The adequacy of linking statewide standardized test results to the National Assessment of Educational Progress by using equipercentile equating procedures was investigated using statewide mathematics data from four states. Results suggest that the linkings are not sufficiently trustworthy to make comparisons based on the tails of the distribution.…

Summarizes interviews with 60 Indiana superintendents and principals concerning the effects of statewide student achievement testing on the operation of schools or school systems. It describes side effects from the testing, noting they are so numerous and severe they may be worse than the problems they are supposed to cure. (SM)

The influence of state-mandated tests on thoughts and actions of three middle school or junior high school literature teachers was studied. Case studies indicated that the changes that tests caused in teacher thinking were a function of teachers' preferred approach to teaching literature and their place in curricular decision making. (SLD)

Defines "collegiate function,""articulation,""general education," and "liberal arts." Traces the historical development of the community college transfer function. Describes three types of state-sponsored articulation programs. Discusses university faculty perceptions of two-year institutions, and community college faculty perceptions of their own…

Current practices of most state vocational rehabilitation programs concerning the use and reporting of benefit-cost results are reviewed, and problematic issues are identified. Empirical data from Minnesota illustrate alternative ways of reporting evaluation results relating to efficiency. The recommended accounting framework provides relevant and…

Reviews the basic precepts of environmental education (EE) summarizing state-level efforts directed at its establishment. Discusses an EE plan with a 3-year scope and sequence for middle school students along with other suggestions for systematically incorporating EE into K-12 curriculum. Examines curricular frameworks, program characteristics,…

As prices for library materials rise and budgets shrink, cooperative collection development is becoming increasingly important. In light of the necessity for resource sharing, libraries are being forced to balance issues of access for local users vs. access to other libraries. OhioLINK is described as a model for cooperative collection…

The performance funding approach mandated by the Texas state legislature and devised by the higher education coordinating board to appropriate resources to colleges and universities is explained, and the responses of institutions to it are discussed. Focus is on problems encountered and lessons learned. (MSE)

Discusses the development of computing networks for elementary and secondary schools in Virginia and Texas. Highlights include establishing a statewide infrastructure; Internet access; distributed computing; instructional resources; the changing role of State Departments of Education; teacher training and support; and policy issues, including…

Annotates 100 items published in 1993 by state governments. Subject areas include health and health care, environment, conservation, business, economic issues, reevaluation of the educational system, government reorganization, crime and justice, families and child care, minority issues, and local history. (KRN)

Describes how library administrators can create awareness of the disabled as capable staff and patrons and help staff develop positive attitudes toward the disabled. Suggestions include use of existing programs to promote awareness; sensitivity training; use of appropriate terminology for the disabled; and the need for ongoing efforts. (three…

This paper responds to an article that criticizes S. A. Cohen's position on the application of instructional alignment to teaching test wiseness. The value and ethics of using certain types of norm-referenced tests are criticized, based on data for the Missouri Mastery Achievement Test. (TJH)

An evaluation of the 10 Centers for Advanced Ceramic Technology in New York State's collaborative research and development program yielded unexpected perceptions held by center, government, and industry personnel. Implications for the research effort, including the role of basic research and the importance of the research center administrators,…

Describes Telecommunications Opportunities for Gifted Learners (TOGL), a state-funded project in Florida that links gifted programs in rural districts. The use of electronic mail and computer conferences is described; teacher education and training needs are discussed; and an example of a lesson plan that integrates online activities is given.…

Provides a picture essay of the history of the Ohio River. Describes paintings and photographs displayed on the "Always a River" barge, a joint state humanities council project focusing on the Ohio River. Explains relationships between art works, artists, and historical change along the river. (CH)