Examines observation as a process of systematic, intentional action, exploring strategies for observing within the classroom. Implications for the practice of educational evaluation, particularly teacher performance evaluation, are noted. Observation as a process of systematic, intentional action becomes embedded within a larger agenda aimed at…

Studies the interrelationships, correlations, and predictive powers of five different accepted reading assessment techniques commonly used to provide data to place students in ability groups. Finds that the combination of the cloze test, basal placement test, and standardized test proved to be the most effective in approximating the teacher's…

Examines the rhetoric about portfolio assessment and compares that rhetoric with observations from one school district's project in developing portfolio assessment. Presents observations that show the successes and the remaining challenges in implementing alternative assessments. (MG)

Discusses various aspects of the role of external examiner as advanced by the parliament of the United Kingdom through the authority of the Academic Audit Unit. Addresses the examination of postgraduate research student, the examination of undergraduates within classroom situations, the qualifications needed by external examiners, and…

Attempts to find new ways of seeing the writing and reading and talking of students who are "underprepared." Argues that, if educators are going to develop new ways of understanding students' literacy performances, they have to critically examine their assumptions about students' abilities. (MG)

Pennsylvania's Secondary Instructional Support program addresses such problems as failing grades, lack of classroom participation, lack of time on task, difficulties with basic skills, and poor attendance. It provides school districts with training and guided practice in six areas: collaboration, instructional assessment, instructional adaptation,…

Highlights principal findings and recommendations submitted to the National Education Goals Panel by the Goal 1 Early Childhood Assessments Resource Group. Explains that assessment of young children is important both to support the learning of each child and to provide data--at district, state, and national levels--for improving services and…

Presents the latest evolution of the accountability movement in higher education to be that of institutional effectiveness assessment. Outlines a model of key factors relating to institutional effectiveness planning and discusses the basic decisions involved in implementation. (30 citations.) (VWC)

Evaluates the process through which financial resources affect opportunities to learn in U.S. public high schools. Examines direct and indirect effects of school expenditures on students' achievement. Indicates that per-pupil expenditures indirectly increase students' achievement by giving them access to educated teachers who use effective…

Few states publish school report cards that contain school performance ratings. Comprehensive school report cards are strategically oriented, reflect front-end planning, report test scores within a broader context, have readable formats, use credible and multiple messengers, and explain how to use information. A sidebar explains the school board's…

Examines the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Ac,t noting the law's alignment with standards-based reforms and new provisions in four areas: individualized education programs, state performance goals, student assessments, and funding. Discusses content standards and the general education curriculum, case studies of…

Focuses on the educational theories and practices of John Dewey and their reception in England between 1895 and 1939. Adopting Quentin Skinner's approach to the definition of influence, prevailing accounts of Dewey's impact on the English educational system are found to be misleading. Presents an alternative account which minimizes Dewey's role.…

Explores the political legacy of standardized testing, or how testing legitimates discussions about school politics. Focuses on the narrowing of purpose for schools, impatience with educational reform, and the erosion of public support for publicly funded schools. Contains 129 references. (SLD)

Examines the purposes of large-scale assessment programs, outlines the dangers and benefits of these assessments, considers the research evidence about the consequences of assessment, discusses how to evaluate assessment quality, and presents some ideas about the variables that influence the probabilities for good and bad assessment. (SLD)

Describes the trial use of formative assessment strategies in science classes in three English schools. Discusses the feasibility, benefits, and implementation of formative assessments in science. (Author/WRM)