Claims that the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) represent a leap forward in the quality of comparative international research on schooling. Discusses prospects of achieving a consensus among educational policy makers on the reforms suggested in both study…

Provides brief history of the German Gymnasium as a traditional European secondary school system with a preparatory function for higher education. Reviews the main goals of the gymnasium. Asks what role the gymnasium plays as a learning environment for gifted students. Discusses the politico-educational consequences and demands on the gymnasium.…

This article summarizes concerns expressed at the SENCo-Forum about the stress that the Key Stage 1 Standard Assessment Tasks procedures place on children with special needs. Concerns include effects on student confidence, forcing teachers into roles that run counter to their educational ethos, and the time given to test preparation. (CR)

Discussion of problems in documenting student performance and progress focuses on middle-secondary subject matter, the state standards that are fundamental to most large-scale assessment systems, and curriculum text structures that limit the type of learning that can be documented. It suggests critical thinking measures as an alternative procedure…

This book focuses on topics germane to cognitive abilities viewed from a "minority psychology" perspective. The most contentious chapters concern test bias and heredity, with culture, socioeconomic status, and case viewed as the chief explanations for test score differences between social classes and racial and ethnic groups. The reviewer…

This article highlights some of the defining characteristics of distance education courses and their impact on traditional assessment practices for instructors and students, including those with learning disabilities. Factors that instructors need to consider for dealing with test accommodations for students with learning disabilities are…

Four alternate versions of a 15-item general outcome measure (GOM) of mathematics conceptual understanding and applications were developed and administered to 117 eighth-graders. Results were correlated with scores on state multiple-choice mathematics achievement tests. Correlations ranged from .81 to .87 with no significant differences, offering…

In this intervention study, training was found to increase the quality and extent of participation and accommodation documentation on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of students with disabilities in three Illinois school districts. Correlations between what was documented on the IEP and what happened on testing day were highly variable.…

Describes the Liberal Studies/Professional Skills (LS/PS) faculty development program at Inver Hills Community College (Minnesota). Reports that the program began with the intent to develop an assessment process that would provide immediate benefits to students and faculty. Explains that it goes beyond transcripts to verify student competencies…

This article argues that standardized tests mandated by No Child Left Behind Act will not produce improved learning opportunities and outcomes. It offers three recommendations for changing educational practices and the law: Districts and states must emphasize assessment for learning; districts should implement new forms of accountability; people…

Presented is a criticism of the instructions given for and the scoring of the Draw-a-Scientist test (Chambers, 1983). A response to this criticism by authors who employ this method is included. (CW)

Maintains that all teachers possess instructional objectives despite claims to the contrary. Defines instructional objectives as the understanding, attitudes, and skills that a teacher wants a learner to acquire. Discusses the instructional objectives of catechetical education. Examines the debate over catechetical education and instructional…

The article summarizes and comments on the publication, "A Curriculum for All," of the National Curriculum Council of the United Kingdom. Teachers of students with special needs are encouraged to follow the booklet's guidelines to ensure access to the National Curriculum. Concerns about assessment and local management of schools are…

Reports that record enrollments have prompted a rethinking of the nation's higher education policies. Cites several explanations for overcrowding: an increase in the number of students continuing their studies, German students take longer to complete studies, and older students are reentering the university. (RT)

Explains a state standardized science program evaluation system that includes hands-on activities. Explains the syllabus, workshops, purpose of test, test features and its component parts including sample questions. (RT)