Suggests that shortening the time required for administering a reading test might provide more useful screening, diagnostic and predictive information for students of diverse abilities. Bibliography. (MD)

Tested academic achievement can no longer be the sole means of advancement or privilege. (IR)

An experiment with students' composition of haiku illustrates that a teacher's positive expectations help determine positive results. (RD)

Teachers should recognize that a wide range of ability and academic achievement in a classroom is normal, always present, and desirable. Such a range will not discourage or humiliate the slow-learner, but encourage him to proceed at his own pace. (NH)

The authors predicted that individualized feedback in spelling instruction would lead to improved achievement, especially for low achievers. While results suggested that individualized feedback may be useful for low achievers, individualized instruction must be considered a more effective educational method for both high and low achievers.…

Achievement test reliability and validity as a function of ability were determined for multiple sections of a large undergraduate French class. Results did not support previous arguments that decreasing the number of options results in a more efficient test for high-level examinees, but less efficient for low-level examinees. (Author/GK)

A meta-analysis of 52 studies of ability grouping in elementary and secondary schools indicates that, except for high ability students in honors classes, ability grouping has little significant effect on student learning outcomes, self-concept, or attitudes toward school and subject matter. (Author/RW)

The adaptation level theory in grading implies that students select major programs whose grading practices are realistic with their ability. A causal approach using a system of multiple equations was used to investigate this theory. The results lent support to occurrence of the adaptive grading practice. (Author/CM)

A test of 1,366 high school students revealed no significant sex differences in the ability to perform geometrical proofs. Boys did outscore girls on overall achievement in geometry, but the results are believed to reflect differential exposure to mathematics outside the classroom. (MP)

The idea that females may be born with less mathematical ability than males is explored. Data from Benbow and Stanley, as well as from the Education Commission of the States, are considered. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Drawing on data from a large epidemiological study concerning the definition and identification of learning disabled (LD) adolescents, the article discusses whether LD adolescents, as they are being identified in the public schools, are different from other low achieving (LA) peers, and, if so, how they are different. (DLS)

Data from questionnaires returned by entering freshman women at one university indicate that the women have positive expectations of support and encouragement in their academic-vocational pussuits. Many perceive, however, that there are limited expectations for them in terms of their future professional contributions. (Author)