This study reports on a large-scale implementation of Assessment for Learning (AfL) in a Swedish municipality. The implementation was founded on two principles: (1) teaching should be informed by educational research; (2) to be successful teachers' professional development needs to be based in everyday classroom practice. From these principles,…

A central commitment for professional development schools (PDSs) is to link preservice teacher preparation and in-service teacher professional development with improved learning outcomes for pupils. PDSs are expected to improve student achievement in two primary ways: (1) by enriching and intensifying the learning environment through professional…

In this paper we examine the degree to which recent research and writing about professional development school activity indicates progress toward fulfilling the professional development school model's commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities and outcomes, especially from a critical pedagogy perspective. Our review of 95 papers…

In many school districts, the pressure to raise test scores has created overnight celebrity status for formative assessment. Its powers to raise student achievement have been touted, however, without attending to the research on which these claims were based. Sociocultural learning theory provides theoretical grounding for understanding how…

Discusses three basic assumptions from which individualized instruction is derived and three critical attributes which can define it. Some problems accompanying the development of individualized instruction are considered and five signs of educational development resulting from the use of individualized instruction are outlined. (RK)

Increasing questions about the value and efficacy of aquatic and boating education programs have led to demands for scientifically based guidance for improving and evaluating those programs. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation commissioned 11 aquatic, environmental, and outdoor education professionals to provide summaries of research…

This article reflects on the reliability of the evidence contained in the National Qualifications Framework Impact Study, a longitudinal comparative study conducted by the South African Qualifications Authority since 2002. In so doing, the veracity of evidence-based research in determining the impact of the South African Qualifications Framework…

This bulletin, a companion piece to that described in TM 000 112, describes the role of the Commission on Secondary Schools in the development of standards and the formulation of accreditation procedures aimed at improving the schools of the South. It delineates the broad principles and standards required for accreditation and indicates the…

These proceedings contain 14 presentations and other materials from a conference to exchange ideas and encourage planning in continuing education. Introductory materials include a conference program and a preconference orientation that review the definition of the continuing education unit (CEU). Results of a sharing session on ideas for surviving…

High school students took part in a series of pilot studies on the variables involved in step size and sequencing in programed instruction. Programed learning materials of the University of Illinois Committee on School Mathematics (UICSM) were varied as to covert and overt trial sequences, use of teachers, type of prior practice, order of frames,…

A review of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which originated 20 years ago, is presented; and the original political, ideological and social science assumptions for the design of NAEP are examined. The report criticizes the founding principle as hampering NAEP's maximum utility and exploratory power. In examining the form of…

This proceedings contains nine conference papers, as well as abstracts of an additional seven papers, on research related to outdoor education. A preface, "Building a Research Community for Outdoor Education" (Anderson B. Young), describes the role of the Coalition for promoting information exchange and cooperation among outdoor education…

Examines fundamental conceptions regarding the role and nature of evaluating and researching music education programs. Questions the common idea that evaluative criteria for programs should focus primarily on the students' level of musical skill. Argues that consideration should be given to personal growth and other issues. (MJP)

A research study used trend analysis to examine case studies of 18 workplace literacy programs with a framework of good practice principles as a template to identify trends in practice. Each case study was examined using the nine components identified in the framework: program orientation, program evaluation, partnerships and participation,…

Presents seven brief essays addressing recent research efforts and policy initiatives aimed at reforming the history curriculum. Notes that policy recommendations are rarely informed by research on either historical or pedagogical thinking. Authors include Keith C. Barton, Matthew T. Downey, Terrie L. Epstein, Linda S. Levstik, Peter Seixas,…