This report provides a summary of states currently administering end-of-course (EOC) assessments. The number of EOC assessments administered by states, the subjects most likely to have an associated EOC exam, and the purpose of EOC exams (for example, percentage of the final course grade and/or graduation requirement) are reviewed. State policies…

In the U. S. 25 states operate from an assessment based frame of reference that includes some form of high school exit examination. Enhancements for existing assessment and accountability systems need to be explored according to the findings of Elizabeth Towles. The problem addressed in this study was that little research had been conducted to…

The 2012 presidential election and many state and local races are only a few weeks away, but schools are not doing much to promote student interest in the elections or provide civic education more broadly, new research suggests. A report last week from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), at Tufts…

Prior to the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the public was expressing discontent about the declining of students' test scores and the quality of public schooling. The federal government eventually began discussing and debating for education reform and the No Child Left Behind of 2001 was finally passed and signed by President…

One of the competitive priorities of the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top applications addressed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). States that applied were required to submit plans that addressed rigorous courses of study, cooperative partnerships to prepare and assist teachers in STEM content, and prepare…

The validity of using Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores either as admission to, or graduation from the Brigham Young University library school is questioned. (SJ)

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated state appeals processes for students with disabilities who fail state-mandated graduation exams. State Web sites were studied to determine the extent to which there are other options for demonstrating skills, to check the availability of these to students with disabilities, and to…

State exit exams, also known as graduation tests, are tests that student must pass to graduate from high school. These tests are more influential than ever. Accordingly, in 2004, 20 states required students to pass an exit exam to graduate from high school, and six additional states will implement an exit exam by 2009. This affects more than half…

Discusses the hottest reform movement in the country: proficiency testing for public school students. Differing opinions are given for and against the programs. (Author/RK)

The marking, or grading, system used in Israel is discussed in terms of its history and current use. A standardized assessment instrument used as a practical biology matriculation test, the Practical Tests Assessment Inventory, is described. (LMO)

This booklet presents the social studies test required for graduation in Alberta, Canada. The grade 12 diploma examination consists of multiple-choice questions (60 percent of the total mark) and written response questions (40 percent). Time for the examination is expected to be two-and-one-half hours with an additional one-half hour given to…

This booklet presents the social studies test required for graduation in Alberta, Canada. The grade 12 diploma examination consists of multiple-choice questions (60 percent of the total mark) and written response questions (40 percent). Time for the examination is expected to be two-and-one-half hours with an additional one-half hour given to…

Competency-based graduation requirements provide students with a meaningful diploma, reduce illiteracy, and provide a system of quality control for schools. (Author)

This book provides information, presented in a question-and-answer format, on how schools should educate and accommodate students with disabilities participating in the general curriculum while preserving district-wide standards for all students. It reviews in detail the controlling directives of both the Individuals with Disabilities Education…

This article reviews the development of, and controversy behind, minimum competency testing at the state and national levels. (WI)