The reasons teachers give for their assessment and grading practices and the factors that influence these practices were studied. Of 200 elementary and secondary mathematics and English teachers who volunteered to participate, researchers selected 60 teachers as representing maximum variation and then interviewed 24. Interview transcripts were…

This ethnographic case study investigated the challenges of six elementary teachers who attempted to embrace, comprehend, and apply elements of cooperative learning. The study examined solutions that teachers found effective in dealing with problems they encountered when using cooperative learning. Over the course of 1 year, researchers collected…

This paper is designed to provide Iowa educators with information on reporting results of assessments of students with disabilities, including grading, diplomas, and transcripts. A question-and-answer format addresses: (1) indication of the provision of reasonable accommodations on students' report cards; (2) honor rolls; (3) pass/fail grading…

The development of a national, standardized federal drug law examination is described, including its purpose, content, reliability, overall performance, and scoring method. Candidate performance for 3 years is reported, with variance by state, school, etc. (Author/MSE)

The role of evaluation in improving academic performance is explored. A theoretical development of formative evaluation in higher education and a critique of higher education in the light of that theory is presented. Grading, feedforward, feedback, course length, and cumulative assessment are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Results of a survey of colleges offering innovative programs for college credit include information on the types of instruction and credit offered and evaluation of problems and solutions found in program administration. Among these issues are finance, determination of appropriate credit, scheduling, transcripts, catalog descriptions, and…

Term papers written by 42 students in two subjects were assessed by their classmates and by lecturers in the relevant subjects. No difference occurred between lecturers and students in average marks, variations in marks, agreement in marks (reliability), or relationship between marks and performance in final examinations (validity). (Author/MSE)

Because evaluation is an integral part of instruction, teachers should formulate specific behavioral objectives for the learner to attain. Evaluation of the final outcome usually results in a grade depicting the total achievement of the student over a specified period of time. (JN)

Standard graphic, behaviorally-anchored, and mixed standard scales were used to investigate the relationships among scale types, instructor leniency, and ratings of college instructors by college students. (JKS)

Describes how, in one Texas fifth-grade classroom, Shared Inquiry book discussions were taught and implemented over a six-month period in connection with the Junior Great Book Series. Discusses solutions to the dilemma of grading these active class discussions, and reports that scores on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) tests were…

Describes an automated scoring algorithm for a computer-based simulation examination of physicians' patient-management skills. Results with 280 medical students show that scores produced using this algorithm are highly correlated to actual clinician ratings. Scores were also effective in discriminating between case performance judged passing or…

A brief history of developments in the assessment of the reliability of credentialing examinations is presented, and some new results are outlined that highlight the interactions among scoring, standard setting, and the reliability and validity of pass-fail decisions. Decision consistency is an important concept in evaluating credentialing…

Outlines the limitations of letter grades and the problems with giving percentage points. Discusses authentic evaluation and the author's daily process of evaluation with her low-reading students as they engage daily in reflecting, rethinking, selecting, and deciding. (SR)

Presents the assessment and grading practices of 19 mathematics classes in five high schools in three states. In each class the most frequently used assessment tools were tests and quizzes, with these determining approximately 77% of students' grades. In 12 classes other forms of assessment such as written projects or interviews were also used.…

Examined practice of weighting grades to reflect class difficulty in literature in Maryland high schools, and particularly the Frederick County Maryland school system. Surveyed impact of reworked grades, teachers' attitudes, and parents' attitudes. Concluded weighting to be advantageous in college admission. (ABL)