Discusses the possibility that class size might affect student evaluations of teachers. Reviews existing studies of the relationship between class size and student evaluations. Concludes that student ratings are reasonably valid and that class size does not bias student evaluations. (CFR)

Effects of experimenter-controlled incentives and feedback on the calibration of performance were examined for 85 undergraduates answering reading comprehension and mathematics multiple-choice questions. Results support the hypotheses that incentives affect the calibration of performance and that external incentives can enhance the degree to which…

Norwegian researchers examined the value of continuous self-assessment via diaries, looking at an effective approach to self-assessment for use in developing and evaluating language learning or teacher training programs. Students and teachers kept diaries and completed questionnaires. Results indicated diaries helped teachers develop insights into…

The continuous method of scoring a performance test composed of standardized patients was compared with a derivative method that assigned each of the 131 examinees (medical residents) a dichotomous score, and use of Angoff's method with these scoring methods was studied. Both methods produce reasonable means and distributions of scores. (SLD)

Evidence is presented on the generalizability and convergent validity of performance assessments using data from six studies of student achievement that sampled a wide range of measurement facets and methods. Results at individual and school levels indicate that task-sampling variability is the major source of measurement error. (SLD)

Describes the development of a systemwide institutional effectiveness assessment model in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Indicates that a primary goal of WTCS was to provide a measure that could assess systemwide effectiveness while preserving the autonomy of each individual college. Identifies four categories of effectiveness:…

Drawing on the experience of Oregon's new-teacher evaluation system, describes teacher work-sample methodology and evidence for its reliability and validity in evaluating the performance of prospective teachers. This is a methodology that responds to the challenge issued by the National Commission on Teaching and the America's Future challenge.…

Reviews research on student-written evaluation of college teaching performance. Arguments against such evaluations as valid indicators of performance are examined, and various background characteristics thought to influence student ratings are considered. Student and faculty reaction to use of ratings is discussed, and suggestions are made for…

Discusses a series of interviews with students at the end of their first year of studying science in secondary schools. Compares and contrasts students' perceptions of reality with their expectations. (DDR)

A study found good problem-solving skills, reading at or above grade level, ability to get along with peers and adults, likeability, sense of humor, and having an adult mentor at school were associated with the positive educational progress of 652 boys (ages 13 to 17) with severe aggression and emotional disturbance. (Author/CR)

A study evaluated the emotional and behavioral adjustment of 92 parents and 56 children within three months and one year after the discovery of extrafamilial sexual abuse. Parents and children experienced clinically significant effects, both initially and at 12 months' post-disclosure. Children's self-blame and extent of traumatization predicted…

A top aide to Vice President Gore has been chosen to lead the U.S. Department of Education's effort to modernize delivery of financial aid to students and colleges. His office is the first federal government entity to be run as a "performance-based organization." Some fear he may politicize the office that lawmakers specified be led by a…

Through workshops, seminars, training programs, and conferences, the nonprofit Center on Learning, Assessment, and School Structure (CLASS) helps educators in public and private schools develop more credible and authentic assessments and curricula. The Center's head, Grant Wiggins, argues that schools should have standards--but the standards…

At a large university, faculty ratings in five academic areas were collected from two groups of students using paper-and-pencil or electronic survey administration. The two modes yielded similar factor patterns, with ratings influenced by academic area but not survey method. Students felt more anonymous using the paper-and-pencil method;…

Researchers have found three consistent effects of stressing letter or number grades. Grades reduce students' interest in learning, preference for challenging tasks, and thinking quality. Grades distort curriculum, waste time, encourage cheating, and spoil interpersonal relationships. Invisible grading is a compromise. Authentic assessment opens…