This paper describes a study that explored assumptions regarding the role of women in higher education set forth in the Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) in June 1995 by Dame Leonie Kramer, a prominent academic. She contended that "women go a bit limp when things get tough...." The study was based on semistructured interviews with seven…

This book promotes an integrated curriculum to assist students in grades 6-9 in seeing the links between different subject areas and in a larger context, the direct relevance of what they are learning in school to their needs later in life. The book uses a problem-solving approach that is "technological" in nature: the book provides…

In order to investigate the types of testing accommodations allowed for students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) on exams used to determine whether a student earns a diploma, a study examined 18 states' written accommodations guidelines and testing policies. Each of the 18 states studied used a different test for its graduation…

The Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) "Knowledge & Concepts" examinations were designed, under legislative mandate, to measure student knowledge in the areas of reading, language arts (including writing), mathematics, science, and social studies. This summary report provides information about the standard setting activities…

In Kentucky, high stakes assessment of schools and school districts resulting from the state's educational reform initiative raises the issue of fairness. Should educational officials and teachers be held accountable for student performance despite vast differences in the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding communities when extensive…

This brief report describes efforts of the Oklahoma State Regents to accelerate positive academic change in the state's higher education system with a combination of strengthened admission, retention, and assessment standards. The first section presents the state's problem of lagging performance during the late 1980s, as indicated by data showing…

The 1998 High School Transcript Study (HSTS) provides the U.S. Department of Education and other policymakers about current course offerings and students' course taking patterns. In 1998 the nationally representative sample for the HSTS included 25,422 students graduating in 1994 from 264 high schools. Approximately 94% of the sampled students…

This study shows the relationship between English language proficiency and achievement. A consistent pattern is demonstrated that the English proficiency level of English as a second language (ESL) students can predict student performance on state measures --the high stakes Texas Educational Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS). TAAS is a…

This longitudinal case study investigated issues that influence successful talent development in the arts and examined the effects of long-term artistic involvement on the lives of 23 artistically talented young people (ages 10-26) in New York City, all of whom had participated in a dance or music program in their elementary years. Most students…

The Study of Adult Reading Acquisition (SARA) is a longitudinal research project designed to measure the development of reading subskills in adults enrolled in instructional programs. The study participants are all students enrolled in a variety of adult education sites and settings, including correctional institutions, community-based programs,…

President Bush's comprehensive education plan includes major initiatives in areas ranging from accountability to school safety. While breaking new ground in some areas, Bush's plan accelerates the progress states have made in improving quality, performance, and flexibility in public education. This status report reviews the progress of states in…

This document discusses the representation and retention of women in science. Though women make up 48% of the employed labor force in the United States, they constitute only 22% of all working scientists and engineers. And though women scientists and engineers are beginning to find more employment in academia, they are more likely to teach only…

This paper explores the potential pitfalls associated with the new federal accountability role precipitated by the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. The paper presents worst-case scenarios with the assumption that it is worthwhile to consider the potential for unanticipated consequences so as to avoid problems before they occur. After…

This paper describes a study of the development of professional identity among employees in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in large-scale company-wide training programs. Managers and employees in 175 SMEs in Finland participated. These two research questions were posed: (1) are there differences in the perceptions of…

Researchers examined the management and conduct of assessments at the diploma and advanced diploma levels within training packages across Australia. The principal data collection activities were as follows: (1) a literature review; (2) examination of seven training packages; (3) a survey completed by 28 registered training organizations and 33…