The International Reading Association's (IRA) goal of worldwide literacy is commendable, but such a thrust must include the urban poor who are failing to become literate. What educators know about language literacy learning and teaching is often not congruent with what is practiced in poor urban schools. Many homes of the urban poor have few, if…

This project explored the possible applications of new technology to standardized testing. Because the multimedia approach is particularly promising for music, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) music test was chosen as the context for this project. The basic system for administering the test and recording the results was written using…

Since the introduction of the concept of reciprocal teaching by A. S. Palincsar and A. L. Brown in 1984, researchers have conducted a number of studies that attempted to replicate and/or extend the original one. A review was conducted of 19 studies that used reciprocal teaching to help students improve their ability to comprehend text. The review…

A Carnegie Foundation survey, conducted in 1988, found that teachers were critical of the education reform movement in general and standardized statewide testing in particular. This paper presents findings of a study that examined the impact of state-mandated testing programs on the work lives of teachers and students. It compares two states'…

This book argues that all school efforts should be focused on results. It elaborates on the simple conditions that favor results, briefly discusses the theory behind the conditions, and demonstrates, using examples from schools, how other schools can begin to successfully replicate the conditions. Following the introduction, chapters 1-3 describe…

The American College Testing Program (ACT) routinely evaluates the fit of its tests to the curriculum of high schools nationwide to ensure that what is being assessed reflects what is being taught as necessary for college success. This report describes the steps ACT has taken to ensure that the content foundations of the ACT Assessment Mathematics…

The 1993-94 school year was a transition year for the Nevada Proficiency Examination program in that it marked the year in which proficiency examinations were first mandated for grades 4, 8, and 11. Because the change from assessment at grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 would leave one class untested between grades 6 and 11, a requirement was passed for…

This report describes an evaluation study designed to examine two major aspects of a partnership program sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Network of Central Ohio. Those aspects are: (1) changes in partners' perceptions about partnering; and (2) science and mathematics education and the impact of partnerships on the instructional process.…

The goal of this research project was to create a guide on the effective use of assessment instruments and methodologies, related resources, and guidelines for measuring adult learners' attainment of basic skills and competencies to document educational gains and demonstrate program quality. The project focused on confirming current use of…

Current conceptions of literacy and what being literate means are discussed, and the strengths and weaknesses of the standardized multiple-choice test as a tool for assessing literacy proficiency and a way to report learning progress are explored. The possible advantages of alternative assessment strategies are reviewed, and an assessment model is…

Title XI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 allows the Dallas (Texas) public schools to redirect up to 5% of each appropriation received through the Act for the purpose of providing a comprehensive approach to meeting the educational, health, social service, and other needs of…

The purpose of this Mississippi study was to determine if there was a correlation significantly different from zero between test scores, level of accreditation (Level 1--the 17 highest-scoring public school districts in the study, or Level 2--the 18 lowest-scoring), district expenditure per pupil, district size, and eligibility of students for…

The Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools continually evaluate the process of teaching for learning in order to provide quality programming for its diverse student body. Different methods of student outcome assessment are used to identify areas for study and analysis. This report provides information about the achievement of district students on: (1)…

The essays in this collection consider the meaning of authentic assessment and the implications of its use. "Section 1: Assessing Assessment" includes the following essays: (1) "The Nation's Report Card Goes Home: Good News and Bad about Trends in Achievement" (Robert L. Linn and Stephen B. Dunbar); (2) "Budgets, Politics, and Testing" (Chris…

Assessment is the tool used by educators to determine the beginning skills of a student, to show development of new skills, to increase learning, and to monitor areas needing improvement so that learning is ensured. Though many barriers still remain regarding validity of tests, reforms are being made to include the aspect of environment of test…