Describes an assessment instrument for evaluating basic reading skills, the Minimal Reading Proficiency Assessment. (TO)

Discusses project work required for students in the Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies, including students' and teachers' attitudes toward the project implementation. Included is a list of projects intended to add depth and interest to students' study of chemistry. (CC)

The exercises prepared for and organized by the Education Commission for the States are investigated in order to determine their content validity and to determine if the exercises as developed are to be used as models by teachers in developing their own evaluation questions. (Author/KM)

A survey of applied sociologists with a master's degree and earlier studies that examined experiences of applied Ph.D. sociologists showed that Ph.D.'s generate knowledge through research more often than M.A.'s, who apply knowledge through direct service. Otherwise, the work experiences and educational evaluations of the two groups were quite…

A preliminary analysis of three effective schools projects in Wisconsin and New York shows general improvement, especially in school climate and basic skills teaching. Administrative support included district, central office, and higher education personnel for staff development. Successful implementation can result in substantial immediate…

A recent research project on foreign language needs in the Netherlands and an international seminar on foreign language needs are the basis for a discussion of two issues: (1) whether it is possible to quantify foreign language needs, and (2) whether suitable educational provisions can be made to meet those needs. (MSE)

Argues that teacher evaluation is necessary if the performance of teachers is to be improved. Suggests that it can be made more palatable as well as effective if those responsible for it realize that there is value in evaluation. (FL)

Conducted during May 15-22, 1983 in the United States, this survey of 1,540 adults, age 18 and older, provides tables and figures that alert decision makers to overall public reactions to a variety of school programs and policies and serves as a national benchmark against which local attitudes can be measured. (PB)

Now managed by the Educational Testing Service, the National Assessment of Educational Progress intends to generate current and reliable information on education; to communicate information in many different forms by various media; and to help educators, parents, legislators, and concerned citizens understand how to use that information. (PB)

After an analysis of the dimensions that they believe indicate quality, the authors suggest actions that principals can take to pursue excellence in their schools. (JW)

Holds that, in concentrating on the statistical differences, James Coleman in "Public and Private Schools" ignores the distinct circumstances of the two sectors of education as well as their differing student populations' economic and educational backgrounds. (JW)

This article addresses the issue of what the process of participating in educational criticism feels like. Certain intellectual and emotional pleasures and perplexities that were confronted by the author while taking part in an educational criticism project are discussed. (CJ)

This paper presents reflections and reconsiderations of notions about educational criticism. Several issues about the process of educational criticism need to be explored: (1) the metaphor of criticism; (2) exemplifying and elaborating methods for criticism; and (3) exploring the critic's role. (CJ)

An experimental group of 34 Pennsylvania school districts that had experienced a strike were matched with a control group of 34 nonstrike districts. Statistical analyses of grades five, eight, and 11 revealed significant strike effects in grade five scores of self-esteem, mathematics, and interest in school and learning. (MLF)