The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has been using both the Sander's Value-Added and the North Central Association effect size models to identify and determine areas to focus on improving student achievement. This article will discuss the value of using both models to determine areas for improving student performance and measuring whether these…

Enriching, engaging, rigorous, meaningful--these are the learning opportunities that are interwoven in this book. In classrooms at various times, teachers find themselves wondering if students are grasping the content. Do they really understand? In this publication, the authors use the ideas of Howard Gardner as a guide in designing curriculum and…

Accountability stands at the center of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The logic of NCLB is straightforward: improving the nation's schools for all children requires the establishment of clear and high standards, the identification of schools in which students are not meeting those standards, options for parents of students in schools…

The Fine Arts--Music, Dance, Theater Arts, Visual Arts--Standards of Learning are part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging educational programs in the public schools. Knowledge and skills that students acquire through Fine Arts instruction include the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, make informed judgments, work…

This report displays how far the states have come in ensuring that students receive a quality education, discussing how much farther they need to go. Historically, expectations and achievement have varied from community to community. In response, states have responded by working to set standards for all students. Many have created tests to measure…

This article examines early childhood curriculum in England. Traditional early childhood education in England has been child centered, in contrast to approaches that are subject centered and teacher directed, emphasizing individual children's interests, free play, firsthand experience, and integrated learning. However, recently, the government…

This paper seeks to extend the use of scoring rubrics presented by B. Moskal and others (2000) and to present examples of holistic rubrics that might be used against performance to the standards for the purpose of evaluating cross discipline student performance in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The Educational Testing Services (ETS)…

This digest provides an overview of the concept of alignment and the role it plays in assessment and accountability systems. It also discusses methodological issues affecting the study of alignment and explores the relationship between alignment and test score interpretation. Alignment refers to the degree of match between test content and subject…

Over the years, the definitions of educational standards have become more varied, and the issue of what standards really mean has become more confusing. The answer to the question, "For whom are content standards developed?" helps determine who takes them seriously. Establishing clear content standards plays a critical role in an…

This lesson plan involves the calculation of a price index using a fictitious market basket for holiday celebrations. The lesson plan provides a content objective; cites an economic standard; gives background information; lists materials needed; details the lesson agenda; and suggests closure. Attached are a "12 Days of Christmas Gifts' Price…

This lesson relates to freedom of speech and freedom of the press as provided for in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The lesson correlates to the National History Standards and the National Standards for Civics and Government. It presents seven primary source documents regarding Thomas Cooper's trial for sedition in 1800. Cooper was…

This lesson plan is concerned with early humankind and its development into human societies. It presents four topics for Unit I: (1) cave art; (2) paleontological discoveries; (3) evolution from hunting-gathering to farming; and (4) development of language. It also suggests completion time for each topic; addresses the uses and significance of the…

California's continuous-improvement accountability system in which all elements are aligned and work together for the purpose of promoting and improving student learning is presented. The state's comprehensive, standards-based system rests on five key components: (1) student learning and achievement are at the heart of education; (2) standards are…

This book focuses on the 10 social studies strands recognized by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). The book is intended to help social studies educators design, implement, and assess social studies teaching and learning practices. This publication consists of a series of articles reprinted from a variety of sources and includes…

This document outlines the Spring 1999 draft of new social studies standards for the state of North Dakota. The standards in the document are based on previous North Dakota standards, national standards, and standards from other states. The primary reason for teaching social studies is to transfer and extend knowledge about the principles upon…