Describes factors that can affect the referral rate for otoacoustic emission-based newborn hearing screening and discusses the screening results of 1,328 newborns screened with transient evoked otoaoustic emissions prior to hospital discharge. The youngest infants were as likely to pass as infants who were 24-27 hours old. (Author/CR)

Describes the methodology used (focus groups, classroom observations, interviews, questionnaires, and surveys) and results of the Greenwich (Connecticut) Public Schools' external evaluation of their kindergarten through grade 8 program for gifted and talented students. Also discussed are the implementation of the findings and recommendations into…

This study used a sample (n=967) of academically gifted adolescent students attending summer enrichment programs and participating in urban school districts' gifted programs to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Adolescent Coping Scale. Results suggest the instrument is sufficiently reliable for group administration and research purposes…

Presents a case study of a computer scientist learning and using the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) technique to assess a multimedia authoring tool. Compares predictions by the analysis to the usability problems found in empirical usability tests. Presents several hypotheses about the cause of low effectiveness, which suggest that additional…

A model for the recalibration of teacher assessment that assesses and evaluates in one operation is formulated. The instructional effectiveness coefficient is discussed as an edumetric device, and a new research-evaluation model that is quantitatively intuitive and empirical is formulated. The model is nonstochastic in its logic. (Author/SLD)

The seven chapters of this theme issue are concerned with how individuals learn and reason in the subject matter domain of history. In this general context, there is a more specific focus on historical explanation and understanding. These chapters explore what should be taught in history and how it should be taught. (SLD)

The seven chapters of this volume review current design and use of performance measurement in public and nonprofit programs. The contexts surrounding design and implementation of performance measurement systems and best practices are discussed, and examples of the use of performance measurement in government and the nonprofit sector are presented.…

Describes a Montessori teacher's experience with a sufferer of Tourette's syndrome, a dysfunction characterized by motor and vocal tics. Studies the progress over a school year, including work on academic skills utilizing the Montessori method and behavior. Shares research, successes, and failures in trying to reach the child. (SD)

Argues slavery has historically impacted children, and that children need to reflect on this practice, study its forms, look for examples of subjugation and domination in their own lives, and decide whether and how they might eradicate the need to subjugate others. Suggests procedures, activities, lesson sequence, materials, and expected outcomes…

Explored the effectiveness of an intervention program designed by the researcher to enhance playfulness, using sensorial stimulation. Found that the effectiveness of the playfulness training interventions is an important theoretical result that provides support for a model of teaching and learning that includes the enhancement of playfulness.…

Camp program evaluation is useful in documenting effectiveness to funders and in assessing and monitoring campers' problem behaviors. An example from Camp Fire Boys and Girls in Des Moines, Iowa, discusses developing an evaluation, identifying program objectives, choosing an evaluation method, content of the evaluation instrument, outcome results,…

Describes the study of a science performance assessment with 96 English Language Learners (ELL) in five high school science classes investigating the face, construct, and consequential validity of an intersection. ELL spelling and syntax on some responses were significant sources of error. Recommendations include increasing the assessment's design…

Outlines the authors' experiences with designing and teaching a course on the nature of science to science education graduate students. Addresses questions on the creation of a new university course, the design of the course syllabus, and the transformation of the syllabus into instruction. (AIM)

This special section describes one elementary school's Art and Artists theme, which allows students to study art across the curriculum. Various types of projects are described, including a classroom art museum, self-portrait painting, writing about art, scientific drawing, and a study of shapes. A pullout presents examples of student work. (SM)

Responses from 112 Virginia school principals were used to assess the presence of evaluation system components that assist principals in responding to incompetent teachers. While some evaluation system components were found to predict most of the variance in principals' effectiveness rating of their evaluation systems, none was found to predict…