Investigates ways in which alternative and authentic reading assessments would result in students of varying abilities increasing their self-expectations and performance levels. Finds that when given the opportunity to engage in performance-based activities and assessments, students with learning disabilities can begin to clarify their strengths…

Describes the construction and evaluation of a Web-based learning portfolio of authentic assessment. Discusses the design of the portfolio database; its implementation in a course at National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan); and student opinions about the impact on the learning process. (Author/LRW)

Using videos of physiotherapy students, compared two assessment forms for validity and reliability (the first currently used by an academic program and the second developed from practitioners' perceptions of competence). Also investigated effects of training on assessment decisions. Found wide differences in individual ability to assess students…

Since students possess intimate knowledge about their academic progress, they should be invited to participate in, or even lead, parent-teacher conferences. Interested middle schools should consider piloting their models, focus on the conference model process, have students identify personal goals, clearly define participants' roles, and evaluate…

Previous articles in this issue have provided the background for the new model for superintendent evaluation presented. The model recognizes the many facets of the superintendent's professional activities and attempts to encompass the evaluation of the superintendent's total performance. The flexible model will take on different forms as…

Provides a conceptual framework that can be used by teachers to analyze student responses that incorporates learning technologies. Introduces an assessment task on exponential functions that illustrates how the rubric can be used to identify an individual's level of performance. (ASK)

Surveyed middle school mathematics educators from professional development workshops on performance based assessment (PBA), veteran teachers, and teacher educators to examine classroom assessment variables and views on PBA experiences. Teachers perceived high efficacy regarding ability to effect instructional change. Most improved interactions…

This article presents authentic assessment and instruction strategies that can be interwoven to ensure that students receive learning opportunities that allow them to seek solutions in a manner most consistent with their specific background knowledge and learning styles. Two examples from a fifth-grade classroom are presented. (Contains…

A questionnaire to Ph.D. examiners across disciplines explored criteria appropriate for evaluating practice-based doctoral dissertations, in particular by collecting a core vocabulary of terms. Negative criteria included the lack of: intellectual grasp, coherence, engagement with the literature, originality, and generalizability, along with…

Provides guidelines to make grades a better assessment of learning. Argues that, for any assessment task to be fair, its content, context, and performance expectations should (1) reflect knowledge appropriate to all students; (2) tap knowledge that all students have had time to acquire in the class; and (3) and be as free as possible of cultural,…

A team of teacher educators, preservice teachers, and host teachers collaborated to develop and pilot a performance-based assessment model involving multimedia portfolios for evaluating student teachers' and P-12 students' learning. Analysis of this model's effectiveness indicated that the process approach helped document preservice program…

Contends that accurately and appropriately assessing the progress of young children's literacy development is challenging. Presents examples of authentic performance assessment teachers could use to document skills, including checklists, anecdotal notes and observations, videotape, audiotape, and work samples. Offers advice on selecting and…

Discussion of student assessment focuses on issues related to distance education. Topics include purposes of assessment; performance-based assessment; constructivist approaches; examples of alternative assessments, including portfolios, projects, and problem-based learning activities; implementation; and distance education as a catalyst for…

A model of expert tutors' knowledge of applied statistics was used to create a web-based computer coach that emulates human tutoring. Cognitive assessments are obtained from records of students' actions as, with the computer tutor's help, they learn to apply components of procedural knowledge required to solve problems. Learning is evaluated by…

High-stakes testing is forcing debate over achieving both educational excellence and equity. A pragmatic, middle position claims high-stakes testing can work with clear but limited goals, flexibility, and the will to address at-risk students' problems. Texas, Chicago, and New York City programs and implementation steps are highlighted. (MLH)