Contains selected remarks of William J. Bennett, Secretary of Education, on science education in elementary schools. Addresses the need for a revolution in elementary school science and advocates a hands-on discovery approach to teaching science. (ML)

Despite the difficulties involved in developing and using noncognitive measures, they constitute an essential component of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. Six noncognitive methods are discussed: observable performance measures, self-report measures, consensus-rendering techniques, inventories, simulations, and secondary data…

A conceptual framework is proposed for describing and measuring assessment costs and linking these costs to their informational benefits. Direct resource components and incidental and opportunity costs of evaluation are discussed. (MLW)

Educational evaluation is discussed. Topics include: an evaluation framework, educational objectives and study design from a 20-year perspective, a sample study, educational evaluation for local school improvement, decision-oriented evaluation studies, reporting study results, and professional standards for assuring the quality of educational…

In many of the 40 states where assessment is required by state law or policy, faculty members and administrators have shaped assessment programs so that colleges have the flexibility to use several kinds of measurements, not just tests. Some of the political controversy brought about by assessment requirements are described. (MLW)

Examines how public confidence in the U.S. school system has fluctuated during the 1970s and 1980s. Describing U.S. high schools as underachievers, Westbury compares them to the schools of other nations. Acknowledges past achievements of high schools, but argues that they should not provide a blueprint for the future. (GEA)

Presents a study that describes the development and assesses the effectiveness of a federally funded arts-in-education project undertaken by the Homer (New York) Central Schools. Concludes that the stated goal of integrating arts experiences regularly into the total school program was not being met and makes suggestions for effective…

Proposals for a British national curriculum and national assessment procedures are discussed in terms of a timetable for implementation, the foundation subjects, relevance of subjects to children's lives, attainment targets and testing, and children with special educational needs. (DB)

An institution can test seniors with the ACT College Outcome Measures Project (COMP) exam, then subtract from the senior score an estimated freshman score. Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, indicate that this method is not reliable to make judgments about the quality of general education programs. (Author/MLW)

Reports a study of the coordination, control, and assessment procedures employed by superintendents in effective school districts. Types of mechanisms and the extent of their use in directing activities are reported. Findings suggest the existence of linkages between the managerial level and technical core in these school districts. Thirty-five…

Criticizes a 1985 British government report which finds fault with English teaching in secondary schools. Suggests the report was flawed by superficial observations and a lack of understanding of the nature of language and the needs of today's students. (ARH)

Summarizes what has been learned, thoughts regarding mistakes that have been made, and recommendations for addressing future questions, regarding the role of computers in the educational process. Reviews the research on computer based instruction. States that findings are inconclusive and often contradicting. Recommends that different evaluation…

Claims literacy expectations need to be examined and interpreted by teacher-researchers at the local level in order to make sense of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, suggesting this information will provide a factual base from which to plan programs. (NH)

A broad concept of evaluative information is offered in terms of multiple domain, multiple sources, and multiple methods. Comprehensive information collection is emphasized as part of a larger commitment to, and actualization of, a school based process of ongoing staff inquiry. (Author/JAZ)

Reports on the status of the teaching of taxonomy in advanced biology classes in the United Kingdom. Reviews findings related to examination requirements, the principles, terminology, and methods of taxonomy, the understanding and attitudes of teachers of taxonomy principles, and the position of the topic in the advanced biology syllabus. (ML)