Reports some of the results of an endeavor by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to evaluate the science teacher preparation programs of institutions seeking accreditation with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1988. Discusses the potential for the future of NSTA participation in NCATE. (LZ)

Major changes underway with regard to educational assessment include an increased role for the federal government; increased emphasis on standards; and increased reliance on performance assessment. These changes are the context for the effort to revise the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing." (SLD)

This guide to authentic assessment strategies for teachers of students with and without disabilities explains how to incorporate authentic assessments into everyday practice, including observation techniques, anecdotal records, error analysis, miscue analysis, "think-alouds," self-evaluation questionnaires and interviews, journals and learning…

Presents a review of Joan Barickman's book, "Schoolwise: Teaching Academic Patterns of Mind," which emphasizes performance-based student evaluation and portfolio assessment. Concludes that the book can help provide concrete ideas for positively altering teaching processes and for making learning more engaging for students and teachers.…

Shares some lessons learned from performance-based assessment in the health professions, using four performance-based assessment methods as examples: (1) written clinical simulations (patient-management problems); (2) computer-based clinical simulations; (3) oral examinations; and (4) standardized patients (live simulations). (SLD)

Teacher effectiveness can be evaluated by traditional performance-based evaluation, though that method has some limitations. Alternative approaches to teacher evaluation include student evaluation of teacher performance and portfolio assessment. The Tuckman Teacher Feedback Form is presented as a more effective self-improvement system than a…

The five articles of this theme issue focus on new developments in the evaluation of science education programs that have both substantive and theoretical implications for the field of evaluation. Past and current evaluation approaches are reviewed, and an overview is given of new assessments consistent with new curriculum developments. (SLD)

For years, College Board has been promoting and publicizing necessary pathways to postsecondary education. Even bolder step is EQUITY 2000--demanding program of prealgebra, algebra, and geometry designed to ensure minority students' success in vigorous high school mathematics programs. Pacesetter initiative aims to make high-standards curriculum,…

Scoring guidelines are given for four forms of the practical skills tests of the Second International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Improvement Science Study conducted in the following countries in the 1980s: (1) Hungary; (2) Japan; (3) Korea; (4) Singapore; (5) Israel; and (6) the United States. (SLD)

Discusses examinations as the major determinant of student behavior and suggests that no improvement in the effectiveness of biochemistry courses will occur until examinations are so integrated into the educational process that they reinforce educational objectives. Includes discussions on self-education, cooperation between students, and problem…

This training module is intended to clarify the notion of portfolio assessment and help users design such assessments. The rationale for assessment alternatives is presented; and portfolio definitions, characteristics, pitfalls, and design considerations are reviewed. The use of portfolios in large-scale assessments is particularly demanding of…

Data are presented that demonstrate the reliability and construct validity of a 27-item behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS) used to rate the performance of 757 nursing assistants in South Carolina. Results support the reliability and construct validity of the BARS and the usefulness of the BARS approach for evaluation. (SLD)

Presents eight themes concerning the superintendents' roles in the 1990s that demand a bold restructuring of school leadership. Future superintendents must project passionate instructional leadership, recapture the focus on student learning, coordinate community child services, redefine success with performance-based assessment, fight for…

A study with more than 1,000 students in grades 3 and 8 explored the advantages of analytical scoring in writing assessment. Cluster analysis revealed 11 patterns of student scores, reflecting different patterns of writing strength and weakness, and replicated across 5 modes of writing. (SLD)

Theme articles focus on the relationship of experiential learning to school-to-work transition, science fair projects, leadership training, performance-based assessment, livestock judging, management instruction for farm women, and instructor preparation. (JOW)