The results from the testing of practical skills in science in the six participating countries of the Second International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Improvement Science Study are presented. The emphasis is on descriptive reports without extensive statistical tests. Some clear patterns of findings are evident. (SLD)

Several developments growing out of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are reviewed, with a discussion of their extension and application to other projects. These developments include: (1) complex matrix item sampling designs; (2) performance-based items in large-scale assessments; (3) vertical scaling; and (4) innovative…

Utilized an experimental design structure across 4 scientific contexts which tested 18 boys and 18 girls who were closely matched for ability levels and curriculum background. No gender differences were detected in the scientific contexts of observation, reporting, or planning skills, and there was no differential performance on the use of…

This review of performance assessment and special education considers forces influencing assessment changes, performance-based assessment as an alternative to traditional assessment, current use of performance assessment, a critique of performance assessment, the future of performance assessment, and the role of curriculum and teachers. An action…

There is presently much disagreement about how students should be evaluated effectively to determine their progress. Some common methods are reviewed, including standardized tests and performance-based evaluation such as portfolios. Continuous experimentation is necessary in the effort to develop better measurement approaches. (SLD)

Teacher assessments should reduce the discrepancy between what is and what should be true for effective teaching and professional standards. Performance Assessment Centers are an attractive way to improve teacher assessment. In such centers, candidates participate in simulated job tasks tapping abilities related to the assessment's focus. (SLD)

The status of federal law relevant to teacher performance assessment is in transition, paralleling that of professional practice in the area. Court decisions pertaining to teacher assessment are reviewed for their possible impact on state-of-the-art teacher assessment techniques. (SLD)

Reviews approaches using computer-assisted instruction that may be effective strategies to use with at-risk students. Highlights include developing an Individual Educational Plan (IEP); criteria for selecting appropriate educational software; keeping parents informed; the use of multimedia; high standards and performance-based evaluation; and…

Maintains that the justification for using standardized achievement tests for children below grade three is questionable, and proposes the adoption of performance assessment that documents activities in which children engage on a daily basis. Explains the Work Sampling System, a performance assessment system that involves developmental checklists,…

A survey of 54 pharmacy schools' experiential learning programs found that most either were reviewing or had adopted nationally recognized competencies into their experiential programs, but a third had made no such effort. Almost all used a formative or interim evaluation process and a student performance evaluation process, some with written…

Discusses authentic assessment and its possible uses in school libraries. Highlights include restructuring and authentic schools; authentic assessment techniques; motivation; increasing thinking skills; creative research products; roles of the library media specialist in authentic assessment; and an appendix with seven annotated curriculum…

After explaining performance assessment, the article describes a Michigan staff development workshop to teach educators performance assessment, explains program content and methods for teaching program assessment, illustrates how performance assessment was taught to students, and presents recommendations for effective implementation of performance…

Discusses technology-related requirements for teacher licensure and certification, describing the Milken Exchange State-by-State Education Technology Policy Survey and examining the increasing power and influence of state professional standards boards, the move to performance-based program approval and licensing, the move to increased teacher…

Discusses pedagogical principles for performance-based instruction and demonstrates how these principles can be applied to foreign-language classroom instruction, curriculum design, materials development, and proficiency testing. (Author/VWL)

Summarizes two trends in teacher education: using performance-based portfolios for assessment, instruction, and professional development and transforming computers from complicated instruments to universally available tools that facilitate tasks involving knowledge access and processing. The article explores connections between the two trends and…