Gravemeijer's (1999, 2004) construct of a "local instruction theory" suggests a means of offering teachers a framework of reference for designing and engaging students in a set of sequenced, exemplary instructional activities that support students' mathematical development for a focused concept. In this paper we offer a local instruction theory to…

Performance on standardized writing assessments indicates that less than one-third of American K-12 students are proficient in writing. Despite this statistic, the current emphasis on reading in elementary schools means preservice elementary teachers may observe little writing instruction during field experiences. This article presents the results…

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

Discusses the group investigation teaching model, which combines inquiry and cooperative learning. Identifies the steps of group investigation as (1) establishing a focus, identifying subtopics, and forming groups; (2) planning the investigation; (3) carrying out the investigation; (4) preparing to share; (5) sharing; and (6) evaluation. Offers an…

This critique of J. Renzulli's models of gifted education suggests a weakness is the lack of school-based assessment procedures to guide decisions about a broader range of acceleration, enrichment, and other types of program options. Major ideas underlying Renzulli's theory are examined including broadening the talent pool, emphasis on products,…

We welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2014, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 of June, 2014. Education, as an important right in our contemporary world, began since we exist. Knowledge and skills were passed by adults to the young, and cultures began to extend their experiences through various…

This paper proposes that research on a constructivist approach for students with disabilities should emphasize specific instructional and assessment practices, as opposed to broad educational ideologies. The value of a particular instructional or assessment practice (such as constructivism) is probably dependent upon context and learner…

A model assignment was designed and tested to enhance special education teacher candidates' skills and understanding in order to improve student learning. The model includes university and school-site activities that develop teacher candidates' awareness of the relationship between on-task learning time and student achievement. Teacher candidates…

This paper reviews the recent history of psychoeducational testing, examines attempts to link assessment with instruction within the information processing domain, and presents a model of a general assessment-instruction procedure that classroom and specialist teachers could use in effective remediation and instruction practices. (JDD)

Describes different types of assessment and addresses both short- and long-term learning targets in music education. Provides suggestions for measurement and evaluating students' musical performances. Considers the purpose of assessment in music education. Includes a glossary of assessment terms, guidelines, and resources. (CMK)

This guide to assessment of learning based on the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) stresses the use of rubrics or guidelines that establish criteria and indicators of success. Part 1 examines the theory of evaluation and rubrics in three sections that address: current evaluation methods and their biases; effective evaluation methods and their…

This article focuses on the educational implications of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It considers conceptual issues of TBI and discusses how assessment of this group differs from assessment of other groups. It offers an integrated intervention approach which attempts to bring order to students' life experiences, called the S.O.S. (Structure,…

Discusses current issues and concerns in grading students with disabilities in inclusive settings and presents a four-step decision model which results in teachers cooperatively determining grading practices for individual students within the context of district policies and guidelines. (DB)

This article summarizes the important ideas and research findings of DISCOVER, an on-going program of research and development concerning the problem solving abilities of children and youth. It identifies five problem types and reviews the DISCOVER assessment model, including research on its reliability and validity and the DISCOVER curriculum…

This digest summarizes principles of performance assessment, which connects classroom assessment to learning. Specific ways that assessment can enhance instruction are outlined, as are criteria that assessments should meet in order to inform instructional decisions. Performance assessment is compared to behavioral assessment, mastery learning, and…