Describes a time allocation study that was designed to determine how two types of teachers spent their time regarding gender differences in a primary school computer laboratory in Costa Rica. Topics include the sociocultural context of gender roles in Costa Rica, hypothesis testing, and the domination of boys in computer labs. Contains 101…

Five-year follow-up study examined the predictive validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) for 39 children identified during preschool as exhibiting language impairment (n=10), behavior control deficits (n=13), or normal language and behavioral development (n=16). Results generally supported the predictive validity of the…

Using a narrative procedure, this study replicated Zaitchik's (1991) result that children are more likely to acknowledge another's belief when they are told about reality than when they see reality for themselves. The article argues that these children were acknowledging alternative rather than false belief. (20 references) (Author/CK)

Presents a review of current ERIC documents concerning student assessment practices at community colleges and related issues. Discusses external pressures and challenges for assessment, frameworks and techniques in use, and the importance of recognizing student diversity and maintaining institutional support for assessment efforts. (44 citations)…

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard a case about mandatory drug tests for student athletes. This article discusses the case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the school district's right to conduct drug tests, noting its relevance to the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments. (SM)

Examines some problems of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS): multiple cutoff scores for passing the test and receiving a high school diploma, and artificially "tricky" items that disproportionately confuse language-minority students. Uses factor analysis and simulations to show ways to improve item selection for the TAAS.…

Examines the background factors that may be related to the French proficiency development of candidates applying for the foreign and second language teaching option at the University of Ottawa. Candidates have to pass tests of oral and written French, and this study sought to determine what makes a candidate successful on the test. (Author/VWL)

Investigates expressions of gratitude in Japanese and American English, focusing on the sociocultural factors influencing the deeper level of these expressions. Data are collected through the written answers to the discourse completion test, which has ten different situations designed to elicit a variety of expressions of gratitude from the…

Reports that the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) was administered to 20 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1998. IALS identified a very large proportion of adults with very low levels of literacy, most of whom did not see literacy as being crucial to their well being. (Contains 12…

Addresses the problems of standards-based reforms and testing, specifically in New York State. Asserts that community members, such as teachers, students, and parents, must be allowed to participate in educational reforms of teaching and learning conditions. (CMK)

Some of the six themes about high stakes testing, based on English, Welsh, and American research, include: not all stakes are perceived as equally high; pressure to respond to tests comes from more than formal stakes; external pressure is useful for changing content taught; and external pressure is less effective in changing instructional strategy…

Highlights the learner test-writing process, in which pupils write their own tests. The process consists of a number of steps, including reviewing the material learned, writing the questions, taking the test, and going over the graded test. (Author/VWL)

Reports on the use of computerized practice tests in an undergraduate education course. In study one, students who took computerized practice exams averaged one-half letter grade higher than students who did not take computerized practice exams, and they exhibited positive attitudes toward their practice experiences. Study two replicated study one…

Addresses the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), which provides assessment and certification for accomplished pre-K-12 teachers. Discusses such issues as why teachers should seek NBPTS certification, what certification areas are available in social studies, the assessment process, and where to locate more information. (CMK)

Presents evidence against the use of standardized curricula and testing and in favor of discovery-based instruction. Describes a successful experience with a relatively new form of discovery-based instruction, the scenario educational computer software. (AEF)