Release of "A Nation at Risk Report" (1983) provoked citizens to embark on mission to improve schools, teaching, and learning. Evidence shows U.S. schools may not be in such dire shape as reported. Schools have shown they can prepare students for top universities but many do not graduate. To keep alive the promise of education reform and…

A statewide survey of Kentucky teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities participating in an alternate assessment and accountability system found that teachers recognized specific benefits (such as students learning to follow individualized schedules) but also expressed frustration with time required to complete student assessment…

Asserts that assisting faculty in acquiring the skills and knowledge to make use of educational technology will become a critical issue in faculty development. Reviews the results of a survey on technology needs-assessment administered to faculty in the fourteen-college University of Kentucky Community College System. Contains 14 references. (VWC)

Describes an interactive multimedia resource designed to provide experiences to develop preservice teachers' knowledge and practices for teaching and assessing mathematics in K-12 classrooms. Contains 31 references. (Author/ASK)

Provides a case study of how one religiously-based college attempted to address the issue of cultural diversity through revisiting its mission statement and building linkages with the surrounding communities. Observes that central to the process was collaboration with both local institutional leadership and representatives from immigrant and…

Examines whether a relationship exists between the number of students per computer in schools and traditional educational outcomes. Findings indicate that the allocation of class time and resources to educational computing is not associated with a loss in traditional outcome measures while the students are accumulating computer experience and…

Review states that two well-known evaluators have assembled a collection of essays on emerging issues in evaluation. These include global political perspectives, qualitative and quantitative research, the relationship between auditing and evaluation, performance assessment, international evaluation, and methodological issues. (SLD)

Argues that attempts to incorporate critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction have been negligible. Outlines a framework for effectively helping students to become better thinkers that utilizes a model from the Critical Thinking Cooperative. The model considers such pedagogical factors as background knowledge, habits of mind, and…

Identifies a fall 1994 cohort group of students transferring from Colorado's 15 community colleges to Colorado State University. Within this cohort, two groups were formed based on their earned grade point average. Focus group discussions regarding the transfer experience were transcribed and qualitatively coded. Implications for practice include…

Examines student outcomes and criticisms surrounding standardized achievement testing and discusses strategies for employing alternative approaches to assess minority student learning, performance, and persistence in college. Recommends the administration of comprehensive assessment measures that best capture student performance across cognitive…

Provides a case study of how school effectiveness policy is mediated by teachers and Local Education Authority (LEA) advisors. Uses qualitative data of a "failing" junior school in the United Kingdom to highlight (1) an LEA response to an evaluation by the Office for Standards in Education and (2) staff mediation of the LEA intervention.…

The idea that schools seldom change is debunked as a myth and discussed in terms of two types of change (incremental and fundamental) that have marked the history of public schools. This myth has also affected the education of children with disabilities, particularly concerning judgment of the success or failure of innovations. Suggestions for…

Presents the results of a survey conducted by the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA). The survey questioned the relevance of policies in place since the late 1960s. The policies addressed subjects including competitions and exhibitions, commercially prepared materials, and the teaching of art. Includes responses and discussion. (MJP)

Discusses the implementation of a charter middle school serving at-risk students in Louisiana and intended to provide an alternative to expulsion. Reviews the school's objectives, school governance and charter law compliance, educational program, accountability, and preliminary progress. Considers the level of attainment for each of 13 goals for…

Describes the theoretical framework and practical application of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). Concludes that the survey is based on an empirically-proven statistical construct that has been executed accurately with results that shed light on the relationship between functional literacy and national and individual well being.…