This paper examines issues in gathering data for purposes of making accountability decisions for students with disabilities. The first section describes five alternative methods being used: (1) administration of norm-referenced tests; (2) focus on results or outcomes; (3) Individualized Education Program aggregation; (4) secondary analysis of…

This digest focuses on going beyond multiple choice testing to the development of methods for assessing complex knowledge and performances. Newly designed assessment systems must accurately measure and promote the complex thinking and learning goals that are known to be critical to students' academic success and their eventual sustained…

Because not all approaches to evaluating the achievement of elementary school students evaluate the same facets of development, a variety of evaluation devices must be used to assess learners intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. The following approaches are discussed as ways of student evaluation: (1) work samples; (2)…

Written mainly for the training practitioner who has some experience in the field, this book provides a practical approach for constructing good self-directed learning (SDL) programs. Chapter 1 considers SDL from the academic and business points of view, develops a working definition, and examines SDL's strengths and weaknesses. Part 1 covers…

This book offers 27 papers addressing critical issues in the assessment of students with all kinds of learning disabilities. Papers have the following titles and authors: "Critical Issues in the Measurement of Learning Disabilities" (G. Reid Lyon); "A Matrix of Decision Points in the Measurement of Learning Disabilities" (Barbara K. Keogh);…

This document presents a format for evaluating the viability of individual campuses in the Pennsylvania State University System (PSUS) including criteria and a process to apply them. A viable campus is defined as having a clear mission with a demonstrable agreement among administrative and faculty visions, having adequate resources, involving the…

Training issues can be examined from at least two perspectives: the structural level (macro-level) and the micro-level. Structural issues in the delivery of training include the following: absent or uneven corporate commitment, inadequate expenditures by businesses, degrees awarded by schools that do not guarantee skill mastery, poaching of…

This book is intended to be a practical resource guide for professionals responsible for designing and implementing individualized early intervention programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with special needs. Part I provides an introduction to the purpose and characteristics of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment. Part II…

To be numerate is to be able to function mathematically in one's daily life. The kinds of mathematics skills and understandings necessary to function effectively in daily life are changing. Despite an awareness in Australia of new skills necessary for the information age and calls that the schools should be instrumental in preparing students with…

This paper reports on a pilot project conducted at the College of Education, Wayne State University (Michigan), to explore the potential of the portfolio process as a tool for assessing the professional skill development of student teachers and the effectiveness of the teacher preparation program. Project goals included the promotion and…

The manual is addressed to teachers, administrators, and teacher trainers helping students learn through a non-native language by integrating language and content. This audience may include English-as-a-Second-Language, bilingual education, or content (e.g., science, math, social studies) teachers with limited-English-proficient students in…

This text presents basic principles of applying curriculum-based assessment (CBA) to the evaluation of and instruction of students with disabilities. Throughout the book, the mnemonic APPLY is used as an organizing method for teachers to develop and use CBA. APPLY stands for: (1) analyze the curriculum, (2) prepare items to match curriculum…

Results of a 1980-81 survey of the perception of the Brazosport (Freeport, Texas) community regarding the Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) are summarized. The survey instrument consisted of: (1) a cover letter from the superintendent; (2) Part I--a series of multiple-choice questions on various education issues in Brazosport; (3) Part…

Teacher evaluation remains a controversial and disruptive area. The problems arise from the way evaluations are carried out. In many cases the evaluation system used is the problem. This book discusses teacher evaluation by providing characteristics separating effective and less effective systems. It presents eight commonalities identified in…

The primary purpose of a Sacramento, California, summer school project for 200 migrant children (K-8) was to determine whether significant change in teacher and student behaviors would result from combining right brain and left brain learning activities for 34 school days. Objectives were to increase affective and social skills and academic growth…