Presents the Wilkinson Scales for writing assessment and shows how one eighth grade student's essay, using the scales, can be evaluated for grammatical and mechanical problems without devaluing the emotion that went into its composition. (JC)

An annotated bibliography that surveys a variety of pedagogical literature and includes articles proposing ideas, techniques, strategies, and innovations most recommended by instructors of large classes is provided. (MLW)

Maintains that television network news has the capacity to graphically illuminate on-going events which demand sociological explanation. Shows how segments of network news were incorporated into a humanistic sociology course in order to provide students with clear and concise images of social problems. (JDH)

Describes assessment techniques for accommodating various facets of the process approach to teaching writing. Includes rating scales, self-evaluations, peer evaluations, holistic scoring, and team grading. (EL)

Examines recent literature focusing on the achievement of poverty students at inner city schools. Discusses the implications of findings in the areas of (1) student grouping and individualization for instructional purposes, (2) learning time for basic skills, (3) grading practices, (4) discipline, (5) grade structure, and (6) differences…

The American system of grading is criticized by a British educator as heavily goal- and test-oriented. Problems arising from use of grade contracts at a large state university for students studying in England are discussed, including student expectations and study habits, differing assessment methods and criteria, and exploitation of faculty. (MSE)

If you've ever questioned the logic of reducing a student's entire academic performance to a single test score or a vague letter grade, then here's a book that will revolutionize the way you think about assessment and grading. Drawing from years of in-depth research, Robert J. Marzano provides you with guidelines and steps for designing a…

This study was conducted at College of the Canyons (COC), California, in spring 2002 by the Office of Institutional Development and Technology, along with Communications Studies instructor Victoria Leonard. Eighty-three class sections were surveyed to determine the degree to which students agreed or disagreed that their course syllabus clearly…

This collection is intended to help teachers encourage active learning by involving students in classroom learning and to encourage teachers to cultivate critical thinking through thought-provoking questions. The readings include: (1) "The Dreaded Discussion: Ten Ways To Start" (Peter Frederick); (2) "Classroom Structures Which Encourage Student…

This book is designed to help educators consider how assessment relates to instruction and recognize how assessment affects student learning. It intends to encourage teachers to establish a climate in which students can safely seek and use assessment information. A basic assumption is that learning occurs best in a positive setting, one that…

The reasons teachers give for their assessment and grading practices and the factors that influence these practices were studied. Of 200 elementary and secondary mathematics and English teachers who volunteered to participate, researchers selected 60 teachers as representing maximum variation and then interviewed 24. Interview transcripts were…

This ethnographic case study investigated the challenges of six elementary teachers who attempted to embrace, comprehend, and apply elements of cooperative learning. The study examined solutions that teachers found effective in dealing with problems they encountered when using cooperative learning. Over the course of 1 year, researchers collected…

This paper is designed to provide Iowa educators with information on reporting results of assessments of students with disabilities, including grading, diplomas, and transcripts. A question-and-answer format addresses: (1) indication of the provision of reasonable accommodations on students' report cards; (2) honor rolls; (3) pass/fail grading…

The development of a national, standardized federal drug law examination is described, including its purpose, content, reliability, overall performance, and scoring method. Candidate performance for 3 years is reported, with variance by state, school, etc. (Author/MSE)

The role of evaluation in improving academic performance is explored. A theoretical development of formative evaluation in higher education and a critique of higher education in the light of that theory is presented. Grading, feedforward, feedback, course length, and cumulative assessment are discussed. (Author/MLW)