In conjunction with testing mandates, some states have developed new measures intended to reflect changes in thinking about reading. Discusses, in dialogue form, whether these new measures support educational improvement or limit them. (BJV)

An assessment model for a preservice teacher education program is described that is developmental, allows for skills enhancement, involves both arts and science education faculty review, and includes evaluation strategies other than standard pen-and-pencil tests. Assumptions underlying the model are presented and the sequence of assessments as…

Suggests that reading is a powerful source in acquiring language competence. The author argues that children do not enjoy grammar instruction, but love to hear stories and read books that they select on their own. Given the lack of clear evidence for focusing on form, it is concluded that free reading should be an option for immersion children.…

Examines linguistic encoding of curricular knowledge in classroom testing events. Argues that dominant epistemological orientation of testing events is positivist and values a discrete, bounded form of knowledge. Compares the language of testing events and earlier lesson presentations of the same curricular information, suggesting that testing…

Investigated the actionality effect in 48 French-speaking children (ages 5;0 to 7;11) by systematically varying the voice of the test sentences and the voice of the interpretive requests. The interaction between actionality, voice of sentence, and interpretive request revealed that the actionality effect depended on the type of task used to assess…

The use of taxonomies of types and levels of learning for student assessment in higher education is discussed. Five taxonomies designed for a variety of instructional areas are described. The reasons for their use are examined from four points of view: pedagogical, professional, quality assurance, and management. (MSE)

This article explores the effect of raters' background on assessments made in an occupation-specific oral language test, the Japanese Language Test for Tour Guides. Assessments of 51 test candidates made by 33 assessors were compared in order to determine what effect background has on assessments made on both linguistic and "real-world"…

Teachers can make sure students know important facts and concepts before giving unit tests by using the expert group review strategy. Small, mixed-ability student groups review different parts of the unit and present their findings to the class. After the test, students discuss the value of expert group review. (SM)

Reports results of variety of validity analyses involving American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview as it was administered to 59 learners of English and 60 learners of French. Concludes that ACTFL guidelines can be useful as an assessment tool and offer advantages that warrant serious consideration in the…

Modifications in content and structure of basic courses in biochemistry are suggested to amend insufficiencies in biochemical education. Presents information on how molecular cell biology course was designed and evaluated to promote self-study. Senior undergraduate tutors were novelty of the course. Students rated the course highly for being…

Compares the performance of four mainstreamed learning-disabled students on oral and written tests in social studies. Finds superior test performance during oral testing replicated across all four students. Suggests procedures for implementing oral testing by classroom teachers. (RS)

Presents six short statements exploring issues of concern to teachers of English and writing: (1) students with no sense of history; (2) overemphasis on research and publication; (3) low morale among faculty; (4) value/contribution of textbooks; (5) test anxiety; and (6) complementing traditional English courses with technical writing. (SR)

"Performance assessment" is a broad term covering many types of testing methods that requires students to demonstrate their competencies or knowledge by creating an answer or a product. Seven common forms of performance assessment are constructed-response items, writing, essay responses, oral discourse, exhibitions, experiments, and portfolios.…

Discusses the dearth of material concerning how A-level boards assess British students' economics essays. Describes the practices of the Joint Matriculation Board (JMB) in grading papers on various subjects. Reveals how the London Board grades advanced level economics papers. Includes a chart showing London Board grading criteria. (SG)

Reports on an experiment with dictation that integrated the stream of speech and its written representation in an attempt to determine whether repeated practice in taking dictation improves students' language skills. Results are discussed in light of the effect and amount of instruction, the incubation hypothesis, and the fossilization hypothesis.…