Describes systematic assessment procedures as alternatives to standardized testing which yield more descriptive records of children's reading abilities. Notes that the assessment procedures are consistent with the contemporary understanding of reading which indicates that prior knowledge and the ability to use predictive skills greatly influence…

A practicum sought to measure and document real learning in natural circumstances through the use of whole language assessment techniques involving observation checklists on which skills for the language arts (writing, spelling, reading) were listed. Skills were measured using descriptor words such as "stable,""evident," and…

Based on the premise that whole language is a philosophy or perspective, rather than a set of practices, this fastback develops a definition of whole language, presents an information processing model of language processes, and discusses theory-practice relationship and assessment as they relate to whole language. Sections of the fastback are:…

A study examined practitioners' perceptions about the transition from a scope and sequence of skills approach to reading instruction and assessment to a whole literacy curriculum and portfolio assessment. Subjects, four consultants and eight teachers at one of the seven public elementary schools served by the Kamehameha Early Education Program…

Outlines the potential for using whole language for remediation of reading disabilities. Criticizes current approaches to remediation. Discusses six principles of whole language instruction that are effective for remediation. Describes four whole-language programs that have successfully remediated students. Suggests alternative assessment…

Maintains that continued over reliance on traditional skills-based assessment of reading abilities provides the whole-language teacher with little, if any, useful information for instructional planning. Suggests informal assessment procedures that focus on the language learner and provide a rich information source on which to base instructional…

Describes the shift to portfolio assessment in Juneau (Alaska) schools, including teacher-developed assessment guidelines for language arts in elementary school and the use of portfolios in a special interdisciplinary high school program. Lists items that the district requires in elementary language-arts portfolios and recommendations to other…

A study investigated how a teacher managed her whole-language instructional approach within the constraints of the district skills-based evaluation program. Data gathering and analysis took place over a 5-month period in a first-grade urban midwestern classroom. Data included field notes, interviews, artifacts, and classroom observations. The…

Asserts that the whole-language approach requires broader evaluation procedures most often associated with alternative assessment methods. Discusses issues related to alternative assessment, such as goal setting, portfolios, and interrater reliability, as they apply to social studies. (CFR)

Intended for teachers from kindergarten through adult education and for administrators, this book demonstrates how teachers have created environments that facilitate whole language evaluation. Articles in the book discuss strategies used in evaluating students' growth across many curricular areas, including reading, writing, and second language…

Helping teachers to discover approaches and techniques that fit their teaching style and their teaching situation, this book presents as fairly, completely, and clearly as possible the major approaches and techniques of reading instruction that research and practice have indicated to be successful. Based on the idea that the best reading programs…

Two studies focused on concurrent validity and instructional decision making in using alternative reading measures with elementary regular and special education students. The first study examined the relation of oral reading performance to several other reading measures; the second study investigated teacher decision making, using quantitative and…

The assessment process in whole language classrooms in the Honolulu (Hawaii) School District is described. The development of alternative measures based on actual student performances was a natural outcome of the teachers' training and implementation of a holistic education/whole language program. Multiple and multidimensional assessment emerged…