Replicates R. P. Leow's 1993 study on the effects of simplification, type of linguistic item, and second/foreign language experience on learners' intake of linguistic items contained in written output. Results on the type of linguistic item underscore the need for research to consider seriously the role of modality while addressing cognitive…

This study focused on the input-to-intake phenomenon: Can foreign language/second language (L2) learner-readers process grammatical information presented via written input as intake? Multiple tasks were designed to assess the processing of input into intake by first- and second-year students of Spanish. (JL)

Microcomputer-managed examination scheduling at the University of Calgary (Canada) has two stages. The first uses mathematical methods to create a timetable that is conflict-free, uses a minimum number of periods, and minimizes the number of students with multiple exams in one day. An interactive stage allows the examination officer to accommodate…

Described a probe that can assess the learners' understanding of scientific ideas in conditions that do not demand closure on a single interpretation, and where learners can demonstrate certainty or otherwise in several possible alternatives. Can be used in monitoring conceptual change when intuitive understanding of scientific phenomena is to be…

There is renewed emphasis on student assessment in adult literacy. Popular methods are instructor-made tests and performance assessment through observation, portfolios, writing samples, audio- and videotapes, and collaborative projects. (SK)

The Cherry Creek (Colorado) Schools opted for the research assessment as being much more indepth than report writing, which calls up plagiaristic tendencies in many elementary school children. Assessment tasks must be engaging and encourage students to evaluate themselves against predefined standards. Administrators must help teachers develop a…

This article considers issues concerning assessment of students with special needs at Key Stages 1 and 3 of the British National Curriculum. These include timing and administration of assessments, teacher training, special adaptations to the assessments, special arrangements, recording and reporting, and exceptions. (DB)

The introduction to this special issue on interactive assessment and special needs children draws a distinction between the term "interactive assessment" and the more limited "dynamic assessment," and comments that the six papers comprising this issue focus on dynamic assessment, in which there is actual teaching of cognitive…

Examines the sensitivity of second-language (L2) working memory (ability to store and process information simultaneously) to differences in reading skills among advanced L2 learners. Subjects with larger L2 working memory capacities scored higher on measures of L2 reading skills, but no correlation was found between reading and passive short-term…

One law professor has added interest to a torts course by asking students to select one of five perspectives (economics, corrective justice, feminism, libertarianism, and practicality) on the course content and study it throughout the course. On the final examination, each student must answer one essay question from that viewpoint. (MSE)

A study compared the costs of a six-station structured oral examination and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for a surgery clerkship, assessing both faculty and materials costs. The OSCE was found to be more time consuming and expensive. Cost-cutting measures and guidelines to assist medical schools in selecting test type are…

Investigates the relationship between overall comprehension and the comprehension of coreferential ties for second-language readers of Spanish literature. Significant correlations between overall comprehension and coreferent identification indicate that coreferential tie errors may be symptomatic of confusion about another entity in the text. (42…

Recent research shows lead poisoning is more widespread and even more dangerous to infants and young children than previously thought. A bill proposed in Congress would require schools and day-care centers to test for lead. Summarizes lead's health hazards and how to test drinking water. (MLF)

Evolution of one New York City school's assessment practices has proceeded on two fronts: development of individual teachers' classroom practices (recordkeeping, documentation, and evaluation); and development of schoolwide practices bringing staff together around critical questions of standards, curriculum, and school life. Parents have also…

This paper reviews the recent history of psychoeducational testing, examines attempts to link assessment with instruction within the information processing domain, and presents a model of a general assessment-instruction procedure that classroom and specialist teachers could use in effective remediation and instruction practices. (JDD)