The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of high-stakes tests on teachers' instructional practices. Data were obtained from a survey instrument given to a stratified random sample of Mississippi social studies teachers who teach the same content that is tested on their state's high school graduation examination. An analysis found…

College students studying art traditionally host a senior art show displaying the works included in their portfolio before graduating. Why not borrow this tradition of a senior art show and apply it to physical education? Currently, most institutions of higher education ask their physical education teacher education (PETE) candidates to prepare…

This paper examines the results of a national study on the current status of state graduation policies and diploma options for youth with disabilities. It examines state policies in relation to their intended benefits as well as possible unintended consequences, and compared the findings with a similar study conducted by Johnson and Thurlow in…

The link between strong academic preparation in high school and success in college and careers is clearer than it has ever been. Recognizing that the standards students have to meet in the "real world" have become more demanding, governors and policymakers in a growing number of states are taking action to increase the requirements for earning a…

In response to public demands for better-quality high school graduates and to requirements of No Child Left Behind legislation, states have developed a variety of policies such as high-stakes exit exams and diploma options. Additionally, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, students with disabilities must be…

Limited classroom time available in middle school mathematics classes forces teachers to choose between assisting students' development and assessing students' abilities. To help teachers make better use of their time, we are integrating assistance and assessment by utilizing a web-based system, ASSISTment, that will offer instruction to students…

For 21 years the Annual Condition of Education Report has helped the Iowa Department of Education meet its goal, providing valuable information on everything from enrollment to student performance, from the teachers to finances to the demographics. The data for this annual report are presented according to: (1) Background Demographics; (2)…

Noting that Alberta's education system must focus on what all students need to learn in order for them to participate in an economy and a society undergoing fundamental changes, this handbook reflects the initiatives and directions outlined in the business plan for the future of education in Alberta. All changes to Alberta Education requirements…

Failure to include nonnative English speaking students in a testing program, something that is especially important in a state where a high school graduation test is administered, can cost students the opportunity to practice for the test, as well as the opportunity for diagnosis of educational attainment and feedback about their progress. For…

This paper presents a resolution passed by the New York State United Teachers calling on New York State to adopt a "Reading for Life" plan. Also, included is a letter to Chancellor Carl T. Hayden discussing the resolution and recommendations on changes in high school graduation requirements. The paper first sets out the resolution on the…

The 32 tests described in this bibliography cover grades K-12 and are used to assess minimum competency in individual subjects such as mathematics, reading, or writing, or other basic academic areas. Several of the tests are state minimum competency examinations which students must pass in order to graduate. This document is one in a series of…

Described in this synopsis are the results of a public opinion survey concerning Michigan citizens' attitudes toward findings of the final report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. The survey was conducted during weekday evening hours between June 23 and 30, l983. A majority of respondents strongly favored most of the…

Community and staff surveys, conducted in 1982, were commissioned by the Sacramento City (CA) Unified School District Board of Education as part of a project designed by the District's five high school principals. This report is limited to a presentation of the survey results. A subsequent report to be developed will present conclusions and any…

Describes new routes school districts are offering as a means for obtaining a high school diploma. Emphasizes competency-based education. (Author/IRT)

This statewide analysis of Missouri public school superintendents and college admissions officers explored their perceptions of changes since the release of the Report of the President's Commission on Excellence in Education, "A Nation at Risk." In the spring of 1985, the Missouri Legislature adopted a far-reaching omnibus bill…