The language minority label masks the complex linguistic and educational needs of the labeled groups. Equity and assessment issues and knowledge about language-minority education must inform standards. National standards must not be used as a tool of opposition to cultural and linguistic diversity. (SK)

A former editor of this journal, 1969-72, selects an article from his tenure that stands as an outstanding example of evaluation research. The article selected describes the comprehensive evaluation of the Individually Prescribed Instruction Project in mathematics in three Alberta elementary schools. The project was evaluated via classroom…

Movements toward quality assurance in Australian and U.S. higher education systems are compared and found largely similar. One element, oversight of the federal government in this process, is seen as the principal difference. A national quality assurance effort is in place in Australia, but not in the United States. (MSE)

Reviews five professional books that examine a variety of theoretical, social and cultural issues related to assessment in schools and classrooms. Concludes that traditional literacy evaluation is more often a barrier than a help. (MG)

Presents case study exemplifying use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in educational decision making. CBM is portrayed as more than just set of brief fluency tests with strong conceptual ties to three related assessment models (behavioral, ecological, and problem-solving assessment). Delineates key elements of each model. Case study shows how…

New this year to the annual desk reference of key education facts is a special report on immigration, followed by education events in review; spending on school construction and renovation; demographics of school leadership; indicators of school performance and progress; and education indicators by region and by state. (MLF)

Summarizes federal and state actions regarding national standards and describes two private groups: the College Board and its partner the Educational Testing Service; and the New Standards Project, a joint effort of the National Center on Education and the Economy and the Learning Research and Development Center. (MLF)

This National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) instructional module compares classical test theory and item response theory and describes their applications in test development. Related concepts, models, and methods are explored; and advantages and disadvantages of each framework are reviewed. (SLD)

Implementation of the Illinois Plan for Industrial Technology Education was assessed through interviews with 117 teachers. The assessment model (based on Stufflebeam's Context, Input, Process, Product) blended qualitative and quantitative information. Six key dimensions of change were identified, and the Transition Assessment Inventory proved…

In 1988, the Mississippi Legislature established a public school rating system, ranging from 1 (probation) to 5 (exceptional). The new superintendent of Oxford Public Schools took only three years to make the level-3 district 1 of only 12 Mississippi school systems to achieve level 5 status. Reading Recovery helped. (MLH)

Describes the importance of becoming engaged in the process of mission review and construction in these days of program accountability and institutional assessment for reaccreditation at colleges and universities. Discusses how the study and practice of theater includes many of the principles of good education and relates to many general education…

Explores the ways in which error in measurement related to educational standards and the classification of people in educational settings is obscured in most of the practical events involving the assessment of individuals. Establishes the centrality of the measurement of educational standards to the "production" and control of the individual in…

Recent changes in Australian higher education have produced increased demands for accountability. Much of the current policy framework for higher education will survive, and educational-quality issues must be reassessed in this context. Suggested models for quality assessment include development of statements of purpose for individual…

Narrates an interview with Kenneth Ashworth, the recently retired commissioner of higher education in Texas, regarding his role in shaping the state's developmental-education programs. States that Ashworth was instrumental in starting the Texas Academic Skills Program, a statewide, basic-skills assessment program. Addresses such issues as funding…

Cost control in higher education is hampered by the failure of governing boards to focus on the value and quality of academic programs, and barriers to board priority-setting are significant. However, boards must understand the need for reform, identify responsible administrative leadership, reaffirm institutional mission, define what constitutes…