Most comparative studies about China were challenged by many sinologists and educators for not grounding on representative samples. This research is mainly based on a Chinese data base collected from a random sample of more than 10,000 9th-grade students in the Second International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)…

Science educators and other are faced with determining what changes must be made in education to insure scientific literacy for all students. One area that has been identified as playing a crucial role in science achievement outcome is assessment. This monograph focuses on improving assessment techniques used by teachers as they devise tests to…

Toy playing habits, spatial abilities, and science and mathematics achievement of children aged 3 through 13 appear to be sex typed. Males play with a wider variety of toys, exhibit superior spatial skills, and maintain greater science and mathematics achievement scores than females. (PS)

Education is the building block of every student's future. To ensure all students have every opportunity to succeed, Indiana adopted world-class academic standards in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies and an assessment system to measure student progress. This booklet clearly spells out what students should know and be…

This report presents results for countries that participated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003. In 2003, TIMSS was conducted at grades four and eight. This summary highlights initial findings on the performance of U.S. fourth- and eighth-grade students relative to their peers in other countries on the TIMSS…

Argues that little or no progress has been made in improving student achievement in reading, mathematics, and science since publication of "A Nation at Risk." Supports argument with test scores from Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Third International Mathematics and Science Study…

Presents results from international assessments of 15-year-olds' capabilities in reading literacy, mathematics literacy, and science literacy, with an emphasis on reading literacy. Sample survey data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) provide a first step in the measurement of cross-curricular competencies in various…

Focuses on the development of informed teacher advocacy for new advancements in technology-based assessment. Suggests key evaluative questions for teachers to ask about any forms of science assessment that would amplify the potential value of new technology-based forms of classroom science assessment applications. (LZ)

Secondary analysis of data collected from random samples of Australian (n=1,177) and American (n=537) high school chemistry students involved in the Second International Science Study was compared. Of eight chemistry content areas, Australian students were superior to American students in all areas except theoretical and organic chemistry.…

Reports results of an international study showing the United States ranking behind other countries in science and math. Compares differences in teaching methods and teacher preparation that may explain differences in the math performance of U.S. students. (SK)

Discusses possible reasons for U.S. gifted students' underachievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Homework, class time, and television viewing are similar elsewhere. Previous learning, negative reform effects, middle-school practices, nonrigorous coursework, curriculum deficiencies, and stress on potential over…

Describes and evaluates the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative, a six-state consortium for academic improvement supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), that focuses on low-income rural schools. The 1-day, one-school site visits that constitute program reviews in this initiative are unlikely to enhance achievement in either science…

This rebuttal provides a more complete description of the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative than the previous article, describes the Program Improvement Review process in more detail and outlines its role in the overall project, and provides data that supports the program's overall effectiveness. (Author/SLD)

Problem-based learning was used as an enrichment activity in 2% of an urban middle school's curriculum. Assessment showed that it improved behavior and science achievement of low-income minority students. (SK)

Examines the science achievement outcomes for different subgroups of students using different assessment formats designed to measure the level of achievement of the National Science Education Standards. Assessments included a multiple-choice test, a written open-ended test, a hands-on lab skills test, and a hands-on full investigation. (Author/SAH)