A successful review of program quality, it is suggested, requires a clear understanding by all participants of what is meant by "quality." Academic quality is defined. Much of the confusion about assessing program quality results from an inability or unwillingness to try to determine exactly what is to be assessed. (MLW)

Explores some of the differences in open classrooms as they are being implemented in the United States, Great Britain, and Israel. Comparisons are discussed in light of psychological, social, and ideological variations. (Author/DB)

Discusses growing illiteracy in America, postulates possible causes of educational decline, and outlines the impact of illiteracy on employment, crime, national security, and individuals. (CK)

Reports the findings of a survey commissioned by the Speech Communication Association's Task Force on Assessment and Testing. Concludes that many states are including speaking and listening skills in curriculum and assessment programs but that much work still needs to be done to develop an integrated oral communication program. (PD)

Reports that reading achievement in the elementary grades is consistently rising and that older students may not be developing the higher level reading skills. (AEA)

Examines the factors affecting the diffusion of educational assessment studies done in four countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Phillipines, Thailand). The author concludes that educational research designs in developing countries must include mechanisms for information diffusion to the public and policy-makers to insure both short and long-term…

Indicates that children acquire the abilities of adults and an adult mode of life when they act out the world around them through play. Suggests that children should not be deprived of play time because it increases their cultural awareness as well as their physical development. (DB)

Questions the extent to which students' ability to read a textbook related to performance on teacher-made achievement tests of a textbook's content. Findings indicated that the ability to read was unrelated to performance on a teacher-made achievement test. Speculations on explanations are included. (Author/DB)

Concerning the nature, longevity, and quality of vocational agriculture programs during the next 10 years, teachers should consider these four questions: (1) Whom will we serve?, (2) how will we serve?, (3) how well will we serve?, and (4) how will we be led? (LRA)

Examines the relationship of national political interest and knowledge of comparative and international politics among 2,000 13 and 17 year old students in American schools. Findings indicated that American students are more interested in and knowledgeable about national than non-national politics. (DB)

Summarizes findings of a recent Norwegian study of the contents of civics textbooks approved for use in grades seven, eight, and nine in schools throughout Norway. Findings indicated that only one of the nine textbooks analyzed recommended that its readers take a critical view of the civic education-related contents. (Author/DB)

Stressing that class disparity in selective and higher education endures from one society to another irrespective of national differences in politics, ideology, or historical experience, the article examines the postwar debate on education and equality. Emphasis is placed on problems associated with J. S. Coleman's assessments of educational…

Claims that most traditional writers on the history of reform and centralization of urban school administration dwell on the influence of bureaucracy and social class and ignore significant ethnic and religious factors. A 1920 centralization vote in San Francisco is an example of a reform dependent on support of various groups from different…

The process of institutional performance assessment in higher education carries with it potential liabilities and warrants careful consideration. The political, methodological, economic, and philosophical cautions to be considered are described and procedures for effectively dealing with these issues are suggested. (Author/JMD)

This article attempts to provide British educators, who face a similar trend, with a synthesis of some major developments in the Accountability in Education movement in the United States. (Author/SJL)