States that in "developing" countries such as Cameroon, educators struggle to overcome the remnants of colonial educational systems and instructional methods, which are not in keeping with current educational theory. Examines the inadequacies of the Evans English textbooks used for literacy instruction in West Cameroon schools as an…

Answers questions about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the new assessment in the arts. Reports that NAEP arts assessment confirms large-scale assessment in music is possible and stresses that arts education is for all students. Urges music educators to use the NAEP results to defend arts education when challenged. (CMK)

This study compared performance of 181 students with learning disabilities (LD) and 184 students without LD on tests under four conditions (standard, extended time, large print, students reading aloud). Students with LD profited differentially from reading aloud but not from extended time or large print. The assessment based on data predicted…

Uses components of effective faculty development identified from a review of the literature to assess faculty development at 49 Texas two-year colleges. Finds that good teaching is valued and connected to evaluation and tenure decisions. However, the lack of leadership and a formalized, structured program are serious detriments to effective…

The usefulness of the 1992 TSA in reading was studied using interviews from 26 state directors of assessment. Perceptions about TSA credibility and orientation of test components and current use of TSA results were examined. The directors suggested involving more teachers in assessment, modifying descriptors, disseminating results quicker, and…

Offers a critical discussion on the issue of educational standards by (1) clarifying issues surrounding educational standards, (2) critically examining the assumptions underlying popular discourse about standards, and (3) offering and arguing for an alternate perspective based on democratic ideals. Discusses the impact of this on classroom…

Describes how Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon developed a matrix that identifies major assessment requirements and a calendar that shows the timing of activities necessary to meet these requirements. Discusses each assessment requirement as well as inconsistencies that exist between requirements. Contains one data table and 11 references.…

Probes the success of Vietnam in preparing for national literacy and universal primary education within a framework of increasingly fragile and threatened socialist principles. Concludes that Vietnam has substantial literacy for a developing country, but progress remains slow in relation to particular ethnic groups, rural areas, and women. (DSK)

A new accreditation agency, the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), gives college presidents a greater role in program assessment and evaluates institutions on how well they meet their own standards. Competing with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and founded in 1954, TEAC is seen by some as hampering efforts…

Examines links between educational research and the policy and planning process in Laos. Reviews social and economic conditions influencing Lao education. Describes the use and nonuse of research in educational policy and planning, focusing on decision making and outcomes in a Lao government/Asian Development Bank educational assessment. Suggests…

Describes a two-year study of first-year undergraduates at Loughborough University of Technology (England), focusing on the enhancement of student learning in tutorials through peer review and peer assessment. Outlines the methodology, design, and problems of the peer review process and offers interpretations of some peer-generated marks.…

Examines problems surrounding traditional assessment and evaluation in education and suggests ways to broaden the methodology as well as the validity of the assessment process. A study of elementary school students is described that used computer-generated assessment involving graphic feedback with and without text to study motivation and…

Discusses information literacy and presents a theoretical framework for higher education. Highlights include characteristics of an information literate person, including independent self-directed learning and the use of information technology; information literacy education strategies in the academic curriculum; evaluating information literacy…

Mathematics questions from the General Certificate of Secondary Education, taken in England at the end of compulsory education, were incorporated into a similar Swedish national test. Significant national differences were found in scores of the lowest 40% of the cohort. Results are discussed in relation to high dropout and failure rates in English…

Examination of participation and accommodation policies of all states revealed that in most states the Individualized Education Program team is central in deciding the participation of students with disabilities in state assessments. Testing accommodations are commonly allowed, although there is considerable variability. States generally offer…