A prevailing assumption underlying statewide performance-based assessments is that they not only serve as motivators in improving student achievement and learning, they also encourage instructional strategies and techniques in the classroom that are more consistent with reform-oriented educational outcomes. Given these high expectations, more…

This guide examines the legal issues to consider in setting policy on the appropriate uses, and consequences, of student testing, and explores the controversies that have arisen in places where new polices were implemented. Chapter 1, "An Overview of Student Testing and Assessment," provides a brief overview of some of the state and…

This open letter to the presidents and chancellors of state universities and land-grant colleges addresses institutional culture and organization, arguing that large public universities must be rebalanced and reintegrated if they are to fulfill their public responsibility in the future. An Executive Summary provides some historical background, as…

The present study builds on the earlier work of Thurlow et al. (1995) and Guy et al. (1999). These earlier studies examined state graduation policies and diploma options across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The purposes of these earlier studies were to: (1) provide policy makers and state education agency personnel information on the…

For too many graduates, the American high school diploma signifies only a broken promise. While students and their parents may still believe that the diploma reflects adequate preparation for the intellectual demands of college or work, employers and postsecondary institutions know that it often serves as little more than a certificate of…

Describes results of a survey of 85 California community college students who transferred to four-year institutions. Students were highly satisfied with their academic preparation but desired more information on the transfer process. Demographic data, ratings of adjustment experiences, and student academic standings are included. Appendix includes…

Criticizes the national civics standards for emphasizing shared political values over political participation, oversimplifying the relationships among U.S. political values, and relying upon elite statements to identify those values. Characterizes the proposed standards as a symbolic ritual for reinforcing cultural hegemony. (MJP)

Describes and illustrates the interaction between personal, policy, and organizational factors that influence teachers' decisions regarding content and teaching methods. Specifically questions how this information might be used in determining the efficacy of educational reforms. Includes verbatim comments from teachers and a sample of interview…

Maintains that a required course in public policy analysis can serve as a natural capstone experience for undergraduate curricula in public administration. By teaching analysis, rather than teaching about analysis, undergraduate programs can integrate other elements of the curriculum and prepare students to understand the policy process more…

Documents research in rehabilitation. Using the strategy employed by Leahy, Habeck, and Fabiano (1988), 763 doctoral dissertations in rehabilitation completed during the years 1992 and 1993 were identified and reviewed. Comparison of trends in research is made and dissertation citations are presented in categories based on research content.…

Reports on an experiment designed to document the benefits of introducing computer exercises into an introductory human geography course. Suggests that the disappointing results reflect the fact that quantitative evaluation of multimedia effectiveness is ineffective due to the inherent complexity of learning. Recommends combining quantitative and…

Defines "co-operating teachers" as full-time teachers who, as part of their professional responsibilities, tutor or mentor student or novice teachers. Summarizes findings and includes verbatim statements from a survey of cooperating teachers in an art education program. Addresses the benefits, weaknesses, problems, and incentives of…

Maintains that in the United Kingdom's educational policy, changes are threatening the status of geography in the curriculum. Notes the decision to exclude geography from the 14-19 core curriculum. Suggests greater dialog and joint school/higher education cooperation to ensure continuity and progression in the curriculum. (MJP)

Cognitive differences between 987 LD children and 178 EH children in public schools on a psychoeducational assessment battery were studied, and differences in factor structure were investigated. Caution is suggested in interpreting the results of multivariate statistical analyses, which indicated heterogeneity in the matrices of LD and EH…

The development, school district implementation, and initial validation of the Wicat Skills Assessment Test--a computerized testing system for state assessment objectives--are described. Testing with 10,000 students in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9 began in Texas in 1986-87 and 1987-88. Results support the feasibility for districtwide computerized…