Two procedures for classifying examinees into categories, one based on the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) and the other on sequential Bayes methodology, were compared to determine which required fewer items for classification. Results showed that the SPRT procedure requires fewer items to achieve the same accuracy level. (SLD)

Explores evidence of English student interest and achievement in their chosen A-level subjects. Focuses on economics among ten major A-level subjects. Concludes that students may be discouraged to study A-level economics by severe grading at the mid-point of A-level study. Includes references. (CMK)

Proposes a model for training college students in theater arts based on a pedagogy program employed at the University of Oregon. Notes that this pedagogy process differs from student teaching in that it meets the particular needs of each participant. Outlines the components of the program, which include office hours, a journal, secretarial tasks,…

Presents a study that compared examiners' judgments of the grade-worthiness of candidates' A-level examination work at question paper level and at subject level. Suggests that examiners may have compensated to some extent for the different aspects of the subject tested in different question papers when they made holistic judgments. (CMK)

Argues that educators must "think outside the box" to improve school performance. Suggests several areas for expanded thought, including school size, curriculum coverage, grading practices, use of time, organization of students, time management, and belief statement. (PKP)

Discusses how to grade papers online. Proposes that students whose papers are graded online internalize information more readily than students whose papers are not. Concludes that through meeting on the Internet, many students sense a narrowing culture gap between teachers and students. (PM)

Discusses the most satisfying part of teaching writing--helping students discover what they have to say and showing them how to say it. Notes that the basic skills of writing (audience awareness, organizing thoughts, and revising) are bigger than the rules of grammar and spelling and do not change from grade to grade. (RS)

Discusses aspects of one teacher's responses to students' writing that have survived over the years. Argues that students (1) should write for a teenage audience; (2) deserve written and oral responses from their peers; and (3) benefit from successes shared with their parents. Suggests that responses to writing begin with content, which makes…

In an attempt to frame an agenda for research on grading practices, the grading practices of 15 high school teachers of mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies were examined. Results underscore the ambiguity in current grading practices and highlight 19 possible reasons for deviations from recommended practices. (SLD)

Third-year medical students prepared case studies involving ethical issues, drawn from clinical experience. A study of the quality of the projects, the types of ethical issues raised, and attitudes expressed in them revealed limited student understanding of the range of ethical issues and widespread disagreement with physician handling of cases.…

Discusses grading in elementary and secondary schools, focusing on the following topics: combining and weighting data, grading criteria, absolute grade standards, relative grade standards, contracting for grades, mastery and continuous progress grading, grading for effort or improvement, report cards, and procedures for grading students. (SR)

Presents strategies to help staff developers and classroom teachers work through the transition phase of a paradigm shift in educational practice, highlighting traditional assessment and grading models and noting the importance of allowing teachers time to reframe and integrate the new model, meeting in small groups to understand the transition.…

Describes a course on hypermedia issues in education offered in the Graduate School of Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The general design and philosophy of the class are discussed; course requirements and grading are explained; and supporting materials, required texts, and suggested readings are listed. (LRW)

This article briefly describes research and authentic assessment and outlines methods for developing rubrics which offer a more authentic approach to assessment. It offers a rubric for assessing secondary students' original research, along with benchmarks showing examples for each criterion. It also suggests ways to translate rubric assessments…

Study examined effects of training on positive grader bias toward nicely handwritten essays. Nine typed essays, nine in neat handwriting, and nine in poor handwriting were transcribed into the other modes. Graders trained to avoid bias and three controls graded the essays. Both groups showed significant bias toward good handwriting. (SM)