Requirements for adaptive testing are reviewed, and the reasons implementation has taken so long are explored. The adaptive test is illustrated through the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale of L. M. Terman and M. A. Merrill (1960). Current adaptive testing is tied to the development of item response theory. (SLD)

Discusses conceptual frameworks for the designing process, including conclusion-oriented design and decision-oriented design; describes the systemic quality cube of design that incorporates process, product, efficiency, and effectiveness and considers total, global, and systemic quality; and discusses present applications, including computerized…

Depicts the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO as an opportunity to initiate a new approach to international cooperation. Summarizes the reasons for U.S. withdrawal, inherent risks (isolationism, Soviet dominance, lack of a suitable replacement program), and steps in developing a new international educational organization more acceptable to U.S. values.…

Criticizes Zachariah's use of microlevel metaphors ("lumps of clay" and "growing plants") to explain major trends in theories of education and national development in developing countries. Discusses emergence of a neo-Marxist perspective on this area of comparative education. Suggests the need for a theoretical perspective…

Analyzes the context in which a postliteracy curriculum was perceived and developed in Tanzania in the late 1970s. Indicates that the first postliteracy curriculum sought to provide neoliterates with general knowledge in politics, history, geography, health, and agriculture. Analyzes factors that influenced changes in the curriculum's form and…

Discusses indicator systems and the relationship among indicators, development, and accountability for strategic management of school system improvement. Explains a system of indicators developed to monitor the effectiveness of practice, highlighting these indicators' dual purpose (school development and quality management). Areas requiring most…

Underscores the need for change in contemporary Hong Kong education and factors making change problematic, including the power of local business elites, teachers, and parents in the educational system; British colonial educational philosophy and responsibility; and the nature and educational attitudes of Hong Kong society. (DMM)

Huge changes are taking place throughout the former East German society. Comments from students, teachers, and administrators at Potsdam's William and Alexander Humboldt High School, just outside Berlin, highlight the difficult tasks involved in reforming an impoverished and repressive school system. (MLF)

Discusses the feasibility of educational development in a disadvantaged area of Sri Lanka, considering expectations which are unreasonably high. Concludes that ambitious goals should be operationalized at a practical level. Recommends using the human resources of eager children, supportive parents, and dedicated educators to improve education. (KS)

Describes a database of information made available by the North Central Association Commission on Schools to assist schools with the tasks involved in the school improvement process. Discusses how to use this expert database. Provides suggestions for its use and an outline of 54 target areas. (VWC)

Interviews with principals, staff, and governors in 18 (British) elementary schools revealed that development planning was valued for its contribution to management and a shared culture, despite difficulties schools have experienced with limited resources and new initiatives. Consultation of teaching staff in designing the development plan was…

Examines the historical and philosophical roots of science and technology. Offers a case study of the overhead projector to illustrate the need for materialistic reading of the historical/philosophical roots of technology and science; argues that this would raise the status of technology education so that it can become a more widely accepted…

A discussion about philosophies that inform educational practice in North America provides a background for analysis of different philosophies in relation to technology education, and provides insight into the significance of reconstructionism, an outgrowth of pragmatism, as a philosophy in which to frame and describe technology education. This is…

Demonstrates that popular assertions regarding the social benefits of additional higher education are dubious. Reveals four decisive factors: presumed economic growth; changes in graduates' and nongraduates' relative earnings; differences between the marginal and average student; and belief in scale economies. Unless economic growth favors…

School-effectiveness research has made three considerable contributions: establishing a field exhibiting the characteristics of normal science, generation of research findings on numerous important topics, and combating of social/professional pessimism concerning educational-advancement prospects. School-effectiveness researchers will probably…