According to accreditation and professional bodies, evaluation and grading are a high priority in counselor education. Specifications grading, an evaluative tool, can be used to increase grading rigor. This article describes the components of specifications grading and applies the framework of specifications grading to a counseling theories course.

Follow-up data from 10 couples who used behavior contracts in marriage counseling are presented. Conclusions suggest that contracts are effective in initiating positive marital behavior but not necessary for continued marital satisfaction. Rationale and specifics of contract construction are detailed. (Author)

Author discusses some of the criticisms of performance contracting. (MB)

Develops the case of accountability for schooling, the development of behavioral objectives, and measurement of the results. (Author)

The first section of the paper defines project accountability, presents background to the concept, and highlights current problems in the public school system. The paper is also concerned with assessment procedures that make provisions for accountability in (1) attainment of terminal objectives and (2) phase-by-phase conduct of a project in…

The use of stated behavioral objectives and student learning contracts, planned and prepared by student and teacher, as teaching methods are discussed and an example of a learning contract is presented. (JB)

The use of contracts in individualizing experiential learning programs is explained, its research base outlined, and sample contracts and performance objectives provided. The strategy is encouraged in part as a way for liberal arts faculty to shift roles from transmitter of knowledge to facilitator of self-directed inquiry. (MSE)

The library skills design for elementary schools which is described utilizes specific objectives and a teacher/library media specialist contract to reach objectives. Steps described in this instructional approach include (1) the determination of themes; (2) the performance of skills/task analysis of themes to provide objectives; (3) interviews…

The concept of accountability, or fixing responsibility for outcomes in education, is not new. As far back as 1912, administrators were responding enthusiastically to the idea of assessing teacher performance by objective criteria. Currently, the focus of the accountability movement is on evaluation. An evaluation procedure that would assist in…

Since the norm-referenced grading system produces a student-teacher conflict situation, a climate and grading system conducive to supportive interaction seems desirable, especially in an interpersonal communication course. This can be accomplished through contract grading, in which the instructor defines the contract components and the student…

A behavioral contract, which is a written agreement between the teacher and the student of mutual expectations and commitments, can be used as a way for motivating students in the classroom. (NQ)