This paper discusses the types of readiness that are necessary for learning in science and how to assess them. Subject matter readiness refers to what students bring in terms of facts, concepts, generalizations, and principles to the new science lesson. Evaluating many aspects of student background, such as prior instruction, helps in the…

To evaluate pupil achievement in the area of elementary school social studies, selected evaluation techniques are discussed and practical suggestions for implementation are offered. The discussed techniques include: (1) work samples, (2) rating scales, (3) checklists, (4) teacher observation, (5) sociometric devices, (6) anecdotal records, (7)…

Teachers and supervisors need to provide quality experiences in reading for each learner. School systems can appraise the effectiveness of their present reading curricula in a variety of ways. The following issues are involved in evaluating the reading curriculum: (1) objective selection; (2) objective sequencing; and (3) appraisal procedures to…

Teachers need to align learning opportunities with state-mandated objectives. This process should begin with assessing the curriculum, possibly through the use of a 10-point scale by teachers, administrators, support personnel, and parents. To implement the needed learning opportunities, tenets from educational psychology should be used in…

This paper analyzes different approaches to assess learner achievement in the spelling curriculum. The following topics are discussed: assessment of spelling and the basal textbook, using spelling words for mastery based on research, individualized spelling, use of spelling words in context, standardized spelling tests, and the functional approach…

Noting that it is vital to pay careful attention to designing the reading curriculum, this document outlines the following issues: objectives in reading curriculum; learning activities; methods of teaching; assessment of student achievement; supervision in the reading curriculum; and philosophy of evaluation. Questions which arise pertaining to…

To determine quality sequence in pupil progress, evaluation approaches need to be used which guide the teacher to assist learners to attain optimally. Teachers must use a variety of procedures to appraise student achievement in reading, because no one approach is adequate. Appraisal approaches might include: (1) observation and subsequent…

In order for necessary reform in the reading curriculum to occur, a great debate in the teaching of reading is needed. Instructional management systems (or mastery learning) with their measurable objectives should be compared with holistic philosophies in reading instruction. A holistic approach to reading instruction should be implemented.…

Emotions, feelings, and values are important in an individual's well being. If pupils possess quality attitudes, the chances are that cognitive objectives will be achieved well, as much as the individual can be capable of doing. The teacher needs to emphasize affective objectives in reading instruction. Learning opportunities to achieve objectives…

The act of reading is holistic and involves acquisition of facts, concepts, and generalizations. With Instructional Management Systems (IMS) and state mandated testing, however, reading too frequently becomes a means of appraising the achievement of students in acquiring word recognition skills as well as diverse comprehension abilities. School…

Formative evaluation emphasizes continuous assessment within a unit of study. There are many ways which may be used by the reading teacher to ascertain pupil achievement: teacher observation, a checklist of important reading behaviors, rating scales, anecdotal statements, teacher written tests, class discussions, self evaluation forms,…

Explores numerous procedures to evaluate a pupil's reading achievement. Discusses different evaluation methods including criterion-referenced tests; contextualism in reading; discussions in the reading curriculum; conferences with pupils; and using portfolios. Concludes that the best objectives, learning opportunities, appraisal procedures, and an…

A quality evaluation program is needed to determine student progress in the language arts. Evaluation procedures emphasized should appraise in terms of stated objectives. A variety of procedures should be used since no approach is perfect. Approaches include: instructor observation of student progress; completion of checklists or rating scales;…

Four goals of reading instruction are problem solving, securing ideas, achieving state mandated standards, and making decisions. These broad goals provide general direction for teachers in teaching reading. In order to apply reading to problem solving, a teacher may propose a life-like and important problem to students. The pupils then select…

Because not all approaches to evaluating pupil achievement evaluate in the same facets of development, many methods are necessary to assess learner achievement in the different curriculum areas of the elementary school. This paper examines methods of evaluating pupil achievement, including: work samples, checklists, rating scales, sociometric…