It is argued that consequences are a logical part of the evaluation of test use, which has been an accepted part of test validity for several decades. The examination of effects following from test use is essential in evaluating test validity and not merely the domain of policymakers and politicians. (SLD)

It is argued that consequential validity is a concept worth considering. The solution to defining "validity" is not to narrow the concept, but to allow for the differential prediction provided by tests in different circumstances. Consequences of the uses and interpretations of test scores are central to their evaluation. (SLD)

The development and validation of professional development resource materials for teachers by the National Council on Measurement in Education and associated professional groups is described. The developed module contains a context-orienting vignette, instruction, practice exercises, hands-on experiences, small group topics, and homework problems.…

Two years after CEO Paul Vallas was brought in to run the Chicago Public Schools, the schools report higher scores on standardized tests, better attendance, and higher graduation and lower dropout rates. Of 557 schools, 109 were placed on probation, and students were held accountable for their performance. (LMI)

A study of the education systems in Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States yielded data on 35 variables. The data were used to compile averages defined as "world class standards" in education. In world-class schools, the children are motivated and ready to learn, and…

Examines benefits and challenges of undertaking assessments in community-based research (CBR). Such assessments are compared and contrasted to more traditional research processes. Further, the challenges of integrating CBR assessments into an ongoing social change initiative are analyzed. Five principles to guide CBR assessments are articulated. A…

Educators are once again called upon to resolve a national dilemma: to recognize and legitimize differences, yet construct an overarching identity that incorporates all voices into one. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to children must be the touchstones of educational decisions. (Contains 17…

An 11-item math concept curriculum-based measure (CBM) was administered to 171 eighth grade students. Scores were correlated with scores from a computer adaptive test designed in conjunction with the state to approximate the official statewide mathematics achievement tests. Correlations for general education students and students with learning…

A superintendent describes his district's use of an assessment tool to diagnosis internal conditions and relationships in the district and then prescribe action plans for improvement that were implemented through the remainder of the year. Also contains a six-point list of leadership belief statements. (MLF)

The best kind of performance-based funding system is that which encourages and rewards good practice. Any state incentive program should encourage colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive database, conduct more and better talent development assessments, increase student-faculty contact, and increase student involvement in learning.…

Evaluation of a University of Calgary (Canada) program to train 11 Saudi Arabian physicians found variability in preparation and progress of the students but determined the benefits to the institution outweighed disadvantages. The review reinforced the value of periodic program review and yielded recommendations for improvement of training.…

The message that campuses must use the data they are gathering about students to improve teaching and learning was presented at a conference on Assessment in Higher Education. More campuses are developing their own assessment tools rather than relying solely on standardized tests. Classroom assessment allows faculty to evaluate their own teaching.…

States that educational research has yielded adequately tested theories and empirical results to establish criteria for the legal review of student evaluation in West German schools. Discusses problems associated with the legal review of student evaluation, particularly the danger of limiting review to superficial aspects of the evaluation…

Describes an educational evaluation simulation activity developed for use in an English-as-a-second-language teacher training program for teachers from Southeast Asian and Pacific nations. The simulation provided opportunities for participant teams to practice educational and curriculum development assessment. Simulation objectives, theoretical…

Reports the results of an evaluation study of an English non-professional, school-based reading program called Volunteer Reading Help (VRH). Finds no significant VRH effect. Analysis shows many discrepancies between recommended VRH approach and the actual approach taken in practice. Calls for more professional help for the volunteers to improve…