Tests cognitive assessment of 180 students enrolled in a cornerstone course in communication theory. Finds that a profile of factors that influence cognitive assessment scores can be developed. Demonstrates how assessment may be used to empower both faculty and students by offering pedagogical and administrative strategies that enhance student…

Compared the effectiveness of three different learning strategies on Korean English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners' vocabulary comprehension: context, semantic mapping, and word lists. University students were randomly assigned to one of three treatments of vocabulary instruction and examined on various levels of vocabulary knowledge using three…

Discusses the role of music education as an intervention for at-risk urban students. Explains that the students received mentoring and participated in performance groups. Measures student perceptions and gathered data on student attitudes through structured interviews. Reports that music and music teachers are important in student lives. (CMK)

This article examines the undesirable social and vocational ramifications associated with the use of a single high-stakes test to assess the academic proficiencies of students with disabilities and the present discriminatory nature of the required performance on one standardized exam. Alternative assessments are discussed. (Contains references.)…

Presents findings from a small-scale experiment investigating the presentation of a synchronous, Web-based remote electronic exam in a distance education course. Discusses student experiences based on a questionnaire; time pressures; technical issues; differences between the structure of an electronic exam and a paper-based exam; and future work,…

Describes a study that seeks to confirm several key factors in computer-based versus paper-based assessment. Based on earlier research, the factors considered in this study of undergraduates include content familiarity; computer familiarity; competitiveness; and gender. Reports results of analysis of variance that showed the computer-based test…

Notes that students' legitimate expectations of privacy and school officials' need to maintain school discipline and safety often collide. Outlines guidelines for searching in the following instances: student lockers; drug dogs; student trips; strip searches; and urinalysis. Suggests that training for all administrators, faculty, and staff in the…

FACETS many-facet Rasch analysis software was utilized to look at two consecutive administrations of a large-scale second language oral assessment in the form of a peer group discussion task with Japanese English-major university students. Results are discussed. (Author/VWL)

Describes the following organizations concerned with international comparative educational research: (1) the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA); (2) the International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP); (3) the Board of International Comparative Studies in Education; and (4) the International…

Compared Standard Age Scores on Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (SBIV) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised intelligence quotient scores of 51 urban Black males receiving special education services. Data suggest that SBIV possesses utility for assessing intelligence of Black students classified as behavior…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a testing program which gathers data on knowledge and skills of American students to indicate educational achievement, may also be used to do comparisons among states. However, it cannot provide accountability oriented data; such use may erode its value as an indicator of educational achievement.…

In response to an earlier article by Eugene Lincoln, presents two hypothetical cases that respectively deal with the possible effects of drug use on school premises and with a policy governing mandatory urine testing for student athletes. Cites factors that should be incorporated in any mandatory drug testing policy. (MLF)

Maintains that preschool teachers can encourage meaningful dialogue and enhance learning among young children by asking appropriate questions, using fewer "known-answer" and testing questions, being sensitive to cultural differences, and creating an environment in which the educational goal is conversational equality between teachers and…

Whether a developmental dissociation exists between direct and indirect tests of picture memory was studied using 29 second graders and 29 sixth graders given a 1-day retention interval. Sixth graders performed better than second graders when memory was tested directly, but the performance of both groups was comparable when memory was tested…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) drug-testing program affects thousands of collegiate athletes. This article examines the web of testing procedures and raises questions about the legitimate interest of the program; focuses on federal and state constitutional limitations; and suggests some ways to correct operating procedures.…