Considers the role the "National Standards for Civics and Government" will play in measuring and assessing the civic competence and political attitudes of students. Finds that the Standards will also affect the textbooks used in schools, national testing in grades K-12, and the tests taken by students seeking teaching credentials. (CMK)

Reviews two models for assessment, the measurement model and the standards model, their underlying assumptions about learners, and the resulting implications for performance-based test development. Discusses the current testing debate, defines terms such as "authentic assessment" and "performance-based assessment," and…

A number of states are requiring public two-year colleges to raise academic standards so graduates can compete in four-year institutions, even linking student performance to funding. Some say the change will result in better-prepared graduates; others say struggling students will be discouraged and drop out. (MSE)

Describes a study that examined how perceptions of the importance and impact of accreditation have changed at tribal colleges since 1982. Based on the results of administrator surveys, it seems that (1) tribal college officials are generally satisfied with accreditation and believe it to be important; and (2) attitudes toward accreditation have…

Summarized findings from a study of school choice in publicly funded schools in England and Wales, analyzing changes over time in students' characteristics and performance. Results indicated that the socioeconomic stratification of students declined after the introduction of choice policies. Standards in publicly funded schools rose relative to…

Standards can help integrate a curriculum, as a fourth-grade teacher discovered when implementing a unit on the Middle Ages. Students created a medieval fair that demonstrated their learning in medieval history (social studies), pulleys and gears (science and technology), story telling (language arts), and costume and dance (fine arts). (MLH)

This article argues that any progress we have made in understanding creativity is being threatened by the increased emphasis on objective criteria of all aspects of learning. Indicators of creative potential are discussed, including originality and flexibility. Because creativity is often intrinsically motivated, the need for appropriate…

As the effects of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and its ensuing mandates for compliance are felt in classrooms across the United States, the issues of high-stakes testing and rigorous benchmark paradigms are becoming a daily challenge for teachers. NCLB mandates rigorous testing for every child in grades 3-8 in reading and math. Children…

The concepts and principles of biomechanics are familiar to the teacher of physical science as well as to the physical educator. The difference between the two instructors, however, is that one knows the language of science and the other provides an experientially rich environment to support acquisition of these concepts and principles. Use of…

The signing of the No Child Left Behind Act on January 8, 2002, moved the federal effort to influence K-12 schooling to a new and higher level--more aggressive, focused, and directive. The act requires that school districts and schools demonstrate adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward a particular goal: universal student achievement of standards…

In June 2004, three out of four public schools in Florida failed to meet a new federal standard for school improvement, including one arts school that had earned "A" ratings on statewide tests for four consecutive years (Shanklin 2004). How can so many schools, including "A" schools, be failing? The answer: the No Child Left…

Every month, "Leadership" features articles written in an informal, conversational style that provide practical information for school administrators. This issue of "Leadership" contains the following titles: (1) "Accountability at a Crossroads Reeves" (Douglas, B.); (2) "Becoming Proficient at Explaining the Standards: Every Teacher Should Be…

Current federal legislation has shifted the focus of education for students with disabilities from issues of access and opportunity to issues about improving teaching and learning, specifically focusing on students? involvement in the general curriculum. Effective assessment techniques are critical to the educational process in order for the…

An era of high-stakes testing and accountability may be producing classroom conditions that undermine student learning. When teachers must focus their energies on preparing students for the test, they have less time to get to know students personally or make them feel valued, respected, and supported. The author reviews research showing that…

This article discusses the efforts made by the states by adding reading and math exams in previously untested grades as well as setting new performance standards. A survey conducted by the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center found that at least 11 states set new achievement levels in reading/language arts. About nine states did so in…