Defines project-based learning as an instructional method that emphasizes learning activities that are student-centered, interdisciplinary, and integrated with real-world issues and practices. Discusses the use of technology; the need for a strong assessment system; considers rubric assessment and performance-based assessment; and includes an…

This volume provides the background of the Kentucky Education Reform Act and discusses the assessment and evaluation principles on which it is based. It reviews early steps in implementation of the Act's mandates, but was written before most of the battles of implementation had begun. (SLD)

One means of establishing the validity of performance-based assessments is to determine whether the criteria for basic competencies on performance tests are reasonable in relation to expected (nationally normed) age-level performance. Links between performances on three assessments in Michigan and the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills illustrate…

Examines the problems with standardized tests as they apply to language minority students, and offers an alternative assessment process called an authentic assessment. Some classroom uses for authentic assessments are briefly noted. (GR)

Outcome-based education (OBE) and authentic assessment have the potential to greatly improve teacher and counselor preparation programs in rural higher education institutions, but require paradigm shifts, especially at the faculty and administration level, for successful implementation. Characteristics and advantages of OBE and authentic…

Three field-oriented, problem-based administrator preparation programs at the University of Colorado at Denver have provided opportunities and challenges. Student involvement in planning and conducting learning, collaboration among faculty and students, and use of performance-based learning outcomes and portfolio assessments are among the…

Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is an independent agency, answerable to the public, created in 1995 in response to input from educators, policymakers, parents, students, and citizens to do large-scale assessments and give objective and informed recommendations for educational improvements. Gives EQAO core values and 10…

A study examined two strategies for increasing the accuracy with which five elementary teachers implemented a peer tutoring intervention for students with reading difficulties. Four teachers implemented the intervention at levels substantially above baseline during the performance feedback condition. Student reading comprehension scores improved…

Discusses the use of authentic assessment during creative learning activities in kindergarten classrooms to document growth and support further learning. Provides an example of how authentic assessment was used to document the social progress of one child during kindergarten. Concludes that authentic assessment of children's activities and…

Study looked at whether there was a distinction between performance-approach and performance-avoidance goal orientation in elementary and junior high students (N=451). In addition, it tested a model that examined the relationship between students' implicit theories of intelligence, goal orientations, perceived competence, and achievement. Implicit…

Examines assessment policy in Arizona over a decade, using interview, observation, and archival data. Policy shifted from basic skills and standardized testing to progressive reform by performance testing to high-stakes standardized testing using state standards. The Arizona Student Assessment Program is described, discussing the Academic Summit…

Results for students in England in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) are quite good, but some weaknesses in the performance of Year 9 students on the practical tasks in science and mathematics of the TIMSS that are not apparent when overall results are examined are discussed. (SLD)

High-stakes tests can set a clear, challenging hurdle for students and schools, while increasing the numbers of failing kids. Costs and benefits include increased equity, clear and focused curricula, efficient use of resources, achievement-based school personnel evaluations, limited local decision making, narrow curriculum, and favored course…

What occurs in most schools and colleges is a ritual pretense lacking substance. Test scores and memorized facts mean little. John Dewey felt that education must be a continuous expansion of a web of connections and understanding that continues throughout one's life. Wisdom is education's true goal. (MLH)

Authors discuss seven findings from a number of studies of local, state, and federal performance-based accountability systems conducted by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at Harvard University. (PKP)