Argues that it is inappropriate to attempt to achieve excellence in education by undermining the participation of Black athletes in intercollegiate athletics through reliance on standardized test scores, long viewed as unpredictable for measuring a student's ultimate resources. (CMG)

A statistical analysis of the predictive potential of academic and nonacademic student characteristics in an architecture school provides a model for other institutions to make their admissions processes and programs for retention more effective. The study was of 10 freshman architecture classes at the University of Kansas. (MSE)

The questionable quality of many teachers and related court action are described. It is suggested that teacher competence in subject matter, the English language, and in related areas should be demonstrated before hiring. (MLW)

Contrary to findings of the Educational Testing Service and the College Board, the authors contend that coaching can effectively help raise student scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). They argue that the SAT is not in fact a measure of "aptitude" and that high school grades and achievement tests are better predictors of…

A study of college entry for race and sex groups by the Blau and Duncan status attainment model is evaluated. Variables were: (1) family status, (2) standardized test performance, (3) senior rank, (4) high school curriculum, (5) significant others, (6) perceived college ability, (7) educational expectations, and (8) college attendance. (Author/MLW)

Critiques William Mehrens' 1992 article on performance assessment, claiming that Mehrens professes to favor performance assessment but only as an afterthought to traditional assessment, and Mehrens' view of traditional assessment limits his portrayal of performance assessment. The paper encourages the research community to support performance…

Due to National Council of Teachers of Mathematics professional teaching standards and other developments, today's mathematics teachers are expected to teach new, fairly rigorous subject matter to a diverse audience, using active learning approaches designed to develop understanding. Administrators must help teachers meet the challenges of higher…

The gender gap in math Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, attributable to course avoidance, lack of confidence, and unbalanced classroom instruction, can have serious consequences for young women, such as limited university selection, limited career choices, and lower lifetime salaries. Solutions include hiring math specialists, establishing role…

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) was administered to 175 Navajo children at 2 reservation elementary schools. Local normative information was developed to reduce test bias associated with the English-laden content in the test. A procedure was developed for converting WISC-III scores, enabling comparison of…

Asserts that closing the racial achievement gap does not necessarily require more competition and choice, but does require that educational objectives are clearly defined, practices adequately aligned, and evaluations based on long-term effectiveness. Highlights the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), discussing sociological and historical…

This study examined 1993-94 Maine Educational Assessment data to determine factors related to fourth-grade students' health knowledge scores. Results indicated that students' overall ability, community factors, and teachers' perceptions about program quality related strongly to health achievement. Any (versus no) health education affected health…

Despite educators' well-founded misgivings about standardized multiple-choice testing, this practice is firmly entrenched in American life. One of educators' major responsibilities is preparing students to make wise choices in school and the "real world." With college and career opportunities hinging on standardized test scores, schools are…

Examines school performance across three grades on both individually administered reading tests and state-mandated standardized tests between students of a Success for All (SFA) program and controls. Results show more positive effects for SFA students, some decline in effects over time, and greater effects for minority than for nonminority…

Reflects on the balancing act among the methodological, practical, and political forces in the arts that affect evaluation, focusing on evaluations of systemic reform. Discusses the meaning of systemic reform and the special requirements added when the arts are the main force behind the education changes. Offers an illustration. (CMK)

Proposes the need for a scholarship on teacher education that emphasizes the unequal power relations between dominant Anglo research and policy establishment and the diverse, often disempowered communities being studied, suggesting the utility of key constructs like additive schooling and culturally relevant pedagogy to guide a refashioning of…