At the American Federation of Teachers' 1991 conference, members stated that private school choice threatened public education and claimed a need for national standards and national tests. Other demands included comprehensive programs for school dropouts and a labor market policy that emphasizes the link between school and work. (MLF)

Journal editors respond to criticisms of reliance on statistical significance in research reporting. Joel R. Levin ("Journal of Educational Psychology") defends its use, whereas William D. Schafer ("Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development") emphasizes the distinction between statistically significant and important. William Asher…

To develop a perspective for assessing the effectiveness of developmental education, we must develop definitions, values, and criteria that permit consistency in analyzing students' learning needs and educational outcomes and in comparing research on developmental education. Research literature shows that a lack of consistent perspectives for…

Attempts to demonstrate how the general logic of experience of J. Dewey helps explain the epistemological underpinnings of the evaluative perceptions and professional judgments of six principals. Descriptive statements of these principals reflect normative expectations and structural constraints combined with idiosyncrasies and discretionary…

The process of changing was assessed in four schools at the midpoint of a five-year essential schools restructuring effort in Illinois. Cross-case analysis results in identification of factors affecting the change process by examining benchmarks of substantial agreement, observable change, all-school participation, and systemic leadership. (SLD)

Reports on a survey of state assessment directors (100% response rate) in 1994 documenting assessment policies and practices concerning English language learners (ELLs) within state assessment systems. In the 1993-94 school year, 17 states required students to pass one or more content-area tests to receive a diploma, testing ELLs in several ways.…

Describes the assessment plan developed by Turtle Mountain Community College to better respond to the needs of its growing student body. Includes a description of the survey instrument administered to graduating students, which was used to assess the institution's effectiveness. (VWC)

Discusses methods of assessing job preparatory-training outcomes, particularly a product called Data Linking for Outcomes Assessment (DLOA). Contends that through data linking, conclusions about programs, job placement, and salaries for graduates can be drawn with ease. Describes key design features for creating a DLOA. (EMH)

Presents research findings, based on current national data, regarding the differences and similarities between public and Catholic schools. Focuses on fourth graders. (YKH)

Reports on a survey administered to faculty at the University of Minnesota regarding the reading and writing assignments and pedagogy employed in courses. States that results were used to make changes in the content of the developmental curriculum and strategies used to teach courses. Contains 11 references. (VWC)

Contends that as the movement from teaching to learning expands, the role of community-college faculty changes. Asserts that a clearly defined role for faculty may help ease this transition. Reviews learning-paradigm and learning-college literature to develop an inventory that profiles faculty members and illuminates their places in learning…

Identifies the music skills and understanding taught during preservice training that in-service preschool classroom teachers perceived as practical and beneficial. Demonstrates that skills and understanding considered most useful provide students with direct music experiences; skills traditionally taught in music theory and history were not…

Notes that the further education (FE) sector has changed more over the past decade than any other educational sector in Britain; FE colleges are being assigned a central role in the new post-compulsory system designed to develop a "learning society." Outlines a values foundation for the new FE sector and programs. (DSK)

Under the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments, all states must now include students with disabilities in statewide and districtwide educational assessments. So far, Kentucky is the only state with a comprehensive alternative portfolio-assessment program for students unable to participate in "regular" testing…

Presents the results of two surveys conducted to evaluate distance education courses offered at a community college: one of students who enrolled in, but did not complete, a distance education course; and one of the faculty and administrators involved in telecourse planning and delivery. Describes how the results were used to improve the programs.…