The classification of degrees is intended to represent student ability in an objective summary form. Since individual institutions' variations may obstruct the assessment process, there may be advantages in assuming stable class averages as standard reference points. (Editor/LBH)

By treating a school as a subculture, the Center for New Schools hopes to use the techniques of anthropology to elucidate behavioral problems which may be keeping school members from achieving their goals. (JC)

Based on responses to opinionnaires, questionnaires, and public forums, the final report of the People's Forum on Education lists 15 specific areas that are primary concerns of the people of New Mexico. (Author/IRT)

Practices in educational program evaluation were examined through analyses of reports submitted to the Department of Education's Joint Dissemination Review Panel during the years 1980-1983. Content analyses of 232 reports yielded descriptive profiles of the educational programs and their evaluations. (TJH)

Evaluation client characteristics are outlined, based on experiences of the Office of Instructional and Management Services, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and contract evaluators for industry and other higher education institutions. Objectivity, expertise, sensitivity to client needs, standardized data presentation,…

An education assessment study revealed inexplicably large drops in reading scores for nine- and 17-year-olds. According to the report, teachers are less likely to emphasize comprehension and critical thinking with poor readers and more likely to focus on decoding strategies. (MLF)

Reports a study designed to measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning major economic concepts and concept clusters in high school. Includes findings on student attitudes toward the subject of economics and toward economic issues. (BSR)

Reviews the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES) noting that, unlike most instruments currently used to identify children who may qualify for gifted education programs, this test was designed specifically for that purpose. Notes a secondary purpose of the test is to reduce bias in the testing of gifted children. (NH)

Results of the American Sociological Association's first survey of graduate departments in sociology shows a striking similarity among programs in terms of course requirements, number of credits, and thesis requirements. Authors suggest that the apparent absence of diversity may be a matter of concern for the discipline. (Author/DH)

Outlines problem-solving steps and describes force-field analysis as a technique for diagnosing human resource development/training problems and needs. (SK)

Discusses the use of the chi-square statistic in educational evaluation based on the assumption that the availability of calculators and computers does not absolve educators from the responsibility of understanding this statistically evaluative technique. Illustrates applicability to an action research study in a middle school setting. (NEC)

Former NCME presidents comment on 1985 NCME Presidential Address: (1) William E. Coffman suggests an NCME review panel on testing programs; (2) Thomas J. Fitzgibbon sees a need for formative evaluation; (3) Jason Millman believes validity in assessment depends on purpose; and (4) Lorrie A. Shepard believes that tests may be poor agents of reform.…

The author comments on 25 statements in the "Nation at Risk" report. (DCS)

Describes a program in a Maryland high school where teachers set and evaluate their instructional goals at the beginning and end of the school year. (MD)

This article compiles research examining the effects of teaching. The Coleman report is reviewed and found to be misleading in its assumption that the quality of the school makes little difference in student achievement. It is suggested that teaching quality is a determining factor, and aspects of effective teaching are discussed. (SB)