Some cautions are sounded for converting a linearly administered test to an adaptive format. Four areas are identified in which practices broadly used in traditionally constructed tests can have adverse effects if thoughtlessly adopted when a test is administered in an adaptive mode. (SLD)

Considers debate in field of marriage and family therapy regarding issues of control and noninstrumentality. Contends that therapists must be able to act unconstrictingly yet must take responsibility for their actions. Asserts that believing too strongly in either strategizing or nonintervening in therapeutic process can be constraining. Offers…

In examining current trends in Europe's educational research, the paper presents a brief history of education in Europe, then discusses the effect of diversity and unity on national research systems, organizational patterns and issues, typological and methodological issues, and the impact of educational research on decision making. (SM)

Focuses on current reform efforts in teacher development and links teacher reflection to what the author considers the essence of current educational reform. In addition, examples are provided from research and practice to support the argument that teachers who are able to reflect are better able to accomplish their goals. (GLR)

Emphasizes the need for careful deliberation about teacher learning for both inservice and preservice teachers. Argues that without consideration of on-going teacher development, reflective practice cannot be expected to exist in schools. (GLR)

The article discusses the use of action research as a means of professional development. After describing action research and its benefits, the article explains the cyclical, collaborative process of action research, notes its possible applications, and presents implications for school reform. (SM)

Contrasts the instrumental character of traditional curriculum plans with the retextured curricular landscape inhabited by a hypothetical fifth-grade teacher struggling to help individual students learn. The idea is to teach science as a humanity, so that a privileged technoscientific mindset can be demystified and the multiplicity of human…

This paper on physiologic correlates of speech production in children and youth with hearing impairments focuses specifically on the production of phonemes and includes data on respiration for speech production, phonation, speech aerodynamics, articulation, and acoustic analyses of speech by hearing-impaired persons. (Author/DB)

Interviews with 15 Sikh women immigrants to Canada explored household structure, division of labor, child care strategies, and parenting concerns. Results suggest factors to consider in using a health promotion framework with immigrants who have experienced social and economic dislocation. (JOW)

To provide an introduction to item-response theory (IRT) for individuals with modest statistical and mathematical skills, the book emphasizes a conceptual approach to understanding IRT concepts. The book fills the gap between mathematically detailed studies and summary chapters on IRT in general texts. (SLD)

Presents a selected bibliography of 44 entries concerning whole language theory, research, practice, and evaluation. Annotations are followed by subheadings indicating the primary foci of the book or article. These sources will help practitioners make the transition from traditional to whole language instruction in reading and writing. (CJS)

Focuses on application of student development theory in university residence hall setting. Surveyed 172 resident assistants (RAs) to develop measure of student development theory knowledge, to determine usefulness of theory as basis for RA training, and to identify any significant differences in recognizing application of specific theory.…

Uses chaos systems concepts to analyze a case study of rapid growth and conflict in a southwestern school district. Difficulties arising from the need for very precise initial measurements, data forms adaptable to pattern modeling, and precise meanings for chaotic systems concepts limit chaotic theory's application to educational administration…

Students are motivated to the extent that they initiate and sustain meaningful involvement in learning. Theories of motivation suggest that appropriate attention to college students' needs and expectations for success will enhance their involvement and learning. (Author/MSE)

Evaluation theory and practice in Australia are described. In Australia, evaluation is linked closely with government programs. Australia has benefited from the opportunity to observe evaluation in the rest of the world. However, development of a uniquely Australian perspective has been hampered by the imposition of cultural values of other…