This article describes one attempt to use singing as an instructional strategy to help all students learn across the curriculum. It begins with background on the author's early experiences with singing. Then, it shares professional literature on the relationship between singing, song, and literacy development. Next, it describes singing as an…

Computer-based technologies offer promise as a means to assess students and provide teachers with better understandings of their students' achievement. This article describes recent developments in computer-based and web-based reading and literacy assessment, focusing on assessment administration, information management, and report creation. In…

Advocates the family portfolio as a more authentic assessment tool for evaluation in family literacy programs than standardized testing. Discusses the purpose and content of the portfolio, portfolio conferences, portfolio analysis, and what happens to the portfolio at the end of the program. (SR)

Presents three teachers' experience with a journal-writing workshop that was successfully implemented in a first-grade classroom, in which the children became an enthusiastic and effective community of writers. Discusses several advantages of a journal-writing workshop. (SG)

Describes the development and implementation of a professional development program extending through the school year to help teachers prepare for the state's upcoming portfolio mandate. Describes a powerful collaborative model of professional development that recognizes the value inherent in the shared learning that occurs when divergent…

Describes how a first-grade teacher uses portfolios in her classroom, including a teacher-student portfolio and a student-managed portfolio which gives students practice in selecting meaningful work and reflecting on those selections. (SR)

Discusses four books written by teachers for other teachers that share stories of expertise, of new discoveries, of interpretations and perceptions. Argues that these stories will help new teachers feel less isolated and lonely and will help them to become better teachers and learners. (SR)

Describes introducing and constructing portfolios in a second-grade classroom. Discusses preparation, diagnosis, the collection and sorting process, goal setting, reflection, and student sharing. Shows how diagnostic reflective-learning portfolios help children become aware of their own learning strategies, construct and reflect on goals, and…

Describes how the three paradigms of assessment (assessment as measurement, as procedure, or as inquiry) are similar and how they are different, using writing portfolios to help distinguish between them. Presents several factors that support teachers making a "paradigm shift" from assessment as measurement to assessment as inquiry. Explains…

Discusses six books that give a range of perspectives on the issues of assessment and accountability, from the use of standardized reading tests to creating student and professional portfolios. States that these books will provide teachers with the knowledge to make sound assessment decisions and with practical suggestions to document student and…