Selectively surveys the literature of collection development in 1990. Topics covered include library materials budgets and finances; serials and the economics of scholarly publication; collection evaluation and analysis; cooperative arrangements; selection, deselection, housing, and preservation of library materials; staffing and organization; and…

Two approaches--Harnisch/Linn and Rasch-based--to comparing district-level student performance to system-level student performance were examined, using results for 3,607 students on a curriculum-referenced mathematics test. Both approaches addressed relative mean performance on categories of common items. A modification of one approach and an…

The results of four early intervention studies are analyzed and found to make a strong case for expecting educable-level achievements from children with Down syndrome. The importance of functional indicators of educability that can complement intelligence test results in determining an appropriate educational placement is stressed. (Author/JDD)

The assumption that reliability is a necessary but insufficient condition for validity in assessment is challenged by exploring a dialectic between psychometric and hermeneutic approaches to drawing and warranting interpretations of human products of performance. Hermeneutic alternatives for epistemological and ethical purposes expand the range of…

Describes three classroom techniques involving bulletin boards for the mathematics classroom; a visual representation of fractions in which the school day is broken up into parts by hour; and methods to test and review mathematical concepts while students work cooperatively. (MDH)

Theory behind modern evaluative bibliometric techniques is reviewed at three levels: (1) policy application; (2) strategic analysis; and (3) tactical analysis. New techniques developed at each level and limitations of each approach are discussed. At all levels, the process begins with assembling data and then moves to a data-based evaluation. (SLD)

Contends that student evaluation of teacher performance has lowered the quality of U.S. education. Argues that the assessment instruments used to assess teacher performance are not only limited in effectiveness but are used as an instrument of intimidation to force conformity to politically correct standards. (CFR)

Describes the selection and implementation of an authentic assessment model for evaluating students' science laboratory knowledge and skills. Provides sample problems and a scoring form for the performance-based science laboratory test. (MDH)

In interviews about the fairness of teaching practices, 113 high-ability students aged 6 to 18 years (in 6 age groups) typically chose peer tutoring as the fairest. High-ability students do not emphasize self-interest when evaluating fair practices. Children's evaluations of institutional practices reflect their developing conceptions of social…

Examines the nature of outcomes-based assessment and reporting systems in language education, noting problems that may arise in their development and implementation by presenting case studies of assessment innovations in the United Kingdom and Australia, which experienced various political, technical, and practical problems. The relationship…

A college faculty member who has graded Advanced Placement exam essays on U.S. government and politics, taken mostly by high school juniors and seniors, suggests that high school teachers and college faculty who assess the essays are not the best qualified persons to do so and that despite efforts to ensure consistency, the resulting scores are…

A faculty consultant to the Educational Testing Service for advanced placement (AP) test reading in U.S. government and politics responds to an article criticizing essay evaluation methods and criteria, finding in it a fundamental misunderstanding of the AP reading process and explaining why the essays are subject to less scrutiny for style,…

Analyzes the discourse on individual schools' autonomy in developing their own profiles, and the withdrawal of the state, to the point of privatizing the school system against the background trend of increasing social and economic segregation. Defends the school system's equalizing function against neo-liberal trends in school policy and theory.…

Describes the development of an information-literacy curriculum that incorporates media and technology by media specialists in the Mankato Area Public Schools (Minnesota). Topics include identifying current skills; the Big Six information-processing model; grouping skills within the model; curriculum integration; projects to replace traditional…

Describes a California project which encourages educators to follow best practices for staff development and school improvement. The project helps them evaluate their staff-development plans by examining five essential questions about staff development and its connections to student success, professional climate, standards, and assessment. The…