After the temporary shutdown of a reported 400 insitutions last month, administrators are taking a hard look at the political and economic consequences of student strikes. (Editor)

Research study based on adaptation and use of FIRO-B questionnaire (FIRO-B equals Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation). (JES)

A brief history of grading practices at American colleges and universities is given, along with results of a survey of the current uses of pass/fail grading. The pass/fail system is widely used for a limited number of elective courses. Its adoption peaked during the mid-1970s. (PP)

Selected aspects of a self-paced chemistry program are described. These include student selection, supervision requirements, and grading indicating that student selection is the key to a successful program. Also points out that quality/quantity of learning (determined by testing) is comparable to traditional lecture courses. (Author/JN)

Proposes a grading system for nursing education, consisting of (1) a within-class component, based on mastery testing and criterion-referenced assessment to develop academic knowledge and clinical skills; and (2) a between-class component, based on norm-referenced assessment to provide a statistically sound class ranking. (SK)

Based on personal experience, suggestions are given for academic and administrative policy regarding curriculum for the interim term in a 4-1-4 college calendar. Specific potential mistakes are outlined, as are specific recommendations for using the interim term to strengthen the college's academic program. (MSE)

Presents a two-dimensional model for evaluating and grading preservice counseling students. The first dimension refers to type of learning (e.g., theory, skills, professional identity). The second dimension refers to level of learning or level of complexity. Demonstrates the use of this model in assisting grading procedures. (Author)

Twelve suggestions are made for motivating students in self-paced business education programs. They are divided into three sections: (1) program design and organization, (2) grading, and (3) communication/public recognition. (CT)

Presents an evaluation method designed to help students at each stage of the writing process. The process includes a student self-evaluation scale for the prewriting stage, an analytic scale for descriptive writing used by peer evaluators and the instructor, and an outline of the evaluation strategy. (HTH)

Reports a survey of nine northern Illinois high schools on provisions for retarded readers. Information is presented on course structures, admission policies, grading, class management, and instructional materials. Conclusions are drawn about criteria for a successful high school remedial reading program. (SJL)

A study determined how physical education programs at two-year colleges fit into an overall institutional philosophy with regard to courses and requirements, grades, hours of instruction, and teaching load. (JN)

A research project on the variability of tutor grading of student assignments at the Open University in Great Britain is reported. Factors in the variation that became apparent through discussion, questionnaires, and examination of papers are explained and areas for research are suggested. (MSE)

Discusses the reluctance of composition students to write about personal subjects in course assignments. Characterizes the "bluffer," the "failer," and the "overachiever" in composition courses. Suggests strategies for: (1) creating a nonthreatening environment; (2) grading on progress, content, and mechanics; and (3) minimizing students' fear of…

Reports on a study in which the reading, language arts, and spelling achievement test scores of pupils who had completed six years of nongraded elementary reading instruction without marks were compared with those of pupils who had received traditional, graded instruction with marks. (HOD)