Topics related to the identification and use of effectiveness indicators in the economic analysis of education are discussed. These topics include the relation between economic concepts and educational production; the economic concept of utility; and the nature and use of input, process, output, and outcome indicators. (TJH)

A study of enrollment and degree rates in science, agriculture, and non-sciences in developing and developed countries suggests patterns are similar, with science and agriculture degrees somewhat higher for some developing nations. Results suggest that emphasis on science and agriculture are less crucial than overall enrollment in producing…

To deliver challenging, high-level, fast-paced instruction in public schools, the gifted and talented must be grouped together for at least those subjects in which they are talented and need differentiated instruction. Arguments that less able youth suffer in the absence of gifted students are flawed. (MSE)

Student responses in evaluating a chemistry program were used to map out significant objectives of the program, courses most liked, courses least liked, and the qualities of these courses and their lecturers. The significant objectives were those related to practical work, followed by those dealing with the world of work. (Author/MLW)

A survey of 167 institutions engaged in the regional reaccreditation process between 1987 and 1992 revealed that the presence of institutional research activities was positively related to the institution carrying out a systematic assessment of institutional effectiveness. (Author/MLW)

The evaluation and research unit of the Syracuse University Center for Instructional Development is described. The center provides information relative to courses, curricula, academic and nonacademic programs, academic and nonacademic administrative concerns, and institutional issues. The development of a new teaching assistant orientation program…

Discussion of the appropriate use of instruction and training for performance problems in developing countries highlights a case study of an unsuccessful instructional project in South America. The importance of front-end analysis and a needs assessment are emphasized, and the sociotechnical systems theory (STS) of organizational development is…

Discusses assessment in the context of a national curriculum and issues that have arisen in England as a result of the introduction of a national curriculum about seven years ago. Outlines the public view, the official view, and teachers' views about assessment that were obtained using questionnaires. (JRH)

Six distinguishable aspects of construct validity are discussed as they apply to performance assessment, emphasizing content, substantive, structural, generalizability, external, and consequential aspects. Taken together, these aspects provide a way to address validity questions in score interpretation and use. (SLD)

This interview with two leaders in gifted education brings out their thoughts on enrichment, characteristics of a good "model," their Enrichment Triad Model, qualitative methods of research and outcome assessment in gifted education, difficulties teachers have applying the Enrichment Triad Model, and parent teacher cooperation. (DB)

Rather than being a handbook of resources, this book is primarily a glossary of testing terms from the routine to the obscure. Although the title suggests a focus on performance-based evaluation, the book concentrates on orthodox testing procedures. (SLD)

Asserts that educational assessment drives the curriculum. Thus, assessment is very important in contemplating reform in science education. Assessment should be an integral part of the instructional process, utilizing diagnostic testing, monitoring, and summative evaluations. (PR)

Describes the three phases of the learning cycle (exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion) and explains how they can be used in educational assessment. The use of semantic mapping, concept mapping, and mental modeling in the evaluation of student learning is described. (PR)

The model of performance indicators for educational assessment in Portugal includes context; physical, human, technological, and financial resources; functions; and results. Indicators need to partake of the information systems in schools whereby teachers and administrators gain a better understanding of their own processes and planning…

Examines educational support agencies in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and England and Wales. Argues that a relationship exists between the organization and the functioning of a country's educational support services, such as curriculum development and school counseling, and the tradition of the education system as expressed in the authority…