The most popular methods for setting passing scores and other standards on educational tests rely heavily on subjective judgment. This paper presents and evaluates a new procedure for setting and evaluating standards on tests based on cluster analysis of test data. The clustering procedure was applied to a statewide mathematics proficiency test…

A study analyzed the continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, practices, policies, evaluation measures, and perception of impact on practice and participants in the counseling profession. Research was conducted in 22 states with at least 5 years experience with their counselor licensing legislation requiring CPE. Other states were…

Developed for workers in the apparel, carpet, and textile industries, this curriculum package presents a curriculum guide, the lesson plan, handouts, transparencies, tests, and evaluation forms for use by instructors in customizing a one-hour course for new employees on understanding the employee handbook. The introduction describes how the…

This digest discusses the occurrence of other disabilities which, in combination with diminished hearing, can create additional learning problems for children with hearing impairments. Topics on educational strategies for these children address: (1) the prevalence of other disabilities in children with hearing loss, including learning…

Intended to link civic education curriculum, instruction, and assessment, this guide is directed to those educators who are looking for ways to authentically assess students in the area of civic education. The handbook is designed to connect content and the broader goals of preparing youth to participate in democratic society. It is based on the…

This document discusses educational assessment and accountability in current educational reform efforts and the implications for students with disabilities. A preface addresses common educational reforms, new laws promoting education reform, and how today's reforms fit with special education. The paper then describes three types of assessment:…

This book contains 11 essays that offer in-depth accounts of qualitative research in developing countries. Each chapter focuses upon a specific method and considers related theoretical and practical issues with reference to recent experiences in selected developing countries. Key issues addressed include: (1) the identification of appropriate…

The purpose of the Profiling System is to provide diagnostic and instructional resources to regular and special education teachers. The Profiling System is based on research and literature in psychological type and learning style. It combines the literature in these areas with academic and perceptual assessment instruments to screen for learning…

This paper explores the development of a set of indicators devoted exclusively to the school to work transition. The indicators described are directed at monitoring a geographical area as a whole, whether it is the nation, state, or a local community. Developing a set of indicators is linked to making judgments about the impact we expect new…

This report describes how assessments are scored and results are reported in the inclusive assessment and accountability systems in Maryland and Kentucky. Specific topics include: (1) how school performance is reported to the public; (2) what components go into the reported performance of schools; (3) how scores are obtained for students in the…

The first of the National Education Goals states that by the year 2000 all children in America will start school ready to learn. Pressed by demands for greater accountability and enhanced educational performance, states are developing standards and creating new criteria and approaches for assessing achievement. Calls to assess young children are…

Recent increases in the speed and accessibility of computers and networks have made it possible to administer tests on-line. On-line assessment can be conducted in a controlled setting, such as a testing center, or distributed over local area networks or the Internet to libraries and student homes, allowing students the flexibility to complete…

The Modified-Revised Science Teacher's Behavior Inventory (MR-STBI) was used in earlier studies to analyze the teaching strategies emphasized in instruction in science classrooms. This analysis showed changes in teaching strategies that occurred as a result of science teachers' professional development through longer-term modeled,…

This report is one of a series of reports from a research project that focuses on the evaluation of laboratory work in secondary schools. The study focuses on 12 different laboratory tasks from the biology and chemistry courses of the Finnish comprehensive school. Secondary students (N=212) were observed during laboratory sessions and analysis of…

This paper examines the preventive model in special education and applies it to the assessment of gifted students and the delivery of educational services to them. First, characteristics of the model are identified, which include emphasis on the interaction between the learner and the environment, use of both formal and informal assessments, and…