Training for new development officers is discussed in four articles: "Basic Training" (Lindy Keane Carter) for new employees; "Continuing Education" (Scott H. Levine); "Bringing Staff Around" at Harvard (Richard B. Boardman); and "Off to a Good Start" with performance evaluations (John E . Clewis, Janice I.…

How children's achievement attributions were influenced by age, attentional focus, and success/failure was studied in 151 students in grades two, three, five, and six. For older children, self-focus enhanced internal attributions for success, while task-focusing did so for younger children, who were more likely to attribute success/failure to…

The Transition Checklist was developed to compare characteristics of mainstream settings with performance levels of students entering those settings. The checklist assesses classroom instructional methods and materials, course content, evaluation techniques, and classroom management; interpersonal/social relations; and related school environments,…

Asserts that assessment has become a leading national educational issue. Presents a chronology of events in California related to student assessment reform. Identifies the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS) three key elements: (1) individual student scores; (2) performance testing; and (3) curriculum improvement. (CFR)

Identifies several sets of criteria starting band directors can use to overcome common pitfalls. These include helpful hints on repertoire selection, rehearsal procedures, and setting realistic expectations. Concludes with a look at "the big picture," a list of suggested themes for concerts. (MJP)

Contends that recent academic trends concerning accountability and public demands for more attention to undergraduate teaching have increased the importance of teacher evaluation. Reviews recommendations made by Ernest Boyer and the American Sociological Association on scholarship, teaching, and faculty evaluation. (CFR)

Reports on a longitudinal study on the effects of students' early linguistic development and family background on test performance when the students reach the end of their compulsory schooling years. Finds a considerable degree of continuity between early language development and later examination performance. (CFR)

The extent to which performance assessments can have unintended and undesirable consequences is not yet clear, but preliminary evidence suggests several issues of bias and fairness. Among these is the sheer difficulty of scoring complex performance assessments, as Vermont's experiences with portfolio assessment illustrate. (SLD)

Investigated whether elementary school girls' attributions about computer use follow a pattern of learned helplessness. Results from drill-and-practice and tutorial tasks involving 220 children show girls benefited from increased exposure time and that attributions to ease of task and ability predicted performance for both boys and girls.…

Factors that intervene in successful and frustrating cultural learning experiences are examined to help improve the management of cross-cultural internships and similar experiences abroad. Emphasis is on students' perceptions of their language ability, social interactions, and job performance and their living arrangements. (Contains 15…

Presents answers from a teacher, a curriculum developer, and the educational literature to the question "How is hands-on learning evaluated?" Describes different approaches to performance-based assessments including performance tasks, observational checklists, and portfolios. (PR)

Addresses common concerns that early childhood teachers have about portfolio assessment, ways to find time to use portfolio assessment, and suggestions for involving young children and their families in the process of assessment and evaluation. (MDM)

Two methods of assessing student learning of a hands-on instructional unit are compared. One method involves manipulation of concrete materials, and the other method involves manipulation of icons on a computer to solve an electric circuits problem. Sixth-grade students in an inquiry-based science program completed both assignments. (LZ)

In case studies of four nine-year-old Hungarian children with high intellectual potential, this study analyzed the sociocultural, environmental, and family-connected factors and the motivational and personality traits responsible for the decrease of intellectual potential in some children. (SW)

Derailed superintendencies are a colossal waste of talent and resources. Major causes include interpersonal-relationship problems, conflict with district staff, micromanagement, and failure to make strategic decisions during transitional times. Superintendents should establish rapport with principals, build trust throughout the organization, and…