School and government officials, system administrators and other policymakers offer a variety of reasons for engaging in high stakes testing: to monitor student performance, to measure teacher and/or school effectiveness, to ensure accountability, etc. Some of these reasons are good; others not. But the best reason--one that is never offered,…

Policies and practices in the areas of identification, assessment, and recognition of nonformal learning in the European Union (EU) were reviewed. The review focused on national and EU-level experiences regarding the following areas and issues: recognition of the contextual nature of learning; identification of methodological requirements for…

The model presented in this document integrates authentic assessment with traditional evaluation practices to create comprehensive assessment systems for elementary and secondary school students. Specifically, the model poses six categories of competencies that enjoy high levels of acceptance and construct validity: (1) knowledge of concepts,…

A variety of assessment methods and instruments can and should be used to evaluate the performance of individuals and groups. Some possible assessments are described, including (1) adaptive testing; (2) anecdotal records; (3) assessment centers; (4) behavioral checklists; (5) behaviorally anchored rating scales; (6) checklists; (7) computerized…

A discussion of teacher evaluation offers a definition and rationale, and explains a few of its traditional forms. Common uses of teacher evaluation for personnel management, accountability, and improvement of teaching are described, and a distinction is made between formative and summative types of evaluation. Teacher evaluation, often based on…

As public funds decline and the political climate changes, accountability and quality assurance are important issues for U.S. colleges and universities, and institutional leaders are concerned about a shift away from the established institution-centered structures, toward government-mandated, standards-driven systems. This paper explores the…

This document presents required summaries of detailed student assessment reports submitted by the following Oklahoma institutions: University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University,…

The guide describes North Carolina's standard course of study in modern languages for grades K-12 and corresponding instructional guidelines. The first part is organized in six chapters: purpose, overview, and rationale for the standard course of study; intended program outcomes; the interrelationship of proficiency, grammar, vocabulary, and…

This curriculum guide for a 1-semester or 1-year course on construction systems is designed to acquaint students with the nature of the construction industry and its technology--tools, materials, and methods of construction--as well as the systems for planning and managing construction projects. The guide contains a course outline, competencies…

This vocational program guide is intended to assist in the organization, operation, and evaluation of a program in industrial machinery maintenance and repair in school districts, area vocational centers, and community colleges. The following topics are covered: job duties of millwrights, maintenance mechanics, and machinery erectors; program…

This vocational program guide is intended to assist in the organization, operation, and evaluation of a program in interior design technology in school districts, area vocational centers, and community colleges. The following topics are covered: program content (job titles and descriptions and curriculum framework and student performance…

Despite common beliefs that technical college students do not wish to, and cannot, transfer to four-year institutions, many studies have found the opposite to be true. Research shows that 26% of students enrolled in vocational programs intend to transfer to a baccalaureate institution, and occupational course credits from technical colleges are…

This report provides a wide range of comparative and historical data on the 34 state institutions of higher education in Georgia for the period 1995-97. Data tables are grouped into the following categories: general information; students; academic information; faculty and staff; financial information; facilities; research; and continuing education…

This collection explores the theory and applications of educational testing. It is divided into sections on theory and general principles of educational measurement, administration of tests and scoring, and applications of testing. The following chapters present information on test theory and use: (1) "Current Perspectives and Future…

This resource booklet was prepared to assist literacy projects and community adult education programs in determining the technology they need to serve more older persons. Section 1 contains the following reprinted articles: "The Human Touch in the Computer Age: Seniors Learn Computer Skills from Schoolkids" (Suzanne Kashuba);…