In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Robert [Bob] Mislevy and Dr. Maria Elena Oliveri introduce and illustrate a sociocognitive perspective on educational measurement, which focuses on a variety of design and implementation considerations for creating fair and valid assessments for learners from diverse populations with diverse sociocultural…

This paper presents a framework to provide a structured approach for developing score reports for cognitive diagnostic assessments ("CDAs"). Guidelines for reporting and presenting diagnostic scores are based on a review of current educational test score reporting practices and literature from the area of information design. A sample diagnostic…

Late and limited organisational differentiation is a characteristic which has, until now, distinguished the structure of education -- including teacher education - in the Nordic countries from that of the rest of Europe. However, this tradition is now challenged by utilitarian ideologies, supported by international comparison tests such as PISA…

Over the last 10 to 15 years, a variety of efforts to transform American high schools have gained both public and private support. Significant among these are initiatives to implement Small Learning Communities (SLCs), part of a larger school reform and restructuring effort designed to address a variety of goals, including "downsizing large…

An art teacher uses some inexpensive instructional materials to teach his students awareness of the "built environment" and what its influence is on the natural environment. At the same time, he explores spatial relationships with his elementary class. (RK)

The Reading Improvement Through Art Program is an effort to adapt methodology proven successful with poor readers in elementary, intermediate and high schools. Describes this interdisciplinary program and calls attention to "the important relationships between visual and verbal learning". (Author/RK)

Loyola University professionals teamed with community specialists to conduct an introductory course in learning disabilities. (Author/RB)

Diagnostic procedures commonly employed by school psychologists have been shown to be not only of limited validity for diagnostic purposes, but also of questionable relevance to intervention. Educational resources should be devoted to refining teacher-based systems of referral and diagnosis. Appropriate roles for the school psychologist are…

This manual from the Polk County Public Schools in Bartow, Florida, was developed for school personnel and parents to aid in their efforts to develop successful behavioral and academic interventions to enhance the educational outcomes for students. Section 1 describes the child study team which is comprised of an administrator, guidance counselor,…

The article examines problems in the traditional assessment procedures used with the physically handicapped and discusses the use of adaptive behavior scales with emphasis on application of the results through a multidisciplinary approach. Selected adaptive behavior scales are described, and guidelines for test administration with the physically…

Politicians and educators recommend significant improvements in scientific and mathematical competency so Americans can be more competitive in tomorrow's high-tech economy. The article outlines shortcomings of current change proposals and describes an alternative that integrates various kinds of knowing, including science and technology, into an…

This manual consists of area 1 test pool questions which are designed to assist instructors in selecting appropriate questions to help prepare practical nursing students for the Oklahoma state board exam. Multiple choice questions are utilized to facilitate testing of nursing 1 curriculum objectives. Each test contains questions covering each…

The nature of motivation among students taking higher studies is examined, based on research and interviews with students from various English polytechnics and universities. Study topics include environmental factors that influence success, the reasons for student withdrawal, and the effects of courses and teaching methods, as well as the…

This preliminary draft of instructional materials for an English curriculum offering vocational preparation focuses on grammar concepts, selected vocational English topics, and the use of resource materials. The unit plans contain general and specific behavioral objectives, student activities, and teaching procedures. Information sheets, student…

These three 1995 newsletter issues explore concepts and problems relevant to middle-level education. The cover story for the spring issue examines new trends in educational assessment. Additional briefs in this issue discuss team teaching, school reform as a community-wide effort, and home-school collaboration. The cover article for the Fall issue…