In the context of the development of a possible national mathematics assessment, a study was conducted to determine whether a test item characterization scheme could be created based on a state policy document that serves as the driving force behind large-scale performance assessment. Further considerations were whether such an item…

This book applies what has been learned in cognitive science to analyze the work force. Chapter 1 takes the point of view that the United States has problems in the creation and distribution of wealth and that many of the problems and their solutions lie in the characteristics of the work force. Chapter 2 presents a psychometric model of abilities…

The emphasis on using performance assessments to support systematic state-, district-, or school-wide purposes is a recent development in the assessment-reform movement. This document presents data from a 3-year case study that was designed to elucidate the status of assessment reform in United States education systems and offer recommendations…

The emphasis on using performance assessments to support systematic state-, district-, or school-wide purposes is a recent development in the assessment-reform movement. A 3-year case study sought to describe the status of assessment reform in United States education systems and offer recommendations for policy and future research. The research…

A study was conducted at Prince George's Community College, in Maryland, to investigate the relatively low pass rates associated with General Chemistry 1 (CHM101), a lower-level science course that satisfies a general education requirement and serves as a prerequisite for Chemistry and Biology students. To identify correlates of student success,…

A study of seven interactive telecourses taught over a compressed-video-network--an environment where two or more classrooms equipped with cameras and microphones are connected by means of telephone lines--led to the formulation of some communication ideas. In this particular setup, the teacher and students could both see and hear each other in…

A study examined the difference and effects of sex and sex-role on course evaluations of journalism/mass communication instructors at a midwestern university that had recently consolidated its school of communication and its journalism/mass communication courses. Subjects, students in 18 communication or journalism/mass communication classes…

The search for the best educational environment, especially in terms of class size, is an important educational issue for parents, teachers, administrators, and government officials. Parents and educators argue that smaller class size leads to more effective teaching and improved learning for students. Government officials argue that substantial…

This paper synthesizes information derived from five sources regarding issues in testing as they related to the American 2000; an education strategy and the national education goals. The focus is on proposed national tests. The issue of national testing extends far beyond testing itself because it touches on the structure of the U.S. educational…

This paper addresses the main issues related to concepts of school effectiveness and their implications, with a focus on the selection of school-performance indicators. School effectiveness has many definitions, which is in part due to the different demands made by various social groups. The boundaries of performance within which schools should…

Although the use of test results to demonstrate educational shortcomings is important, tests and assessments are also expected to be an instrument of reform. In fact, they are often expected to provide the primary means of creating educational reform. The minimum competency testing movement and the expansion of the use of test results for…

The Partnership Schools Initiative (PSI) originated among Texas schools in 1992 as a network to create an educational system for achieving excellence and equity for all students. Participants in the network developed a matrix to be used by schools embarking on restructuring efforts, which identifies what leaders of successful schools can do to…

This collection of materials provides a rationale for including all students with disabilities in statewide assessments and offers guidance for Vermont educators implementing the Vermont Assessment Program. Three reasons for inclusion are presented and supported with statistics, excerpts from the law, and research findings. The reasons for…

This three-part pamphlet presents 52 ideas contributed by 19 administrators at California community colleges for boosting the morale and performance of college administrators and staff. Following a list of contributors, the first part provides 39 suggestions for acknowledging contributions and encouraging staff members, including writing short…

This paper presents and evaluates a new procedure to classify examinees into meaningful categories based on their responses to (performance on) items comprising a test instrument. The proposed procedure uses the data analytic technique of cluster analysis to partition the examinee population into homogeneous groupings. This procedure was applied…