Kindergartners and first through fifth graders in Taiwan, Japan, and the United States were assessed on achievement and cognitive ability. While there were few gender differences in curriculum-based tests of mathematics computation and reading, cognitive tests revealed gender differences in the fifth grade in all three cultures. (RH)

Describes a process for evaluating the effectiveness of formal courses or segments of training instruction, including lessons or modules. Topics discussed include focusing on objectives; objective and test item evaluation; on-the-job training; task levels; transfer of training; presentation evaluation; and evaluation of instructional…

This study assessed the nature of response bias in a two-stage data-collection design (telephone interviews followed by a questionnaire mailing), which was used to examine the effectiveness of a state-level pharmaceutical assistance program for the elderly. Demographic and health factors affecting response (N=1,705 elderly persons) are discussed.…

Evaluates the writing of Hispanic students in bilingual and submersion programs, comparing it with the writing of native English speakers in regular programs. Five dependent variables are evaluated: rhetorical effectiveness, overall quality of writing, productivity, syntactic maturity, and error frequency. (46 references) (Author/OD)

Analyzes the complexities of the concept of attitude: the origin and history; subcomponents; related concepts including beliefs, opinion, and values; traditional trilogy--cognition, affection, and conation; and some controversies. (YP)

Examines recent policy changes in teacher education and how they impact on the recruitment and retention of minority students. Focuses on the conflicting concerns for both accountability and equal educational opportunity. (FMW)

Investigates the performance on different types of inference questions of 2 groups of Zambian secondary school students at grade 10 and grade 8. The texts used were "familiar" (Zambian-focused) or "unfamiliar" (British-focused). Results showed that grade 10 students performed significantly better than grade 8 students. (38…

Examines the enormous pressure Chinese students face at home and in school to obtain high academic achievement. Analyzes the cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to the situation. Concludes with an argument for balancing educational goals with other aspects of the students' lives. (MJP)

Different models of performance assessment arise from interactions of three dimensions of assessment: the measurement versus the standards model of testing, quantitative and qualitative assumptions concerning the nature of learning, and whether learning and testing are situated or decontextualized. Addresses difficulties in implementing…

Supports the idea that second language teachers should "teach the test," provided that such tests meet the criteria of authentic assessment. Authentic assessment focuses on constructivist learning and communicative tasks; the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment; quality and coverage of content; and quality and fairness of standards.…

Describes the development of an interactive video simulation, the "Classroom Management Simulation," that teaches eight basic principles of classroom management to preservice teachers. Highlights include the instructional design process, including task analysis; the use of HyperCard for programming; and results of field testing. (LRW)

This article describes a pediatrically based, culturally sensitive, interagency screening program for developmental delays among Latino low-income preschoolers (n=52). Children with severe to moderate delays and age-eligible children were referred to preschool programs. (Author/DB)

Conversational and narrative language samples were elicited from 16 school-age individuals with mental retardation and 16 typically developing children matched for mental age. Analysis demonstrated that both groups produced more syntactically complex language during narration, whereas they were more talkative during conversation. Results support…

Examines educational services delivery to the entire school and to those who scored below the median on achievement tests in 242 Louisiana elementary schools. Results indicate that mean masking occurs in about 17 percent of schools, most frequently when schools do an above-average job of educating the lowest quartile. (SLD)

Low-cost, privately supported voice clinics were developed to perform laryngeal examinations of public school children to identify those needing treatment for voice disorders. This paper describes the model used in implementing the program, the population seen at the clinics, and the logistics involved in clinic operation. (Author/JDD)