Highlights the experiences of three elementary teachers involved in a computer technology project. Teachers' concerns included computer materials that did not closely match the required curriculum, lack of preparation and training, and the inconsistent level of the success experienced by both students and teachers. (MJP)

Nevada schools developed a high school science curricula based on technology and student-centered learning which guides students in researching and designing multimedia projects. Despite a lack of technology and computer experience, student creativity and interest increased, and performance and work habits improved. New techniques for measuring…

Provides direction to child care center directors in conducting a climate survey which can indicate quality and staff morale problems with measures of motivation, commitment, satisfaction/dissatisfaction, responsibility, and staff concerns. Presents advice on the construct, administering, interpretation, and reporting of findings to avoid serious…

Criticizes recent educational and sociological literature for its optimistic assessment of family-school programs. Maintains that these studies fail to address observable differences in parents' educational skills, occupational and economic flexibility, social networks, and positions of power. Illustrates these problems with examples from an…

Reports on a research development model designed to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in the Dominican Republic. The model drew heavily upon the Missouri Mathematics Project. Discusses innovations in curriculum development, classroom instruction, and inservice teacher training. Includes statistical tables on student achievement and…

Asserts that variance between a university's reputation as an institution and its commitment to research have a greater impact on political science department rankings than any internal factors within the department. Includes several tables showing statistical variables of department and university rankings. (MJP)

Reports two studies carried out in the 1970s and 1980s that examined whether intellectual mastery of the content in a psychology of women course facilitated personal change. Compared students' pretest-posttest scores on gender self-concept, attitudes, and assertiveness. Data indicate positive results, and scores did not change between groups. (NL)

Federal and state educational indicator systems should include assessments of school context as well as of student outcomes. A review of the literature suggests that access to knowledge, pressure for achievement, and professional teaching conditions are the best general constructs to provide bases for school context indicators. (TJH)

The strengths and weaknesses that characterize language tests and measures used with young school-aged children are reviewed. Suggestions are given to assist school psychologists in testing children formally and informally and in working in conjunction with speech-language pathologists. (SLD)

A study of need and strategies for higher education reform in East Central Europe is summarized. The study was based on separate studies in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, each from the perspective of those involved in the systems. Research/development policy, government role, funding, faculty, and international collaboration…

Seven common criteria for establishment of a new community college in the United States are outlined. They include local population and demographic factors; community interest; funding availability; appropriate state regulation; assessment of existing educational opportunities; and geographic location and logistics. (MSE)

This study demonstrates that the validity and usefulness of mathematics achievement tests can be improved by defining psychologically meaningful subscores that yield differential relations with student, teacher, and school variables. The eighth- and tenth-grade mathematics tests from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) were…

Development of educational testing in Hungary is reviewed regarding recent political and social changes. Relatively few areas in the educational system use tests regularly. The current political climate is expected to bring new standardized tests. A national core curriculum is planned with more autonomy for local-level and school-level decisions.…

The old era of educational assessment and reasons for its demise are described. The new era will be different and will present four challenges to the assessment community: (1) new assessment targets; (2) technical challenges of alternative assessments; (3) demystifying assessment and evaluation; and (4) reexamining assessment priorities. (SLD)

Using portfolios in assessing literacy is explored, considering student portfolios and the teacher's class portfolio. Portfolio assessment is a valuable complement to externally mandated tests, but technical issues must be addressed if the portfolio movement is to survive. Portfolios must be linked to the broader task of instructional improvement.…