This paper identifies issues in defining and reporting performance standards for the 2002 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). The paper describes a continuum of conceptualizations of performance standards for adult literacy extending from "technical" conceptions of performance standards, as used in the psychometric literature,…

Secondary education continues to grow and expand while the number of high-school graduates increases from year to year. The percentage of graduates who continue on to a higher institution is also on the rise. Thus, a list of those secondary schools that do a standard quantity and quality of work is imperative for those who wish to apply for…

Discusses the differences between computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction (CMI), identifies the central themes running through CMI, presents a general definition of CMI, gives a functional overview of CMI, and develops definitions pertaining to CMI functions and systems. (Author/JL)

Describes Iowa's use of the term "mental disability" rather than mental retardation and an IQ cutoff score of 85 for classification of mental disability. Revised draft guidelines for the identification of mental disability are presented that contain four criteria, including an IQ cutoff score of 75. (CR)

Examines how negative views of government and the public sector are affecting educational governance. Reviews social and political trends undermining support for public schools. Presents a new definition of governance that realistically portrays the politics of educational leadership by acknowledging the roles of public and private sectors,…

Research and literature are reviewed to support the thesis that new identification procedures, appropriate criteria for evaluating identification procedures, new curricular and instructional programs, and changes in beliefs and stereotypes are needed to resolve the problem of underrepresentation of minority students in gifted programs. A…

After arguing that there are substantial advantages to incorporating student play as a learning strategy in educational reform, the paper defines play, notes common misconceptions about play, examines reasons why children play, describes types of play, and looks at the function, outcome, and benefits of play. (SM)

Three studies investigated children's responsiveness to general education reading instruction as an indicator of need for more intensive interventions and found that the response-to-instruction model tested was valid. Results indicated that children at-risk (n=47) who received specially designed general education instruction had better outcomes…

Uses outcomes of case study research in socioeconomically disadvantaged education contexts to examine accomplishments of (Australian) educators who have significantly affected their communities' quality of life. Highly successful classroom practitioners' work has some connection with prominent educational leadership theories. Questions approaches…

One of four articles in the fourth section, "Aspects of Evaluation of PDS," this article calls for improved definitions of professional development schools; analyses of startup and ongoing costs (including determination of where the money will come from); and development of PDS standards for improved evaluation (including standards by which they…

Considers the meaning of relevance and examines the role that relevance plays in information behavior. Literature on relevance is reviewed, cognitive and dynamic processing approaches to relevance are described, and 12 research questions are presented that address criteria users employ in evaluating information and suggest implications for system…

Discussion of the educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled focuses on terminology, definitions, characteristics, identification, and instructional programming. A study showing the effectiveness of systematic direct instruction in small groups for this population is summarized. (DB)

A broader definition of quality in medical student residency training is offered to guide development of outcome quality measures. The definition includes the following dimensions of program quality: student characteristics; cost-effectiveness; degree to which it meets society's needs; and fair and ethical selection, assessment, and treatment of…

Although the driving philosophy underpinning British educational reform since 1988 has emphasized "quality" and "choice," few governmental pronouncements have addressed equity issues. This article defines "equity," focusing on distributional equity as a framework for examining reforms such as formula funding,…

Illustrates how, through the words selected, the patterns of interaction experienced, and the range of events constructed in a bilingual sixth-grade classroom, students and teachers defined what counted as mathematics, mathematical actions, and being mathematicians. The patterns of language use and the range of mathematical events within the first…