Presents criteria which K-12 Canadian teachers should use to evaluate social studies materials. They should analyze curricula according to how the developers define the overall intent of the program, interpret history, indicate their images of man, employ kinds of knowledge, and typify key people and events. (RM)

The paper reviews programs for gifted students in various countries, with particular attention to definitions of gifted students, identification procedures, program offerings, and evaluation procedures. The paper examines these aspects of programing in the following countries (sample subtopics in parentheses): Australia; the Union of Soviet…

Objectives and issues underlying the international comparison of higher education programs, for the purpose of improving educational mobility among countries, are examined. Several recent studies suggesting methods for qualitative measurement and comparison are discussed, and promising directions are noted. (MSE)

In a built environment program, parts of the community are brought right into the classroom for detailed study, and all activities are related to the specific characteristics of the local environment. A built environment project for primary schools in British Columbia is described and evaluated. (RM)

Profiles the Texas School Teacher Exchange Program (STEP) and presents research results evaluating its effectiveness. Respondents rated statements about the program on a Likert scale. Results showed conclusively that the program is valued highly by the participants with few reservations. (MJP)

The British experience with nationwide research quality assessment exercises and newly-introduced measures to improve research program accountability is described. Consequences for institutions of higher education and for the system as a whole are examined, using the University of Glasgow (Scotland) as an example. Utility of performance indicators…

An overview of 19 papers presented at the meeting indicates that countries in the Asia and Pacific region are aware of socioeconomic changes and the need for national educational systems to provide adequate responses to these changes. New personnel profiles and educational training programs are needed. Factors which will affect the development of…

Discussion of performance indicators' use in government-institutional relationships and funding decisions for higher education institutions draws on experiences of five countries (Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom). Roles of political culture, educational funding system, and quality assessment procedures used for resource…

The chapters and authors in this volume are as follows: "The New World of Continuing Education" (Thomas); "Compared to What? Comparison Studies as an Added Dimension for Adult Learning" (Kidd); "Culture in the Classroom" (Barer-Stein); "Planning for Learning: A Model for Creative Decision Making" (Herman);…

Addressed to politicians and policy makers who allocate resources among competing programs of education and extension, practitioners who make day-to-day program decisions, and the scholarly community, this document on trends and issues in adult education around the globe consists of 14 chapters, each with notes and references. The purpose,…

Compares quality improvement and accountability processes in the United States and United Kingdom. For the United Kingdom, looks at quality audits, institutional assessment, standards-based quality assurance, and research assessment; in the United States, looks at regional and specialized accreditation, performance indicator systems, academic…

Addresses the central issue of test biases in college entrance examinations. Utilizes differential item functioning analysis (DIF) to compare types of questions, fields of knowledge, and male and female responses in Turkish entrance examinations. Reveals intermittent biases and suggests the tests be used more for assessment than selection. (MJP)