This report describes a decision-making tool designed to inform English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and bilingual educators of the most up-to-date participation and test accommodations guidelines and to assist educators in the process of making informed decisions. It reports on the results of a study that examined the tool's feasibility. The…

In 1999, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) was administered to students in grades 4, 5, 8, and 10 to assess student achievement of the Sunshine State Standards in reading and mathematics as mandated by the Florida legislature. This report informs administrators, legislators, and the general public about the reading and mathematics…

At the request of the school committee of that town, this bureau made last spring a comprehensive survey of the schools of Winchester, Massachusetts, a residential suburban town near the city of Boston. The report of the findings of the committee making the survey, together with constructive criticisms and recommendations for the improvement of…

For a number of years there has been a growing interest in the specialized field of teaching English as a second language in the United States and abroad. Many colleges and universities in this country have offered special courses for foreign students. Several institutions have offered programs for the preparation of teachers in this field for…

In this study, the effects of computer assisted cooperative learning method on students' performance of using colours in art education were examined. 15 students at the ages between 12 and 15 who owned a personal computer and had access to the internet were selected to form the experimental group. 35 students at the same time age and education…

An historical and sociological explanation is presented for the occurrence of overrepresentation of racial minorities in special education classes for mentally retarded school children discovered in the California public schools. (Author/MH)

Gives examples of major sources of unreliability in multiple choice items in health professions classroom achievement tests (clues to response combinations, mutually exclusive alternatives, implausible distractors) and offers some suggestions for eliminating them when writing such tests. (MF)

Discusses the importance to science departments of processes used to track student performance and how assessment data are used. Adding value has two principal aspects. The first is quantitative, where gains in knowledge, skills, and understanding demonstrated by students are measured. The second is a cross-curricular aspect, evaluating the…

Focuses on the changing role and status of English within new language-in-education policies in South Africa. The article presents a model providing a descriptive framework for analyzing and evaluating decisions made relating to language-in-education planning. The article concludes by identifying issues related to the process of…

Although the computerized reading management programs, Accelerated Reader and Electronic Bookshelf, increase library circulation and standardized test scores, they have drawbacks. Both programs devalue reading, diminish motivation, limit title choice, restrict materials selection and collection development, discourage independent selection of…

Describes a computer program that takes multiple-choice cloze passages and compiles them into proofreading exercises. Results reveal that such a computerized test type can be used to accurately measure the proficiency of students of English as a Second Language in Hong Kong. (14 references) (Author/CK)

The 63 items on skills in acquiring and using information from written documents contained in the Survey of Young Adult Literacy in the 1985 National Assessment of Educational Progress are analyzed. The analyses are based on a qualitative cognitive model and an item-response theory model. (TJH)

Explores issues on instruction and evaluation of students who are nonnative speakers (NNSs) of English in institutions employing Writing across the Curriculum programs. The authors examine faculty expectations of NNS writing and NNS performance on Writing Proficiency Exams and conclude that these students are held to a double standard. (15…

The instructor of a university organic chemistry course describes how he has incorporated ideas about student motivation and self-regulated learning into his instruction. Specific strategies for active and Socratic learning and instruction are outlined, from modeling and classroom interaction to use of instructional materials, testing, and…

Discusses the use of student assessment methods other than standardized tests. Topics addressed include the use of technology in assessment; performance-based assessment; the use of video; issues of technological equity; writing portfolios; and professional development to change educators' views of assessment. Five recent national studies on…