Synthesis of 2 studies--1 of 429 accountant participants in continuing education (CE) and 1 of CE accounting courses taught by practitioners and academics--found that (1) academicians were rated slightly higher than practitioners and (2) assessments of learning indicate proficiency rather than competence in practice. (SK)

Psychometrically linking a state criterion-referenced test (CRT) and a norm-referenced test (NRT) to yield NRT information through the CRT was studied with samples of 1,500 to 3,000 elementary school students per subject and grade level in Connecticut. A CRT/NRT link can create a focused and coherent assessment system. (SLD)

Analyzes the concept and purposes of school delivery standards. Argues against using school delivery standards for accountability, but supports school process standards to create a vision of what education can be. School performance standards that lead to school input and process indicators would provide useful insights. (SLD)

This article discusses how alternative assessment strategies can tap into learners' espoused theories of action and ways in which educational platforms and portfolios become strategies for revealing learners' theories. The leadership preparation program of the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) shows use of platforms and portfolios in a…

The Learner Report (LR) (A. D. De Groot, 1974) is an instrument to identify educational objectives that resist obvious measurement. An overview is presented of studies using the LR and problems and solutions found in the literature and identified in a survey of 16 Dutch LR users. (SLD)

Discusses a variety of techniques for conducting assessments of English-as-a-Second-Language literacy programs, analyzes several existing tests, and presents ideas for creating new tests. A notion is considered for assessing first language literacy with learners who know neither official language in Canada. (10 references) (Author/LB)

Four reports are presented including "Alternative Approaches to Assessment of Practical Work in Science"; "Introducing Multicultural Science Teaching to a Secondary School"; "A Case Study on the Relative Performance of Boys and Girls in Chemistry Part II"; and "An INSET Technique--Developing a New Consensus." (CW)

The item-response-theory-based (IRT) rule-space model was used to diagnose student knowledge about how exponents behave in multiplication and division in a sample of 431 tenth-grade students. Implications for using feedback from the rule-space model in instruction and assessment are discussed. (SLD)

Current proposals (Goals 2000, SCANS, and the National Council on Education Standards and Testing report) linking education and work present problems of fairness and equity and can be challenged by those denied equal opportunities. Study of unsuccessful initiatives shows that focus on lifelong learning, ownership by all stakeholders, and teacher…

Gwent Education Authority (Wales) evaluated its policies, procedures, administration, and financial arrangements for students with special educational needs. The evaluation found a lack of a clear policy statement on pupils with special educational needs, inconsistencies in criteria for starting formal assessments of special educational needs, and…

Reports on a study of 93 McMaster University (Ontario) sophomore history students about their secondary school preparation in history. Finds that most respondents felt comfortable about their high school education, but a significant number were uncomfortable with their preparation for tutorial work, notetaking, and essay writing. (CFR)

A quiz is presented that may call the attention of school personnel to regression effects in educational measurement, and clarify the meaning of statistical regression for educators in schools. Ten questions and their answers explore regression in the contexts of classroom testing, grading, and performance assessment. (SLD)

Ways in which student beliefs and goals distinguish different styles of engagement with learning, and how such styles are associated with student strategies were studied for 137 female eleventh graders in Australia. Six identified styles of engagement are discussed in terms of insights from analysis preserving the multidimensional character of…

Two extensions of the Mantel Haenszel procedure that may be useful in assessing differential item functioning (DIF) are explored. Simulation results showed that, for both inferential procedures, the studied item should be included in the matching variable, as in the dichotomous case. (SLD)

Compares national higher education quality assessment systems in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, focusing particularly on the balance between internal and external societal needs in the systems' design and organization. Results indicate that systems are highly adjusted to each country's specific governance strategies, resulting in very…