It has been found repeatedly that when test takers are allowed to choose a subset of constructed response (CR) items to answer on a test, they tend to choose differently and often perform lower on more popularly chosen items. This study investigated the psychological factors that influence test takers choices. Using an experience that incorporated…

In large-scale assessments, some amount of background material is generally collected. Background questionnaires in the National Assessment of Educational Progress are the subject of this report. Most of the questions in NAEP background questionnaires have asked about course taking patterns and course content, but it is argued that the material…

This digest discusses ways in which high schools and community colleges can cooperate in order to support more successful student transitions. The digest describes five types of collaborations that achieve this goal: (1) K-16 partnerships; (2) dual credit programs; (3) tech prep programs; (4) middle college high schools; and (5) distance learning…

This report describes initiatives and services of the Massachusetts Department of Education for academically advanced students. The first section summarizes the department's state initiatives implemented as a result of the state's Education Reform Act of 1993, such as grants to enhance district gifted and talented programs and Advanced Placement…

Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program in the Austin Independent School District (AISD), Texas, that is designed to help underachieving students with academic potential prepare for entrance into colleges and universities. Program participants are primarily from low income and ethnic minority backgrounds. In AVID, these…

Independent study and credit by examination leading to the baccalaureate degree may enable institutions to meet increasing costs, open enrollments, continuing education and other current challenges. (Editor/IR)

The More Academically Able (MAA) class for students at the fourth to sixth grade levels of elementary school with I.Q.s higher than 120 had a significantly positive influence on its participants. Fifteen of the students involved were given a retrospective survey evaluating the program. The results showed the program as being beneficial.…

Compares two programs which enable high school students to take college courses for credit: Advanced Placement (AP) Program and Syracuse University Project Advance Program. Discusses instructional methods, college credit, teacher involvement, student benefits, and problems, to show advantages of the latter program. (DC)

Statistics for 1975 and 1976 are presented on U.S. foreign medical students who attempted to transfer from foreign to U.S. medical schools via the Coordinated Transfer Application System (COTRANS). (LBH)

The policies and procedures of colleges regarding the transfer of college credit that students earn for work they completed while still enrolled in high school are investigated. Focus is on one particular program, Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA). (LBH)

This study compared the achievement of biology, physics, and chemistry students in Higher Level (HL) International Baccalaureate (IB) programs with achievement of students in Subsidiary Level (SL) IB programs and regular Alberta (Canada) programs (n=708 students). Students in IB out-performed students in regular programs. Within IB, HL and SL…

Examines potential advantages of Advance Placement (AP) courses for students and schools. Reviews literature on the effects of AP courses on students, AP implications for college admissions, AP implications for college attendance, AP economic implications, and AP program concerns. Concludes that AP program advantages for students, schools, and…

Reports the results of a year-long program incorporating intensive journalistic writing into Advanced Placement English courses. Notes that most students who took the course received high scores on the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition test, and that all students in the course improved their writing. (MM)

Describes the author's experiences when incorporating an intensive journalistic writing program into her high school English class. (MM)