The evaluator's roles--change agent, manager, resource person, interpreter, and liaison between the project and the funding agency--are described, concerning the evaluation of innovative projects in education. Difficulties in obtaining desired commitments (i.e., a project's financial commitments and its positive attitude toward the evaluation…

Reports on a biochemistry education workshop held at the University of the Philippines, in October, 1987 sponsored by the Philippine Biochemical Society. Discussed are biochemistry research, and the problems of biochemistry education in the Philippines. Four addresses made at the workshop are summarized. (CW)

Described are discussions held concerning the problems of biochemical education in Brazil at a meeting of the Sociedade Brazileira de Bioquimica in April 1988. Also discussed are other visits that were made to universities in Brazil. Three major recommendations to improve the state of biochemistry education in Brazil are presented. (CW)

Strategic planning is a long-term planning process that allows school leaders to decide where they want to go and how they intend to get there. The procedure is outlined graphically, and a hypothetical example illustrates the steps of the process. (MLF)

Examines the social framework and influence of public assessment within school systems and identifies three directions for assessment reform: (1) increasing authenticity and realism of assessment tasks; (2) increasing interpretive quality of assessment and information; and (3) increasing integration of teaching, learning, and assessment processes.…

The Internet is a large and growing resource for those interested in educational assessment issues. Internet resources of particular interest to the assessment community are identified and discussed. These include gopher sites, Web sites, and listservs. (SLD)

Describes results of research by the Test User Qualifications Working Group that can be applied to improving testing practices, including 86 test use competencies and 7 factors accounting for misuse; a test classification system; and empirically based test purchaser qualification forms. (SLD)

Various assessment methods were tested for recognition of prior learning in rural industry: challenge tests, on the job, portfolios, interviews, and case studies. Regardless of method, the process was time consuming, labor intensive, and costly. Successful use will depend on finding ways to improve cost effectiveness. (SK)

Accountability involves multiple indicators and multiple sources of information about student achievement. Assessments should be based on standards for which teachers and students are prepared and with which they can succeed. Offers five suggestions to school boards. (MLF)

Describes the efforts of the Chicago archdiocesan office of Catholic education to advertise its services throughout the Chicago area. Highlights the office's "Shareholder's Report," a local report card which was distributed through Catholic schools to all parents and which provided data about student achievement, costs, drop-out rates,…

A scheme is introduced for classifying assessment methods by using a mapping sentence and examples of three tasks from research methodology are provided along with their profiles (structures) based on the mapping sentence. An instrument to determine student assessment preferences is presented and explored. (SLD)

Describes dilemmas and solutions associated with teaching and assessing strategic reasoning. Emphasizes that learning to teach and assess strategic reasoning is a trail-and-error process requiring much reflection on the part of the teacher. Initiates discussions among teachers about dilemmas associated with teaching and assessing strategic…

Focuses on a technique called "Early Recollection of Reading and Writing" (ERRW) that provides teachers with the knowledge needed to help unlock and develop a student's potential in reading and writing. Presents the technique's theoretical basis and practical application and illustrates the critical role that this technique can play in…

Discusses the current state of alternative assessment programs, focusing on results of studies the authors conducted in two school districts. Shares implications for policy and for curriculum and instruction. (MG)

American indicator systems of educational accountability generally focus on student outcomes. The next generation of indicator systems must address wider issues, such as social context and values, curriculum assessment, structure of schooling, and individual student differences. Administrative, technical, political, and financial issues in…