This report identifies the elements for improving performance in a standards-based system and carefully examines the incentives for students, teachers, schools, and states. Student incentives include using standards for promotion and admissions to higher education, standards for graduation from high school, requirements for employment or entry…

This book uses an extended case study to guide readers through the complexities of evaluating service learning outcomes and their relevance to the curriculum. Eight chapters include: (1) "What Is Service Learning?" (e.g., definition and rationale, developing a service learning program, and standards for effective programs); (2) "The…

This monograph is the outgrowth of a conference that explored research concerns related to multi-cultural and cross-cultural contexts in art education. In the monograph, presentations are organized into three sections. Section 1 deals with basic research methods and methodologies, and introduces new methodological perspectives for consideration.…

This book shows educators at all grade levels and in all content areas how to implement a holistic learning program that seamlessly integrates learning styles and multiple intelligences into instruction, curriculum, and assessment. It is designed to assist teachers in helping students become more reflective, self-aware learners. The book includes:…

This guide provides practical support for teachers as they tackle the challenges of planning and implementing lessons, units, and assessments that energize student learning and progress toward standards. Section 1, "Gathering Materials," provides the basic materials for approaching standards-based learning (definitions of key terms, grade-cluster…

This paper demonstrates how a well-conceived conceptual framework developed and supported by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Education and Human Services became a catalyst for significant change in teacher education. It begins by examining catalysts for change, then describes the university's conceptual framework, which works to…

This paper focuses on how best to evaluate student achievement in science. Many issues such as issues of test construction, validity, and reliability, and how to measure hands-on achievement must be considered. Qualitative evaluations are harder to explain, but can yield valuable information. The use of portfolios is an example of a technique that…

The Oregon Quality Education Model (OQEM) is a project that attempts to provide a cost for the state K-12 public education system by offering school funding decisions on a rational basis, based on facts and needs, that can be quantified. The House Special Committee on the Education Model Review was appointed to critique the OQEM since the project…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to developing an implementing a plan to start a business or an organization. It…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to interpreting and evaluating complex works of music, dance, theater, visual…

This article explains from the viewpoint of a faculty member how the College of Education at the University of South Florida has undergone reform. The book, "Changing the Practice of Teacher Education" (Mary Diez), is used as a theoretical framework in describing that process of reform. The article describes current external pressures…

This question and answer sheet describes the legislative background of current accountability requirements for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs, the issues involved in testing level gain, and critical questions whose answers can lead the field forward. It focuses on the following: what the legislation requires; how states are meeting…

This article examines how novice teachers in Japan and in the United States, specifically in the state of Ohio, are assessed, evaluated, and supported as they enter the teaching profession. Comparison of practices and tools which characterize the two countries' approaches toward assessment and mentoring reveals that important differences exist in…

The paper discusses the development of counseling and psychotherapy in China. These have developed rapidly for more than ten years, with special technique integration, varied methods, and the spread of concepts. But measured by scientific criterion, it still is in the primary stage of development. Although the number of diversified forms of…

This monograph serves two purposes: (1) to stimulate further reflection and discussion among education leaders and policymakers to revitalize and strengthen the role that school leaders play in school reform; and (2) to assist researchers in identifying areas of future work. It synthesizes some of the most current literature pertinent to…