Addresses the need to provide adequate justification for claims made in Teaching-English-as-a-Second-Language (TESOL) research, examining interaction between the pragmatics of doing research for higher degrees and the philosophy of science. Argues that although there are no simple choices for researchers, the issue of warrant is a potentially…

Standards-based reform is about setting standards and measuring attainment in criterion-referenced ways. Assessments should measure and monitor students' current achievement and progress over time. As Massachusetts testing deficiencies illustrate, assessments must stress longitudinal over cross-sectional designs, valued performances, developmental…

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, 64 percent of its 660 schools increased their norm-referenced test scores from 1998 to 1999. Success stems from a clear, districtwide approach to standards-based learning and broad-based communication about student and school gains. Bancroft Middle School's results-driven approach is profiled. (MLH)

This article analyzes how Kentucky and Maryland have addressed basic issues in developing alternate assessment for students with disabilities who cannot be included within regular state and local district education assessment and accountability measures. Issues include why they chose the formats, standards, and implementation systems they did and…

In one California high school, learning to learn is a measurable outcome assessed by all students' participation in graduation by exhibition. Students must meet state requirements and demonstrate learning prowess by publicly exhibiting their skills in math, science, language arts, social science, service learning, and postgraduation planning. (MLH)

Discussion of trends in the accountability movement in higher education considers accountability versus autonomy, effects of massification, limitations of public expenditures, measuring institutional performance in the United States and United Kingdom, emerging performance-based reforms, and commonalities among performance-based systems. Notes…

Suggests a new role for researchers in higher education, a teaching role requiring the researcher to make findings relevant, useful, and understandable to practitioners. Considers the educational role of individual researchers, educational accountability of the research community, and accountability measures for educational research. (Author/DB)

Teacher Work Sample Methodology is described as one piece of an accountability system for the initial preparation and licensure of teachers that includes evidence of student learning. The underlying tenets of the methodology and of the whole idea of accountability systems are explored. (SLD)

Describes a first-year college composition course and the daily preparatory writing assignments, "inquiry response papers," that form its core. Describes how these assignments, in which students respond to their homework reading, have led to a collaborative, dialogic classroom where students realize and express their own voices, and have fostered…

In Minnesota, imperial forces would implement a controlling, if well-intentioned system designed to make teachers and students conform to standards not of their choosing. Based on outcome-based education precepts, the proposed reform ideas are retreads of tried and untrue conservative concepts with a history of failure. When minimum expectations…

Most states are either working on or have adopted statewide standards. A significant number of states plan to link their standards to rigorous new assessments and accountability measures. Districts engaged in standards-based reform must routinely analyze data on student achievement. Sidebars list sources and describe a survey of district programs.…

Argues that recent decisions to outsource library collection development are not isolated incidents but attempts to privatize whole core services and even management of libraries. Examines three misconceptions about the private sector: that it can do it better and cheaper, that accountability to the marketplace is more effective than government,…

Highlights how one Texas school district moved from being a district in which token representations of minority achievement were considered evidence of districtwide success to being a district where success for all children is the operating paradigm. Guided by vision, culture, and district support, teachers have raised student achievement levels…

Reviews the book, "Contradictions of School Reform: Educational Costs of Standardized Testing," (Linda M. McNeil, 2000) which explores the effects of state- and school district-imposed accountability measures, including standardized testing, on teachers and students (most of whom are children of color) in an urban setting. The book…

Proposes that asynchronous communication via email, course Web pages, and the Internet can be adapted to meet the seven principles of effective teaching as well as enhance student outcomes. Considers problems associated with asynchronous learning, including access to computers; and presents strategies for overcoming problems through course design…