Measurement of change is essential for documenting the effects of social programs, for refining social-educational programs, and for guiding policy decisions about resource allocation. (CJ)

Asserts that existing accountability policies assume that a single behaviorist theory is the one best system for effective education. Examines the pitfalls of the one-system approach through the examples of John Stuart Mill's utilitarian upbringing and "Gradgrindism" in Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times." (SK)

The editor lists 10 points which form the basis of some recommendations for those conducting studies that measure effectiveness. The criteria are a consensus of ideas presented by the authors in this volume. (Author/DWH)

The purpose of this article is to discuss some recent developments in the scoring of multiple-choice items from two angles. The first consists of the recent developments in the test instructions of the conventional scoring procedures, and the second consists of a discussion of new scoring methods and formulas. (Author)

The author points out the technical shortcomings inherent in traditional examinations designed to sort students and outlines more useful testing alternatives. He feels that, unfortunately, the Assessment of Performance Unit will opt for the traditional style of testing, in the name of "maintaining standards." (SJL)

The author critiques the objective measurement movement, particularly the Rasch model, as misguided and overly simplistic. (SJL)

Discusses the process of conducting a summative evaluation, characteristics of evaluators, and choice of assessment techniques. (SK)

The relative utilities of subjectivity and objectivity in educational evaluation are debated. Page supports objectivity, while Stake supports subjectivity. (JKS)

The use of measurement and evaluation techniques to provide information on student outcomes in the cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and health related fitness domains is critical in helping to validate the importance of physical education in the school curriculum. (IAH)

Introduces a new generalization of inner product measures which removes the aesthetic deficiencies in previous research. Discusses linear similarity measures; proves the existence theorem for acceptable ranking functions in the case of a linear measure; and defines asymptotic inner product measures. (AEF)

Describes the development of new scales for assessing identity and levels of disclosure in lesbians and gay men. Provides a basis for the instrument development process by reviewing recent efforts to conceptualize and assess phenomena related to lesbian and gay male experiences. Concludes with a review of relevant measurement issues. (Contains 45…

Reviews studies indicating that performance-approach goals are associated with adaptive patterns of learning but note that, in other studies, these goals have been unrelated or negatively related to the same outcomes. Argues that there is a need to consider for whom and under what circumstances performance goals are good. (Contains 93 references.)…

A usability survey was conducted at the University of Mississippi Libraries as part of the ongoing assessment of the library and its services. By setting criteria to measure the success of the survey, librarians at UM were able to assess if the library home page successfully met the goals and mission statement of the library.

This paper describes the District of Columbia's progress in implementing a comprehensive and coherent approach to education reform from the time of application through June 30, 2011. In particular, this report highlights key accomplishments over the reporting period in the four reform areas: standards and assessments, data systems to support…