This article highlights three common problems with assessment research, including the following needs: (1) to adopt a hypothesis testing approach; (2) for research to be guided by available formal and informal theory, and (3) for research to be consistent with general school psychological practice. New research methodologies and new research…

Provides background information on the McGaw report, which addresses literacy assessment in secondary education. Presents the Western Australian Education Department's view of literacy. Describes the guidelines and assessment procedures in the Department's investigation of the McGaw report's implications. Discusses the 1986 school trials that…

While the "Standards for Evaluations of Educational Programs, Projects and Materials" provides a good checklist of prerequisites, such standards do not guarantee indisputable outcomes. Reanalysis of reading comprehension and mathematics mean achievement data from an international evaluation study illustrates how political bias can…

Describes evolving trends in testing, including such topics as formative versus summative evaluations; the use of tests as a guide to instructional decision making; the need to focus on higher level cognitive skills; and the role of computers in testing. An annotated bibliography lists 10 relevant journal articles. (CLB)

Developing assessment measures so that the ratings for assignments across teachers will be similar was the goal. What was learned from testing and how valid and relevant assignments might be produced and recognized are described. Survey results are included. MNS)

Recommends a model for school/curriculum evaluation at the district level that views the different levels of schooling as a continuum of learning. Explains a typical K-12 evaluation schedule using a 5-year cycle. Offers quotes from administrators who had participated in K-12 evaluation. (DMM)

Results from "Campus Trends, 1987," a sample survey of colleges and universities, indicate that 75 percent are discussing assessment, half are developing assessment procedures, and the great majority expect to introduce some form of assessment in the next few years. (MLW)

Successful implementation of assessment requires effective administrative leadership to get started, convert data to information, and use the information in making improvements. Assessment may pay its greatest long-term dividends as an organizational device for directing scarce reserves of institutional attention to teaching and learning. (MLW)

Lists technology available in the categories of sensory enhancers, keyboard adaptations and emulators, environmental controls and manipulators, instructional uses of technology, and motivational devices. Shows how to apply technological considerations to the traditional assessment concerns of health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status,…

Research on the role of nonverbal communication skills in teacher training is assessed. Nonverbal behaviors communicate teacher expectations and attitudes, regulate classroom interactions, and promote students' understanding of verbal material by structuring or illustrating content. Direct versus indirect teaching, games, and improvisation are…

Two professional education associations provide leadership by clarifying directions for scholarly inquiry at their annual meeting. The research agenda covers teaching, assessment, collaborative learning/student learning, critical thinking, liberal education/general education, and voluntary service. (Author/MLW)

Northeast Missouri State University has documented significant educational gains since the inception of its value-added approach to undergraduate education. Student assessment data can be used to increase student involvement in learning outcomes, institutional issues, and discipline activities. (MLW)

State-imposed educational reforms, including mandatory entry and exit testing, have had a major impact on Florida institutions of higher education. The use of the College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) is described. (MLW)

Discusses how the current management perspective in assessing student outcomes can be redirected so that assessment is used primarily to promote student development and to enhance learning. Defines assessment; describes development of an assessment program, including determining goals and assessment needs, when and how to assess, and choice of…

Describes the assessment process for students in Saudi Arabia who are interested in pursuing a higher education in biochemistry. Provides recommendations for improving biochemistry education in both high schools and universities. (TW)