Character education specialists seem to know it when they see it, but what it means to call something a character education program remains unclear. One possible source for this uncertainty is the manner in which character education has been defined. By identifying certain features as necessary, existing definitions fail to encompass the universe…

The Reduced Reparameterized Unified Model (Reduced RUM) is a diagnostic classification model for educational assessment that has received considerable attention among psychometricians. However, the computational options for researchers and practitioners who wish to use the Reduced RUM in their work, but do not feel comfortable writing their own…

This "Practitioner's Guide to Growth Models," commissioned by the Technical Issues in Large-Scale Assessment (TILSA) and Accountability Systems & Reporting (ASR), collaboratives of the "Council of Chief State School Officers," describes different ways to calculate student academic growth and to make judgments about the…

Diagnostic assessment is currently an active research area in educational measurement. Literature related to diagnostic modeling has been in existence for several decades, but a great deal of research has been conducted within the last decade or so, especially within the last five years. The author summarizes the key components in the application…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of the lecture method as an instructional form; circumstances where lectures serve a useful purpose; the general lecture model, which includes an introduction, presentation, and summary; and three variations on this general model--interactive, demonstrational, and interactive demonstration lectures. (MBR)

Generalization is the key to effective autism intervention--when children can apply new skills across settings, they'll make broad, long-term improvements in behavior and social communication. The first how-to guide to generalization is finally here! Practical and reader-friendly, this is the book that helps professionals take today's most popular…

A taxonomy of computer-based speech training systems is presented, based on the physical source of feedback, standards of evaluation, level and type of detail on which feedback is based, and the form and instructional context of feedback. Reasons for selecting a particular approach are discussed in relation to existing systems. (Author/JDD)

A three-level model for understanding group activity and guiding group leader interventions is presented. Counseling theory, technique, and criteria for selective application are discussed. (Author)

The article presents an assessment system and specific techniques appropriate for the classification and programing of mentally retarded, learning disabled, and emotionally disturbed students. Factors to be integrated in assessment are considered, sequencing aspects are noted, and suggestions are given for choosing asessment instruments. (CL)

Operationalizes the theoretical foundation of Gagne's model as a component in the instructional design process. The description of design techniques includes a sample media analysis, and a sample sequence worksheet. (JEG)

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Identifies five institutional forms of library consortia, one of which is local consortia or proximal networks, and discusses issues that apply to local library consortia. Highlights include redefinition of the library role, appropriate technology, bibliographic control, direct access, governance, and financing. (10 references) (CLB)

The Canadian article explores some of the implications of assigning handicapped children to two commonly used categories: learning disabilities and hearing impairments. (Author/DLS)

Design considerations for speech training systems include the types of information about speech to be used in training, whether acoustic or physiologic; and the use of models of speech production, whether partially perceptual and partially knowledge-based or explicit data-based models. A taxonomy of speech training systems is presented.…