This paper reviews literature on the application of developmental and learning theories to program development and outcome evaluation in early childhood special education (ECSE), and reports on a survey which indicated that ECSE professionals (n=169) knew little about theoretical underpinnings of curriculum implementation. (Author/JDD)

Comments on specific points raised by E. W. Eisner, F. Erickson, and T. S. Popkewitz. Argues that the author's previous article does not support methodological monism. It is an assertion that some version of educational trial (clinical trial metaphor) is required to evaluate the usefulness of educational research. (SLD)

Describes a technique for demonstrating personality scale validation techniques to introductory psychology students. Claims that the technique promotes a better grasp of the principles of test validation. Results include better class discussion, written reports, and examination grades. Suggests that introducing practical applications before…

Offers research/theory-based ideas for teaching reading; e.g., adopt a cognitive-based philosophy; use transfer-oriented models; use process-oriented assessment; reconceptualize vocabulary development; use and train students in research-validated learning strategies; promote strategy control/regulation; use high-utility strategies for immediate…

Examines educational theory and objectives within prisons and relates these to the real-time case study of the Young Offender Institution at Whatton, in Nottinghamshire, England. Measuring success and cost effectiveness is extremely difficult in the prison education field, and a significant gap exists between the theoretical model and everyday…

The most significant forces to influence service delivery in integration of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Australia have been social movements, cultural phenomena, and political and economic forces rather than scientific research. A greater emphasis on how research can be translated into effective policy and practice is encouraged.…

Examines accuracy evaluation in published testing programs of the following: J. M. Cattell; C. Spearman; A. Binet; L. M. Terman; R. M. Yerkes; E. L. Thorndike; and W. D. Scott. Developing community and consensus on testing required convergence between theorists and practitioners. (SLD)

Five questions about the academic, psychological, and socialization effects on gifted and talented learners of grouping for enrichment, of cooperative grouping for regular instruction, and of grouping for acceleration are addressed. Analysis of 13 research syntheses supports sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted and…

Clarifies concept of educational quality from international perspective, provides an illustrative range of definitions, and examines some difficulties in implementing "quality" for assessment and planning purposes. Defining quality is linked to the diversity, conflicts, and power divisions within society. Full consensus on the specifics…

Twenty general education teachers participated in a project that combined curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and peer tutoring (PT) for students with learning disabilities in the regular classroom. In interviews, the teachers specified a large number of academic, social, and instructional benefits of the methods, and they also identified several…

In the past decade, testing of young children has been excessive and inappropriate. Leftover IQ tests have been used to track children into ineffective programs or to deny them school entry. Prereading tests held over from the 1930s have encouraged the teaching of decontextualized skills. Assessment advocates must clearly demonstrate testing's…

A meta-analysis was conducted of 107 classroom and laboratory studies concerning the effects of expecting a recall, recognition, essay, multiple-choice, or true-false test on students' subsequent achievement. Laboratory studies did not generalize well to classrooms. In classroom studies, subjects performed better when they knew which test type to…

A study used hypertext to analyze links between 45 learning/instructional theories, 18 concepts, and 17 learning domains in the Theory into Practice (TIP) database. Results suggest that there is less overlap in theories of learning and instruction than commonly assumed. Use of this kind of tool for research and practice is discussed. (MSE)

The development of a hypothetical testing program designed to provide optimum information about student achievement is chronicled. Computer adaptive testing and performance testing are postulated as part of the program. What optimum information really means is discussed. Optimum is only optimal when theory and application are balanced. (SLD)

Discusses Louis E. Raths' educational theories and their implications for classroom teaching. Maintains that theories of children's empowerment have existed in Rath's work for 50 years. (BB)