This article describes results for students with mild disabilities who participated in the Kansas science assessment involving cooperative groups. Individual achievement, attitude, and project scores were consistent with expectations in relation to results for general education students. The study did not find that participation of students with…

A Nebraska district surveyed parents' reasons for sending their children to private or Catholic schools. Reasons could be grouped in categories: concerns and issues (such as religion) that public schools cannot address; and concerns (such as discipline, values, curriculum, and academic rigor) public schools could address by changing their programs…

The national context in which occupational standards and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) have been developed is described. NVQ methodology is explained, and issues arising from NVQ implementation are outlined. Developments in accreditation within the contexts of counselling and psychotherapy and guidance for learning and work are…

A number of ethical principles and values that underpin occupational and professional standards are identified, alongside particular ethical positions that may be useful for clarifying ethical decisions. The paper is divided into three sections: (1) identifying occupational and professional standards and values; (2) an exposition of popular…

Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is an independent agency, answerable to the public, created in 1995 in response to input from educators, policymakers, parents, students, and citizens to do large-scale assessments and give objective and informed recommendations for educational improvements. Gives EQAO core values and 10…

The input model of assessing public education must be clearly understood before educators embrace an output assessment model. Most school finance legislation has been inequitable, favoring students in predominantly white school districts. However, the disadvantaged suffer most when implementing state outcomes-based accountability systems.…

High-stakes testing's goals are to improve student learning of worthwhile academic content and narrow achievement gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged populations. Students are supposed to work harder and teachers are supposed to work more efficiently and effectively. Curriculum design and target-setting are key elements. (MLH)

Examined similarities and differences in teacher and principal perceptions of the effects of two state-level rewards and sanctions programs. Interviews with teachers, principals, and other administrators, and surveys of principals, indicated that overall, salary bonuses with sanctions linked to a comprehensive education reform initiative more…

Applications of project-based learning are illustrated by examples of projects involving music, art, history, a partnership with a hospital, Native American plant remedies, roller coaster design, and making a "talking book" (CD-ROM) in English and Lushootseed (language of the Tulalip Tribes). Project learning can meet standards while involving…

The tougher standards movement has five fatal flaws. An emphasis on scores limits student willingness to experiment and be challenged. The "basic skills" approach to teaching--pouring knowledge down student throats--has never worked well. Standardized testing necessarily creates winners and losers. Accountability is coercive and…

Examines assessment policy in Arizona over a decade, using interview, observation, and archival data. Policy shifted from basic skills and standardized testing to progressive reform by performance testing to high-stakes standardized testing using state standards. The Arizona Student Assessment Program is described, discussing the Academic Summit…

The top-down, heavy-handed "Tougher Standards" movement has taken over many schools, with full support of business groups, politicians, and many journalists. Primary opponents are classroom teachers and parents. Raising standards translates into higher scores on poorly designed tests. Best teaching builds on actively learning students. (MLH)

Presents an annotated bibliography of trade books for children in grades K-8 that emphasize human relations, sensitivity to cultural experiences, originality, high literacy quality, and a pleasing format. Explains that the books are arranged by categories and subthemes. Indicates the thematic strands of social studies curriculum standards that…

Traces the standards for foreign language learning as a template for an integrated second language reading curriculum (Grades 4-16), and argues for the early inclusion of authentic reading materials in the second language classroom. (Author/VWL)

What occurs in most schools and colleges is a ritual pretense lacking substance. Test scores and memorized facts mean little. John Dewey felt that education must be a continuous expansion of a web of connections and understanding that continues throughout one's life. Wisdom is education's true goal. (MLH)