This second part of a two-part essay shows how teachers, especially middle school teachers, can reduce academic risk. Two hypotheses are examined: (1) the more the classroom culture respects students, the more students respect the purposes, principles, and people in the classroom; and (2) assessment of learning must be fair and meaningful for all.…

Analyzes data from three surveys administered by Johnson County Community College in six participating public school districts concerning the career and educational interests of high school students. Suggests that many students who expect to attend college are not taking college preparatory courses and are adversely affected by high school grade…

Questions some of the assumptions and practices defining most work experience programs in geography. Maintains that most workplaces operate within such a specific function that they limit the acquisition of generic skills. Notes that the very notion of transferable skills has never really been tested. (MJP)

A study explored quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education. The national system of quality assurance and various models used successfully to implement it are described, and the range of apparent effects and influences of quality assurance on Dutch higher education are examined. Comparison is made with American higher…

Examines current educational reforms and their influences against a backdrop of historical change in education. Suggests future directions of school psychology and proposes a renewed emphasis on science. Assessment is reexamined with a focus on empirically based intervention and a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Discusses the implications and…

Utilizes the Psychology As Science (PAS) questionnaire to examine student's perceptions. PAS consists of a series of statements about Psychology followed by a strongly agree/disagree option. Reveals an overwhelming acceptance of psychology as a science among students. Includes a statistical breakdown of PAS statements and suggestions for future…

Reviews recent research on citizenship education in Canada. Discovers that, although citizenship education is widely promoted, little is known about actual classroom practices, and wide disparities exist about the very definition of citizenship. Some evidence suggests improvement; however, more research is needed. (MJP)

Presents an assessment of the Quality of Infant Education in Seville (Spain). Defines quality in terms of both structural and procedural variables; provides data describing both types of variable, interrelations between them, and differences in the day care quality in public and private sectors. Demonstrates that day care quality is generally low.…

Discusses ways in which church-state expert Father John Murray's challenges to church-state separation laws have set standards for their application to American education and generated debate on diverse social matters. Reports that many of his arguments were later translated into Catholic educational policy. (AUTH/NB)

This article examines requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997) regarding participation of students with disabilities in state- and district-wide assessments and access to the general curriculum. It considers implications for change in school district procedures concerning evaluation and reevaluation, Individualized…

Stresses the need for faculty and administrators to cooperate in assessing student learning. Addresses barriers to teacher involvement and presents models that nurture faculty in the assessment process. Recommends that administrators create a culture that is conducive to assessment and adopt a variety of leadership characteristics using the…

Contends that creating a program that reflects diversity and equity is an evolving process. Presents common markers whereby programs can judge individual levels on the multicultural and antibias education journey. Lists indicators for program evaluation, first steps and advanced steps characteristic of a multicultural-education program. (SD)

Maintains that the policy implication of research by Zaslow and colleagues may not consider the supply of child care and the choices parents make regarding informal child care. Asserts that informal child care is not necessarily low-quality care. Suggests that research should focus on both informal and formal day care. (JS)

This article highlights alternate assessment scoring and reporting in Delaware and Indiana. Delaware's alternate assessment portfolios are scored by two third parties using a multidimensional rubric. In Indiana, lead teachers use a rubric similar to that used in general education assessments to score alternate assessment electronic portfolios.…

Analyzes the outcomes of a learning assessment approach used at a Midwest community college. Reports that data were obtained from students' scores on prompts and the college's student information management system. Finds that: (1) 76% of prompts were scored at a level that indicated students met general education achievement levels; and (2) 55% of…