Performance in primary education can be measured in terms of different variables, like enrolment rate, attendance rate, or levels of learning achievement of students. Thus, for an analysis of the comparative performance of units, like country, state, or district, we need an aggregate measure or an index developed from these variables. In…

Despite questions about validity and reliability, the use of value-added estimation methods has moved beyond academic research into state accountability systems for teachers, schools, and teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Prior studies of value-added measurement for TPPs test the validity of researcher-designed models and find that measuring…

The small-scale research that Yosanne Vella reports in this article was driven by concern to help pupils develop "big picture" visions of the past and to engage effectively with the idea of change as a process rather than an event. The strategy that she adopts--asking groups of students to colour in a timeline recording their judgement…

Evaluation criteria for classroom instructional materials are presented. (BRT)

A system allowing students to evaluate themselves is presented. Students set the criteria, determine the rating scale, and rate themselves for each item on the criteria list using the scale. (JMF)

Discusses different types of reading program evaluation. (FL)

The desirability of evaluating the total effect of the Emergency School Aid Act versus specific programs in the Act is the focus of this commentary on the evaluation of that act and an article detailing that evaluation (TM 503 672). (JKS)

Recognizing that textbook adoption procedures and evaluation criteria vary from state to state or district to district, the authors present some general guidelines on screening and evaluation that should prove helpful to any elementary textbook adoption committee. (Author/SJL)

California's program review process has been designed to judge the effects of the school program on students and staff and to identify opportunities for improving the program. The majority of program reviews are conducted by representatives of the State Department of Education and by consortia of school districts. These program reviewers will use…

Reviews a study that examined the validity of different rating scales for measuring instrumental achievement with the clarinet. Rejects the contention that the new rating scales are superior to the Clarinet Performance Rating Scale. (BSR)

With a continuing emphasis on improving student reading achievement across the nation, many elementary educators are exploring the idea of initiating a volunteer reading tutoring program. Although individuals associated with tutoring programs may think about implementation issues, often the focus is on program location, the recruitment and…

Describes a "focused holistic" method of writing evaluation, which considers a total piece of writing, but in terms of predefined criteria. Provides sample evaluations. (HTH)

Two methods of identifying language disordered children were examined in a study involving 54 regular kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers in two Albuquerque schools serving 1,212 children (assigned on a roughly matched basis to one of two groups). (Author/PHR)

The grade-level instruments that comprise this social studies component of the model competency-based education (CBE) assessment package for Ohio have been constructed to assist teachers in assessing student attainment of competencies with the best assessments possible. The package notes that the individual district may use these instruments as…