Discusses an assessment program in the geography department of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Describes the development of a senior proficiency examination. Suggests that the assessment process include development of meaningful curricular goals and strategies for implementation. Breaks the project down into phases: the search for funding,…

This paper discusses the need for standards for instrumental music students and programs. Standards should be developed within a sound theoretical framework. Bobbett's theoretical framework for college musical students, as illustrated by the hierarchy of musical independence, is discussed; and musical independence is distinguished from musical…

Results of test given to participants in six American Society of Anesthesiologists workshops were analyzed to determine whether attendance increased scores on sequential tests (before, immediately after, and three months later). Both workshop and control groups of anesthesiologists increased their scores with each successive test. (Editor/JT)

Teachers and researchers can learn more about mastery learning by looking at the full picture instead of the small area on which R. E. Slavin focuses. Effects on precollege examinations constitute only a small part of the story; the larger literature presents many examples of its effectiveness. (SLD)

Criteria are presented for determining whether licensure and/or achievement test results should be used for making various types of comparisons and judgments about medical education programs. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and National Board of Medical Examiners tests (NBME) are then considered as data sources. (Author/MSE)

Procedures are described that have been implemented in evaluating minority medical education programs operated by the University of Virginia School of Medicine since 1984. Both process and outcome evaluation procedures have been used. Results of evaluation efforts are reviewed by program staff to design program improvements and modifications.…

Findings of positive effects of mastery learning on experimenter-made measures can be interpreted as supporting the view that this technique may help focus teachers on a given set of objectives. The claim that mastery learning can accelerate achievement, in general, in elementary and secondary schools is still awaiting evidence. (SLD)

The validity and reliability of some measures of general education outcomes of college attendance are reviewed. Research to improve the accuracy of concordance estimates of mean gains is reported, based on analysis of 22 4-year longitudinal studies using instruments from the College Outcome Measures Program. (SLD)

A meta-analysis of findings from 108 controlled evaluations showed that mastery learning programs have positive effects on the examination performance of students in colleges, high schools, and the upper grades in elementary schools. Effects of mastery programs on student attitudes, instructional time, and college completion rates are discussed.…

This book provides a brief historical review of outcomes assessment in higher education and a general guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating assessment programs. Chapter 1 provides several definitions of commonly used terms and a review of the major actors and the political context. It identifies factors contributing to the recent push…

Describes the Academic Program Assessment Model adopted by Bethany College in 1990. The multidimensional model has provisions for curricular and cocurricular review, testing, surveys, faculty development, and curriculum monitoring strategies. (DMM)

Ferris State University's (FSU's) Collegiate Skills Program assists academically underprepared students in their transition to college. The program was initiatied in fall 1985 in response to increasing numbers of entering freshmen with inadequate reading and writing skills and subsequent high rates of attrition. Focusing initially on students with…

The College Outcome Measures Program (COMP) objective test is used by colleges and universities to monitor the success of their undergraduate programs and as part of general assessment efforts. At Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville), 102 students were identified as having suspect COMP scores based on the three criteria of: (1) COMP…

The Native Students Services (formerly the Indian Students University Program Services) provided support and tutorial services and outreach programs to Indian students. During the 1976-77 program year, the basic plan of operation developed during the preceding four years was continued. Students came from all parts of the province, from north of…

Intended as a guide for college and secondary school educators involved in establishing institutional policy or providing students with academic counseling, this booklet presents basic information about the wide variety of English composition and literature examinations offered by College Board programs. It begins with a description of the role…