Describes one assessment instrument, the Classification Scheme for Emergent Reading of Favorite Storybooks, that has evolved into a tool for helping teachers understand development. Notes that the instrument can be used day to day to track the development of individuals or groups of children over time. (MG)

An article condemning the use of student performance data for institutional accountability is criticized for its generalizations and for perpetuating a class war between faculty and administration. (MSE)

Examines the mathematical concepts that cause the widest discrepancy between the sexes. Found these concepts to be concerned with scale or ratio, spatial problems, space-time relationships or probability questions. Contends that these findings have implications for those making decisions affecting the promotion of the teaching of mathematics to…

Examines comparative methods and conflict-theory in foreign studies of Swedish educational reforms since World War II, focusing on the economic and social forces behind reform, the goals of reform, and educational outcomes. Concludes that Swedish school reform has failed to achieve its most important goal--social equality. (SV)

Focuses on the types of research needed in general music education and the reasons for this research. Defines the place of general music in the curriculum, and examines influential constituencies for such education. Analyzes the state of general music in the schools, and assesses needed changes in the curriculum. (RW)

Considers long term possibilities of alternative forms of assessment. Traces the development of the records of achievement movement in Britain. Examines government initiatives in implementing alternative methods of assessment. Reports findings of the National Evaluation Project which favor the use of Records of Achievement. Considers the future of…

Academic and non-academic needs of 70 international students in a college of home economics at a large midwestern university were studied through an inventory developed for the study. Findings highlight the different needs of various groups, but the need for English language proficiency was particularly apparent. (SLD)

Reviews the life and work of R.F. Mackenzie, radical and child centered educator. Assesses his views of Scottish education as the protector of the Establishment and of schools as loveless agents of control with no respect for the individual, his criticisms of the curriculum, and his rejection of the examination system. (SV)

In conjunction with testing mandates, some states have developed new measures intended to reflect changes in thinking about reading. Discusses, in dialogue form, whether these new measures support educational improvement or limit them. (BJV)

Based on a review of research on evaluation use, the implications for future research and for improving the practice of evaluation are discussed. Six principles of evaluation use are outlined, and internalization of evaluation functions by decision makers is addressed. (TJH)

New federal regulations that require all regional accrediting agencies to "place greater emphasis on the consistent assessment of student achievement as a principle element in the accreditation process" will have a large impact on student development professionals. Measuring student development outcomes is discussed. (MLW)

Effect sizes (N=263) were calculated for 165 educational programs reviewed by the Department of Education's Joint Dissemination Review Panel during 1980-83. The overall mean effect size was 0.89. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses determined that effect sizes were related to features of the educational programs and their evaluations.…

In 1984, the Department of Education published the "Wall Chart," the first state-by-state national report card on educational performance. The history of the wall chart, new directions for developing state-by-state assessments, and recommendations for improving the usefulness of state rankings are discussed. (SLD)

A discussion of the emerging international need for training for department heads focuses on why such training is now a critical issue, what current management problems imply for training needs, the nature and variety of the training available, and some general avenues for future development. (MSE)

Information obtained from department heads as well as from staff highlight the difficulties of heads who have to make evaluative statements on departmental staff that may further or slow down their career. Heads may have positional authority, but academic conventions often prevent heads from exercising it. (Author/MLW)