Announced is an approval service for associate degree programs in chemical technology at two-year colleges. Features of the program and ways that institutions may become involved in the program are discussed. (CW)

Results of a study of 88 Louisiana teachers support the construct validity of the System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR), a comprehensive classroom-based system for assessing teaching and learning but suggest that the use of teacher nominations of colleagues for designation as superior teachers is questionable. (SLD)

In planning for mathematical assessment, there are several theoretical and practical problems of which the mathematics teacher must be aware. These are discussed under the subheadings of scope; assessment of concepts and higher-order thinking skills; and alignment. Assessors should consider pedagogical approaches when planning assessments. (SLD)

Recognizes that consumerist approaches to education are seductive and agrees that choice and standards are positive ingredients of educational provision. However, argues that official writing on school choice is decontextualized, ignoring the impact of social class, gender, and race. Discusses the personal and social impacts of each of these…

Assesses students' post-college earnings as a specific outcome of a community college education. Describes the economic benefits of a community college education, outlines methodologies used to evaluate students, and discusses policy implications of accountability and performance measures. Contains 31 citations. (VWC)

Discusses accountability in Florida colleges, specifically the movement toward providing state funds to public higher education institutions based on student outputs and outcome--including post-graduation earnings--instead of full-time equivalency enrollment data. Describes several related legislative policies, including the Workforce Florida Act…

Asserts that the Japanese educational system consists of the "facade" of ministerially-decreed harmony and the "real intent" of competition. Argues that the balance between the two has been endangered by recent reforms that seek to promote "creativity and diversification." Suggests that policymakers did not analyze…

Urges a reassessment of research on graduate programs in art education produced by Anderson, Eisner, and McRorie (1998). Asks how master's programs centered on studio art will produce teachers capable of meeting new national standards, and how highly specialized doctoral programs will produce people capable of teaching K-12 instructors. (DSK)

Urges a reassessment of research on graduate programs in art education produced by Anderson, Eisner, and McRorie (1998). Suggests that a few key findings of the study may be overstated or, at least, underinformed. Emphasizes a number of key problems with art teacher education illuminated by the study. (DSK)

Interviews faculty who teach introductory geography education courses, and surveys preservice students in them, to determine if a course at the University of Northern Colorado meets the Colorado Geography Standards. Uses the results to design introductory courses that strengthen skill and content training. Assesses the success of these courses.…

The value of a multimethod, quantitative and qualitative approach to evaluation in an applied setting is demonstrated through a case study of an evaluation of a classroom literacy intervention (Classroom Publishing) that had been implemented without regard to subsequent evaluation. The two types of techniques complemented each other to create…

The current challenge for higher education is not to change its traditional beliefs but to become more conscious of them and the role they play in academic life. Such inquiry will show that preoccupation with acquiring resources, enhancing reputations, and being smart has had an effect contrary to academics' own best interests and to the…

This article analyzes how Kentucky and Maryland have addressed basic issues in developing alternate assessment for students with disabilities who cannot be included within regular state and local district education assessment and accountability measures. Issues include why they chose the formats, standards, and implementation systems they did and…

Examines public debate over private education in the context of the Hollywood dramatic feature film. Analyses four recent films that all portray private schools negatively. Film representation of public schools is more optimistic. Asserts that the films ignore or misrepresent three strengths of private education: effective leadership, small school…

Addresses middle school teachers' concerns about young adolescents' motivation for literacy learning. Focuses on beneficial classroom strategies, including suggestions for classroom environment, tasks, teacher authority, reward and recognition, grouping, evaluation, and time. (JPB)