This paper discusses the rationale behind and uses of high stakes testing. Much of the support for high stakes testing comes from a desire to boost student achievement by increasing student and teacher motivation to do well. There are many disadvantages to high stakes testing, including inappropriate use of the test, inadequate test development,…

This paper discusses assessment in science in the context of current discussions of standards and high stakes testing. Setting standards is always challenging, and care is needed to make the standards for science achievement neither too high nor too low. States must be careful to establish standards that are clearly written and that have high…

This book blends two of the multiple intelligences (intrapersonal and interpersonal) with current research on the brain and learning to create a new foundation for K-8 classrooms. It shares a teacher's classroom practices linking brain functions with the development of interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. Nine chapters include (1)…

This paper summarizes a 4-month-long preparation process to implement an innovative English-as-a-Second-Language workplace program (ESLWP) at a large university with a sizable non-English speaking workforce in the United States. There is also a proposed plan of action for implementing a program guided by constructivist views of teaching and…

This videotape, with accompanying discussion guide, addresses issues of young children's learning readiness and the readiness of the school to teach young children. The 50-minute videotape, for use as a stand-alone instruction video in one sitting or as an accompaniment to group discussions or to a self-study program, is geared toward informal…

Although support for using portfolios in student assessment is widespread, few educators agree on what portfolios are and what their purposes should be. This book details a step-by-step process to help preschool and elementary educators get started in the use of portfolios for student assessment or gain new insights or strategies in their use.…

This qualitative case study describes a portfolio program in the teaching of English as a foreign language in two Finnish upper secondary schools. Approximately 100 students participated in the portfolio program, whose topic area was culture. First, the purpose of this action research was to try out and develop portfolios in foreign language…

Different kinds of tests are given to determine student achievement. Standardized achievement tests are often used, but have many limitations. They may be useful in determining the content students should learn and its relevance for future learning and the curriculum. Criterion referenced tests eliminate a major weakness of standardized tests in…

Prospective employers and external accreditation agencies today expect preservice teachers to fully document their success in a teacher education program. Missouri Western State College (MWSC) moved from the "scrapbook" portfolio to the World Wide Web delivered electronic portfolio in three years. This paper explains why MWSC chose to…

Parents and PTA members are actively involved at every level at the Applied Learning Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. This year-round public middle school is driven by applied learning. Parents are involved in school planning and design and actively participate in student assessments. (SM)

Compared portfolio, performance, and traditional assessments of sixth graders. Found that authentic measures and self-evaluations were weakly correlated with or independent of performance grades and standardized test scores. Academic motivation was more predictive of traditional than authentic measures. Forty percent of students performed better…

Discusses Australian student teachers' perspectives on the value of teaching portfolios, examining how their understanding of portfolios evolved over time. Surveys indicated that it was not until students linked the notion of presenting their views on their learning to a prospective employer that they gained more understanding of the task. (SM)

Presents a five-step plan for implementing ongoing, systematic self-assessment of preservice physical education teachers' teaching behaviors which allows preservice teachers to monitor their progress from the beginning to the completion of the pedagogy program. Steps include: identify and define the teaching behavior; develop a plan; modify…

Describes two activities (domain projects and process portfolios), used in a middle school setting, exemplifying a multiple intelligence (MI) approach to art. Proposes a format for infusing MI into art instruction at all grade levels. (DAJ)

Describes how changes in Indiana's licensure have affected one university's elementary education department, focusing on: the change to performance-based standards and assessment; performance assessment using exit portfolios; and lessons learned. The goal is to bring the program in line with the new Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support…