Human raters are normally involved in L2 performance assessment; as a result, rater behavior has been widely investigated to reduce rater effects on test scores and to provide validity arguments. Yet raters' cognition and use of rubrics in their actual rating have rarely been explored qualitatively in L2 speaking assessments. In this study three…

TIMSS measures trends in mathematics and science achievement at the fourth and eighth grades in participating countries around the world, while also monitoring curricular implementation and identifying promising instructional practices. Conducted on a regular 4-year cycle, TIMSS has assessed mathematics and science in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, and…

This report explains the output of a computer program which was developed for use by media specialists in calculating the statistics on data gathered from PSES questionnaires, as well as the computer program itself. Written in PASCAL, this program computes descriptive statistics, a bar graph, and percentages for the PSES instrument. Appendices…

This report explains the output of a computer program which was developed for use by media specialists in calculating the statistics on data gathered from PSES questionnaires, as well as the computer program itself. Written in PASCAL, this program computes descriptive statistics, a bar graph, and percentages for the PSES instrument. Appendices…

Numerous studies indicate that climate, the prevailing "feeling" of the environment, not only contributes to behavioral and situational outcomes, but that climate can be changed to help bring about the behaviors and outcomes desired. Researchers have identified characteristics of positive school climates and ways of determining the…

This booklet is one of eight developed both as resource guides to assist Wisconsin public schools in offering qualtiy reading instruction and as models for improvement where there is a need for change. This fifth booklet suggests a model to use in planning a local Right to Read program that includes the following steps: commitment to begin…

Curriculum needs can be identified and curriculum developed using the instructional design process. A fictional scenario and instructional design components are provided for those educators interested in incorporating virtual reality into the curriculum. Sample items of questionnaires are appended. (AEF)

This document provides information designed to help businesses increase their involvement in supporting children and families. The first of three chapters discusses the impact of social changes on the work force, and lists benefits that accrue to businesses and families when businesses institute policies that support employees' families. The…

Intended for use with "Accreditation Criteria and Procedures of the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs," this guidebook is designed to help early childhood educators in their progress through the process of program accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Provided are (1) instructions and materials for…

Program documentation is an important role for evaluation in both formative and summative modes. It should describe processes, materials, participants and social interactions which produce certain outcomes. Program evaluation should judge the effect of the program and depict effective practices, products and outcomes. To demonstrate program…

People who care about young people are aware of the serious problems caused by underage alcohol use. They should also be aware that there are many effective strategies for reducing underage drinking, and every state and community should be using these strategies. The "Guide to Conducting Youth Surveys" provides information about one important tool…

From October 1982 through May 1984, the Council for Community Services--a private, not-for-profit community planning council--carried out an Institutional Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Project, in close cooperation with the state of Rhode Island's Office of the Child Advocate. The project approach relied heavily on monitoring teams of…

Project Ranger is a program providing a combination of classroom study, outdoor survival, and environmental education to students having difficulty adapting to structured learning. The program has three unique features: it tries to reach younger children than most programs for "reluctant learners"; it provides affective counseling…

This evaluative report describes the results of a program that sought to make students and faculty more aware of the library's resources, to demonstrate how to make best use of such resources, and to provide basic training for non-professional members of its staff. It is presented in three parts: (1) the report of the administrator, which…

This set of materials on staff development in research libraries, assembled by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), focuses on programs and activities designed to provide general skills training related to the work performed in a research library. Contents of the set include: (1)…