The long-term goal of the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) is for all students to show mastery of skills and knowledge in the subject areas tested. Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards describe the skills children should have and the things they should know by the end of grades 4, 8, and 12. Each subject is divided into content standards…

In 2003, the Rhode Island Department of Education introduced its revised accountability system that incorporated the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, the Rhode Island Comprehensive Education Strategy (CES), and Article 31, which requires the state commissioner to make judgments about school performance on a regular…

This study helps to illuminate how a group of principals use data in light of new state and national requirements for accountability. On a very positive note, the responding principals reported using data to a great extent in their own practices, and they are encouraging their staff to use data in ways that align with the notion of effective…

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate differential grading standards among public high schools. This study focused on documenting differential grading standards between 1998 and 2002. Five years were studied to verify that the observed differences in grading standards were not transient. Differences in grading standards among high…

What are the advantages and disadvantages of weighted grading? The primary purpose of weighted grading has been to encourage high school students to take more rigorous courses. This effort is then acknowledged by more weight being given to the grade for a specified class. There are numerous systems of weighted grading cited in the literature from…

There is considerable difference of opinion among educators in regard to the wisdom of preparing rural teachers in academic institutions of secondary rank. Many fear that this may result in lower standard of academic work, while others insist that such teacher preparation will add dignity and a now sense of responsibility to the tasks of the…

Discussion of results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). (PG)

A charge to school board members to re-evaluate their goals and standards, to move public education programs away from many non-academic'' services. (RN)

By illustrating the variety of styles of educational pressures placed upon Soviet students, the author demonstrates the manner through which fellow students can constructively influence each other. (RK)

The black graduate student continues to face discrimination at the doctoral level because of widespread belief that black graduates are not research-oriented. (DS)

The author views grade point average as a better predictor of college success than rank in class. (BY)

Questions whether American universities can teach foreign students from non-English speaking countries the elements of professional journalism and whether it is fair to encourage these students to come to the United States for professional training. (Author/RB)

Faculties as a whole have preferred distribution of grades which they use whether their current classes of students are brighter or duller than previous classes. (Authors)

The problem of maintaining a reasonably unified standard of mathematics achievement throughout the state of Tasmania is discussed. Various test construction techniques are described and analyzed. (DT)