education setting. ZBCR's purpose, preconditions, and procedures are discussed; and specific examples are given to illustrate the structuring, conducting, and application of the results of the ZBCR process. (Author/DB)

Describes a Florida county's attempt to address increasing demands for assessment. Guided by responses from 1,007 administrators and teachers (75 percent of a random sample of 1,343), a broad assessment framework was developed encompassing advocacy, administration, reporting, training and development, and technical assistance. (13 references) (MLF)

Internationally, one of the challenges posed by the move to "quality" is to bring together the disparate interests of students, administrators, and other users not only in planning new facilities but in maintaining and developing them. (MLF)

Many states are answering the call for public reports on educational progress by developing indicator systems that are designed to show trends within and relationships among school data. A table shows 13 states and the number of indicator components used. Offers advice to school boards considering indicator systems. (MLF)

Standards in art education contradict the nature of art: the unexpected, the imagined, the explorations and creative discoveries. What must be communicated is the importance of the arts and aesthetic education, the nurture of informed understanding of art, and meaningful standards that emerge intrinsically and are not imposed extrinsically (SK)

The language minority label masks the complex linguistic and educational needs of the labeled groups. Equity and assessment issues and knowledge about language-minority education must inform standards. National standards must not be used as a tool of opposition to cultural and linguistic diversity. (SK)

A former editor of this journal, 1969-72, selects an article from his tenure that stands as an outstanding example of evaluation research. The article selected describes the comprehensive evaluation of the Individually Prescribed Instruction Project in mathematics in three Alberta elementary schools. The project was evaluated via classroom…

Movements toward quality assurance in Australian and U.S. higher education systems are compared and found largely similar. One element, oversight of the federal government in this process, is seen as the principal difference. A national quality assurance effort is in place in Australia, but not in the United States. (MSE)

Reviews five professional books that examine a variety of theoretical, social and cultural issues related to assessment in schools and classrooms. Concludes that traditional literacy evaluation is more often a barrier than a help. (MG)