The National Accessible Reading Assessment Projects (NARAP) is a collaborative effort that is conducting research to make large-scale assessments of reading proficiency more accessible for students who have disabilities that affect reading. There are two projects that comprise the NARAP partnership, Designing Accessible Reading Assessments (DARA)…

This study investigated the comparability of scores for paper and computer versions of a writing test administered to eighth grade students. Two essay prompts were given on paper to a nationally representative sample as part of the 2002 main NAEP writing assessment. The same two essay prompts were subsequently administered on computer to a second…

The model presented in this document integrates authentic assessment with traditional evaluation practices to create comprehensive assessment systems for elementary and secondary school students. Specifically, the model poses six categories of competencies that enjoy high levels of acceptance and construct validity: (1) knowledge of concepts,…

A variety of assessment methods and instruments can and should be used to evaluate the performance of individuals and groups. Some possible assessments are described, including (1) adaptive testing; (2) anecdotal records; (3) assessment centers; (4) behavioral checklists; (5) behaviorally anchored rating scales; (6) checklists; (7) computerized…

This paper has three objectives: (1) to examine culture as it applies to school-university partnerships; (2) to provide an experimental literature-based tool for assessing the readiness of potential or existing school-university partners to engage in a collaborative venture; and (3) to model the application of this tool using data from a…

As public funds decline and the political climate changes, accountability and quality assurance are important issues for U.S. colleges and universities, and institutional leaders are concerned about a shift away from the established institution-centered structures, toward government-mandated, standards-driven systems. This paper explores the…

This study examined two similar technical community colleges: the Handsworth College in Birmingham (England) and the Milwaukee Area Technical College (Wisconsin). The study compared how the colleges use performance measurement indicators and how effective the indicators are in providing "value added" to their respective communities. Both…

This document presents required summaries of detailed student assessment reports submitted by the following Oklahoma institutions: University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University,…

This paper reports on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) and their progress in implementing their goals as set by the state legislature which concern efforts to assess students knowledge capacity, and skills. In particular the report describes CCHE efforts to monitor institutional implementation efforts, summarizes institutional…

Drawing from a survey of 2,115 executive and mid-level administrators, research/assessment coordinators, and full-time faculty at 136 community colleges nationwide, this report presents findings regarding community colleges' definitions of student success, identifies the characteristics of high-performing institutions and assesses the extent to…

As part of a symposium on issues related to diversity and American education reform in the context of Goal 3 of the National Education Goals, this paper addresses the diversity of Hispanic populations in the United States and implications for Goal 3. Seven factors to consider in program planning include the following: heterogeneity of the Hispanic…

This report evaluates the implementation of the "Long-Range Magnet School Plan" at Metropolitan Advanced Technical Magnet High School in Kansas City, Missouri for academic year 1990-91. Introductory sections describe the program, and the evaluation design and methodology. Results on enrollment indicated that only ninth and tenth grades…

The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) has developed a framework for educational accountability that specifies outcomes and indicators for six developmental levels (ages three and six, grades four, eight, and twelve, and post-school). The framework is designed to be used for the development or revision of district and states assessment…

The current status of education for 1998 is presented as an indicator report, analyzing key data that measure the health of education, monitor important developments, and show trends in major aspects of education. The report first presents three "Issues in Focus": "College Access and Affordability"; "Progress in the Educational Achievement of…

This paper suggests that undergraduate higher education is at a severe competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis other socializing and educating agencies in society and proposes some strategies to compensate for this disadvantage. First, the paper notes difficulties with mandated assessment as a major means of educational improvement. It then identifies…