This paper proposes a model for computer-based assessment systems that utilizes a step-wise approach to assessment design and implementation, within which the management and assessment of operational, technical, pedagogic, and financial risks are made explicit. The cyclic model has five components: planning, risk analysis and management,…

Demonstrates that the degree to which something is learned is the degree to which valued new and contextualized behaviors are exhibited. Suggests that learning is commonly assessed by matching learner discourse with "what is in the teacher's mind," a process of discursive colonization. (SK)

Nine productive ways of identifying a research topic are listed for the benefit of beginning researchers, and these approaches are illustrated with examples from the field of educational measurement. Having a research agenda helps the beginning investigator in this era in which there is a gold mine of data available. (SLD)

Examines the nature of the "consensus" reflected in educational standards used to orient high-stakes assessment programs and considers the discourse of standards creation and how standards are used to orient assessment development and performance judgments. Discusses the theoretical perspectives of J. Habermas and H. Gadamer. (Author/SLD)

Introduces this theme issue, which examines contemporary dimensions of how accreditation and student outcomes assessment come together in higher education. The accountability movement in education has caused the development of two parallel continuums that have merged in ways the issue's chapters explore. (SLD)

Compares the 2001 and 1992 versions of the Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education tool, noting specific changes to key concept areas, including: (1) the domain "God" is expanded to "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"; (2) the domain "Church" names its four main attributes, "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic"; and (3) the new category, Church…

Describes the introduction and evaluation of the effectiveness of a single group project given at a new university, and 10 individual tasks at an ancient university, to devise appropriate and relevant assessments for first-year service mathematics courses for science and engineering. Studies the effects of these tasks on attitudes toward…

Describes a program for students' first college chemistry course that used journal articles as a source for writing laboratory reports. Provides specific examples and discusses assessment of student work and student and faculty responses. (Contains 14 references.) (ASK)

In promoting and operating experiential education programs, educators must ask: Who is accountable to whom? How can accountability be measured? and How can accountability information be used? The perspectives of internal and external stakeholders must inform program assessment. (SK)

Summary of a speech by Paul R. Lehman regarding the "National Standards for Arts Education," the standards movement, and the impact of standards on music research and teaching. Includes comments on Ohio's "Comprehensive Arts Education: Ohio's Art Model Competency" standards. Discusses the development of national standards,…

Canberra Institute of Technology implemented a project to improve assessment using teacher-developed action research. Outcomes included a shift in teaching perspectives and pedagogical assumptions and the establishment of a culture of concern for high-quality assessment. (SK)

Discusses ways to assess how well team organizations are functioning and contributing to the total operation of the middle schools that use team structures. Considers whether teaching teams determine course content, and school support for teams; also considers teacher training in team operations and the level of understanding and commitment…

Examines the administrative and organizational practices in a selected group of secondary vocational schools in Turkey from the point of view of school administrators, teachers, and industrial managers. Finds that the Turkish vocational education system is characterized by a centralized, top-down bureaucracy, which inhibits innovative capacity.…

Asserts that the recent emphasis on quality assurance in higher education, particularly with its sometimes confusing mixture of components, can do a disservice to effective education. (EV)

Studied basic professional demographic information about school district assessment coordinators and determined the current professional development and training needs of local district assessment coordinators in Washington state through surveys completed by 109 (37% of the sample) Washington assessment coordinators. Results show many differences…