Addresses issues in evaluating the consequences of assessment programs that are developed to hold schools accountable to state standards. Proposes a validation study to obtain consequential evidence for state assessment and accountability programs that includes a validity argument, propositions that follow from the validity argument, a definition…

Examines current educational trends in the community colleges, based on critical issues addressed at the 2002 Community College Futures Assembly (CCFA) in Orlando, Florida. Describes the CCFA as an independent policy forum, sponsored by the University of Florida, that convenes annually. Discusses the top three critical issues presented: the needs…

A sampling of student assessment and accountability in selected countries to help put trends in the United States in perspective. Examines national student assessments in England, France, and Hong Kong. Also looks at several international collaborative assessment projects for reading literacy, mathematics, and science. (Contains 10 references.)…

Argues for a redefining of the concept of "academic major" for students and administrators. Stresses that students should be challenged to developing skills to invest in their educational outcomes rather than fulfill requirements of the major. Argues for administrators to abandon the concept of "major," replacing it with "fields of study." (DMM)

This special issue contains a collection of 2 editorials and 15 articles concerning the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Mathematics which were produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1989. Sections include "Background,""Implementation,""Issues," and "Reactions." (CW)

Described are the composition, design, administration, and evaluation of practical examinations. A table of the composition of biochemical unknowns for analysis in practical examinations is included. (CW)

Reports that the procedures for scholastic achievement in West Germany are established by the state administration, including judicial review of student evaluation. This judicial review is largely formal and not specific to schooling. Advocates the insertion of pedagogical criteria into the legal review of student assessment. (Author/LS)

Presented are four research articles and staff development activities. Included are: an activity used to stimulate discussion of the issue of balanced science; a constructivist approach to teaching electric circuits; a science grading scheme; and a discussion of priorities in science education. (CW)

Discusses the problems associated with the assessment of art and design. Identifies criterion-referenced assessment practices within the British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) program as central to the development of a system of examination which is more fair to participants. (KO)

Presents a dynamic reading assessment procedure (DAP). Argues that the procedure is particularly valuable for use with at-risk learners because both cognitive and affective variables are assessed. Notes that the readers' strategy use and knowledge, as well as their adaptability and attitude toward reading instruction, can be determined. (RS)

Comments on the selective nature of the Thatcher government's interest in and enthusiasm for features of the West German education system. Compares Great Britain's and West Germany's systems with regard to student assessment, compulsory curriculum, school-leaving qualifications, vocational education, and centralization of authority. Contains 32…

Reviews studies of singing which used elementary-aged subjects over the past 25 years. Summarizes studies done on the singing inaccuracies of children, and reviews studies on the processes required for accurate singing. Presents studies on factors affecting children's singing and examines the implications of this research for singing education.…

Discusses assessment as an integral part of teaching. Describes informal assessment and instructional decision making. Discusses the scope and methods of assessment. Provides examples of assessment related to the standards. (YP)

Discusses the diminished influence of research on educational policy, and explores how science is confronting educational policy issues in relation to adult education. Analyzes the key concepts of vocational educational policy; namely, the function of further education, vocational education, and general and political education. Concludes with a…

The effects of certain characteristics (e.g., sample design) of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data on statistical analysis techniques are considered. Ignoring special features of NAEP data and proceeding with a standard analysis can produce inferences that underestimate the true variability and overestimate the true degrees of…