Examines the role of portfolios as an alternative method of mathematics assessment in the primary grades. Defines math portfolios and their use, and proposes ideas on how to evaluate progress in classification, numbers, and spatial relationships. Suggests that use of portfolios focuses on problem solving and reasoning, and places responsibility on…

Used path analysis to examine effects of spatial skill, math anxiety, and math self-confidence as mediators of gender differences in Mathematics Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-M) in upper third of college-bound adolescents. Found that mental rotation and math self-confidence indirectly mediated the gender-SAT-M relationship. Most of the mediational…

Estimates of the costs of including hands-on measures of science skills in a large-scale assessment program were derived from a field trial involving more than 2,000 fifth and sixth graders. Results suggest that complexity makes hands-on assessments more than three times as expensive as open-ended writing assessments. (SLD)

The eight chapters of this theme issue use quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the nature and nurture of young participants in the mathematics Olympiad from five countries. Parallel studies are presented of winners from China, Taiwan, and the United States, along with descriptions of programs in Japan and Russia. (SLD)

A survey of 32 department heads at Rhodes University (South Africa) found that in just over half the departments, students were given the opportunity to evaluate course content and presentation, and department heads were favorably disposed toward the system. Two issues deemed important in institutionalization of course evaluation were methods for…

A study of 303 predominately Hispanic and Native American ninth graders investigated the validity of the DISCOVER assessment. Results provided evidence for an alignment of the assessment with the theory of multiple intelligences. No overall gender or ethnic differences were found in the numbers of students identified as gifted. (Contains…

Based on the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recent report, this article provides the foundation for state accountability systems that focus on improvement. Contains NASBE's proposed Public Policy Position on Low Performing Schools. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/MLF)

A five-year longitudinal study of 531 incarcerated youth, more than half of whom had a disability, showed that those who were working or in school 6 months after release tended to stay involved in positive activities and had not returned to the juvenile facility 12 months after release. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Case studies of two academically gifted and talented African American male college students are presented to highlight the importance of relationships with faculty and peers and the value of being connected to family. Factors influencing college selection and self-perception are discussed, as well as practical implications. (Contains references.)…

Students in general (n=973) and special education (n=245) in elementary and middle schools were administered an accommodated (test was read-aloud) and a standard mathematics achievement test. Teachers were no more successful than chance at predicting which students would benefit from the accommodation. A developed student profile did not match…

Described is the Graded Assessment in Science Project (GASP). Students' attitudes toward this program were assessed using essays, questionnaires, and interviews. The results, conclusions, and cautions about this program are included. (KR)

Examines the effect of unionization on high school economics teacher productivity measured by student performance on the Test of Economic Literacy (TEL). Finds that students in unionized school districts scored higher relative to students in nonunionized districts. Suggests these findings have implications for resource allocation. Includes tables…

Reviews literature on worksite fitness and health promotion programs. Examines their impact on employees and the sponsoring organization. Discusses beneficial effects such as increased fitness, and reduction in health care costs, risk factors of heart disease, absenteeism, and turnover. Addresses issues related to participation rates, program…

Degree of profile similarity across specific evaluations was determined for studies comparing teachers' self-ratings with current student ratings, as were the relative and absolute similarity (or dissimilarity) for certain of the specific instructional dimensions. Implications were explored in terms of individual and subgroup differences.…

Ten staff members of residential facilities for individuals with mental retardation were trained in self-monitoring procedures, to increase staff on-task behavior and adherence to scheduled activities. Increases in both on-schedule and on-task behavior resulted, and generalization to evening hours occurred. Supervisor feedback was subsequently…