The extent to which the student's perception of the purpose for evaluating an instructor, the instructor's expressiveness, and the density of content influences student ratings and achievement was investigated. Perceived purpose for evaluating the instructor had no effect on ratings. Scores were significantly higher for expressive than for…

To examine the premise that an overall cutting score on Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) tests allows medical students to enter clinical training despite deficiencies in certain subjects, cutting scores on four BMS tests were compared with those of discipline subtests. The original premise was not supported. (MH)

This paper presents a system consisting of report cards, instructions for students, parents, and teachers, designed to provide effective classroom behavior management techniques. Application of the daily report card in a regular fourth-grade classroom is presented. Results indicate rapid improvement with a minimum of teacher time and effort.…

Early development of college fact books, with origins in statistical reports of organizations, parallels the development of institutional research. The fact book, most visible of all institutional research reports, reflects the accomplishments and status of institutional research as an integral part of higher education, as data and decision-making…

This article reviews federal and state legal mandates to report child abuse. It addresses the issue of immunity from civil suit and criminal prosecution for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, along with the criminal prosecution that may result if suspected child abuse or neglect is not reported. (CR)

Argues that to understand differences in academic achievement among students of various genders, ethnic groups, or socioeconomic backgrounds, educators must look beyond differences in test scores to examine indicators associated with academic performance. Highlights academic-related indicators in the school improvement process: (1) educational…

Child maltreatment articles (n=2090) published from 1977-1998 were reviewed. Across the period studied, quantitative articles and articles on child sexual abuse increased and theoretical articles and articles on physical abuse decreased. Articles examining child neglect or emotional abuse remained consistently low. Participant recruitment from…

Compared standardized criterion-referenced achievement testing of undergraduate generalist social work knowledge (based on correct answers to specific questions) to several norm-referenced measures of student learning, including self-reports and instructor-imposed grades. Discusses weaknesses of each approach and implications for the assessment of…

Examined the longitudinal invariance of method effects associated with negatively worded items on a self-report measure of global self-esteem. Data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study for 3,950 junior high school and high school students show that the method effects associated with negatively worded items exhibit invariance across…

Examined practice of weighting grades to reflect class difficulty in literature in Maryland high schools, and particularly the Frederick County Maryland school system. Surveyed impact of reworked grades, teachers' attitudes, and parents' attitudes. Concluded weighting to be advantageous in college admission. (ABL)

The purpose of this article is to help teachers and students understand the various forms used for scientific papers and reports by presenting formats that are generally accepted by the scientific community. Highlighted are the areas of format and style. Seven references are listed. (CW)

Ten papers are presented that discuss new developments in school effectiveness research from an international perspective. Three papers discuss factors that determine school effectiveness, and one paper considers the analysis of data. The remainder of the papers report on empirical investigations of school effectiveness. (SLD)

Three male primary students were issued a daily report card rating their disruptive behavior. Parents were asked to praise positive reports and ignore negative reports. Results showed that the intervention was effective in reducing inappropriate behaviors while increasing assignment completion. Ratings by parents, teachers, peers, and subjects…

Describes a theoretical model of the research and development process which allows students to develop research strategies based on their understanding of the generation of technical and scientific literature. Claims the model provides a conceptual framework of the structure of the literature students will be using in their professions. (MM)

Explains the use of mean and median as grade averaging procedures for students in science. States that using the median produces numerous advantages for student and teacher. (RT)