A synopsis of characteristics of effective English as a second language teachers (in the areas of knowledge, skills, and attitudes) is presented as well as a discussion of appropriate approaches (interaction analysis versus assumed teacher competencies) for evaluating teachers. (Author/CB)

A new program at Boston University that identifies students who would have great difficulty fulfilling their foreign language requirement is described. This program offers an alternative sequence of courses designed to help these students achieve foreign language learning success. (LMO)

A national survey found that, although most dental schools formally evaluate faculty through student ratings, they agree that peer evaluation should be included. Most valued features of evaluation include a feedback mechanism, faculty input, and standardization. Most institutions provide teaching enhancement programs but value may research…

Discusses three studies that deal with instructional suggestions related to cross-age tutoring, the use of analogies, and some rethinking of a common testing practice--out-of-level testing for disabled readers. (FL)

Important factors in assessing performance of handicapped individuals in transitional, supported employment include secondary school vocational performance, assessment and placement, resources for supported employment, and on-the-job performance, and the social ecology of the workplace. (CB)

The author advances the argument that evaluation is unique not in purpose, but in environment. The evaluator operates within ethical, organizational, and political contexts in order to achieve utilization of a context-responsive evaluation. (LMO)

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised scoring patterns of 197 Native American children (ages 6-16, 90 girls and 107 boys) at a Northern Plains boarding school were explored to identify characteristic cognitive processing strengths. Findings indicated greater strength than among standardization population in relational, holistic, right…

The "Notes & Reflections" newsletter offers practical information--ideas, strategies, tools, and resources--about topics of special interest to professional developers who are working to improve school performance. Today, professional development services to schools are provided by variety of people: teacher leaders; principals; and district,…

In Spring 2005 the Maine Legislature passed legislation establishing an isolated small school adjustment in the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula. The adjustment for isolated small high schools (i.e. under 200 pupils) was a reduction in student-teacher ratios in the formula calculations, and in the case of isolated elementary…

According to the American Association for Advancement of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) and its Technology for All Americans Project (TfAAP), technology education should begin in kindergarten. Educators in Taiwan have also advocated beginning technology education in…

Rasch measurement can provide a much needed solution to scaling teacher ability. Typically, decisions about teacher ability are based on dichotomously scored certification tests focused on knowledge of content or pedagogy. This paper presents early developmental work of a partial credit teacher ability scale of 42 tasks (performances and…

This pamphlet is designed to serve as a prompt for principals and teachers to help them anticipate questions parents might ask when they send their children to school for the first time or when they enroll their children in a different school. The pamphlet can also serve as a checklist for parents as they become involved with their children's…

Accountability in career counseling is receiving increased attention. However, few organizations have specific guidelines for the delivery of career counseling. This digest describes a workbook, developed in Canada, which furnishes a practical, valuative approach for support organizations that provide career counseling services. The procedures in…

Career development in Canada has been gaining prominence over the past decade. This digest outlines the principles on which career development must remain focused. First, the meaning of "career success" needs to be reconceptualized. With companies downsizing, people need to be able to view themselves as successful, despite changing…

This paper describes the background of various accountability systems, discusses policy issues related to the use of educational accountability information, and offers a history of the school-accountability law in Nevada. The paper concludes that because policymakers continue to express concerns about uniform measurements and comparability, it is…