This study investigated the validity of various approaches to the measurement of English composition skills. Over 600 11th and 12th-grade students were asked to write five 20-minute essays on different topics, to take six objective tests of writing ability, and to do two interlinear exercises. Twenty-five experienced readers assigned scores of…

Schools must attempt to identify and develop those gifted young people who, because of environment and background, are faced with limited opportunities for achievement. At Hunter College High School, New York City, a program was instituted in which"disadvantaged, but potentially gifted" students made up 25% of each entering seventh-grade class.…

This publication, the result of literature surveys, practitioner interviews, and data gathering from a nationwide sampling of school districts, provides information on the trends, concepts, and patterns in grading and reporting that are emerging; and describes some of the practices that are clearly favored over others. The report includes…

Studies indicate that information provided by students may contribute to successful implementation of educational innovations, but educators seldom seek out student perspectives. In April and May 1997, over 160 high school students participated in 16 focus groups in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The students were primarily…

This fastback presents the essentials for understanding how to differentiate instruction to meet the learning needs of all students in today's classrooms. It focuses on: "The Need for Differentiated Instruction" (determining learning needs, deciding what to differentiate, and principles of differentiated instruction); "Strategies…

This book examines how educators, policymakers, and parents can use data to set achievement goals, measure school progress toward these goals, and close the achievement gap. This second edition has been updated to include current studies, policies, and practices. It includes discussions of the five stages for equity reform; tips for effectively…

Studies predicting success in college for students graduating since 1980 are reviewed. SAT scores and high school records are the most common predictors, but a few studies of other predictors are included. The review establishes that SAT scores and high school records predict academic performance, nonacademic accomplishments, leadership in…

Identifies 10 principles that English-as-a-Second-or-Other-Language teachers need to address in collaboration with content area teachers. For each principle, a concern is described, a response is outlined, and a relevant example is provided. (14 references) (Author/CK)

Maintains that issues of student assessment and grading are of particular concern to music teachers. Discusses and describes performance-based and alternative assessment techniques. Recommends the use of portfolios to determine student grades. (CFR)

Many teachers use cooperative learning methods during instruction but face the problem of aligning evaluation techniques with that instruction. Described are methods to include cooperative problem solving in evaluation, including strategies to identify possible grading schemes, to make appropriate problem choices, and to evaluate individual versus…

Responds to a college student's criticism of a professor's grading policies and teaching methods, considering political correctness and the meaning of grades. An underlying concern is the issue of the teacher's homosexuality. Argues that the student's letter is symptomatic of the college's attempt to suppress oppositional pedagogy. (SLD)

Discusses the use of individual and group journals as a way to develop students' abilities to critically analyze reading materials in a college level sociology course. Describes the process by which the journals are written and evaluated. Contends that the learning strategy improved students' analytical abilities and writing skills. (CFR)

Assessing student performance is one of the most critical aspects of the job of a classroom teacher; however, many teachers do not feel adequately prepared to assess their students performance. In order to measure and compare preservice and inservice teachers' assessment literacy', two groups wee surveyed using the "Classroom Assessment Literacy…

As offerings of online courses, programs, and degrees continue to increase, universities are grappling for ways to assess and assure quality. The quality and quantity of interaction between faculty and students and among students constitutes a significant component of the definition of quality for any course, whether online or face-to-face. It…

This case involves overturning a 35-year-old program of weighted grading that defined a school's identity. Examination of the practice revealed a curriculum that was discriminatory toward students and teachers with deep-seated values and beliefs among an elite group of core teachers perpetuating that discrimination. Further examination revealed…