This discussion on the utility of educational vouchers to equalize educational opportunity focuses on the differences between public and private schools and whether vouchers address those differences. Data on public and private school student achievement are presented and examined in this context. It is suggested that American students have no…

Discusses results of 2 examinations taken by 12th-grade students (n=13,522 for calculus; n=18,031 for statistics) in New Zealand. Males outscored females, significantly in statistics, and private school students outscored state school students. Some differences moderated when mathematics coursework was factored in. (Contains 32 references.)…

A questionnaire about the effects of standardized testing and the meaning of scores and score gains was completed by 341 upper elementary school teachers. Teachers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) students appear to be under greater pressure to improve scores and focus on test content than teachers in higher SES schools. (SLD)

Presents results of a nationwide survey to determine measures being used to diagnose reading difficulties and place students in learning disability or Chapter 1 classes. Finds that calls for change in assessment and placement practices have largely been ignored and implications suggest a need for reform. (MG)

Issues related to values and the impact of campus experiences on the values of undergraduates were studied for 410 undergraduates responding at 3 time points over the freshman year. Campus experiences with robust and value-specific effects are those that promote engagement in values-related issues. (SLD)

This directory of schools and programs in the United States and Canada for deaf children and youth, from elementary to postsecondary education, includes a listing of programs by state; a chart presenting information on program features; survey data on children with deafness; and information on developing norms for hearing-impaired students on the…

The Coursework Cluster Analysis Model is offered for linking college student assessment to curricular reform. The model determines the extent of student improvement in general learned abilities during undergraduate studies as measured by the relationship between pre- and postcollege standardized test scores, and then correlates coursework patterns…

Describes procedures developed at Western Oregon State College to rebuild a collection of standardized tests. Topics discussed include a review of pertinent literature; a faculty needs assessment survey; creation of a test database; processing procedures; circulation policies and procedures; and recommendations for test collections, including…

Analyzes effect sizes in tails of distribution of scores in Feingold's study of joint effects of gender differences in mean and variability on 28 cognitive-ability scales. Effect sizes are smaller than Feingold assumed. Evaluates joint effect of gender differences by number of males and females in extreme score ranges. (SLD)

Data from the 1983-84 Israeli IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement) science study were used to explore gender-related differences (and their determinants) in the learning of science. The study (n=1974) involved several measures of science learning, 10 attitudinal measures, and items and errors classification.…

A study evaluated the accuracy of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores in predicting student law school performance. Male and female scores and White, Black, or Hispanic scores were compared. Data were drawn from 1987 and 1988 graduating classes of five geographically diverse law schools. No significant differences between groups were found.…

A study investigated the extent to which 2 Australian college entrance examinations, sex, and field of study predicted first-year performance of 1,695 students entering the University of Western Australia. Results show that in some fields, students are being admitted with an unacceptably low chance of successfully completing the first year. (MSE)

The idea of assessment driving the curriculum and the importance of assessing students constantly instead of using only standardized tests are discussed. Informal observations used by teachers as a way of assessing student progress is emphasized. The United Kingdom's National Curriculum assessment program are described. (KR)

Outlines the main purposes of student evaluation. Suggests observation as an alternative to testing. Offers suggestions for keeping anecdotal records and a format for record sheets or class notebooks. Recommends that students keep records and maintain folders of their work. Cites an approach for teaching self-evaluation. Suggests helping students…

A study investigated the relationship of high school seniors' (n=44,259) standardized test scores to their achievement in related high school courses frequently required or recommended for college admission. Results suggest the quantity of courses taken does correlate positively with test scores. (MSE)