Though high-stakes testing is one of the worst school reform ideas circulating today, states are increasingly making them the focus of school improvement strategies, assuming that the threat of severe penalty pressures students and teachers to improve performance. The paper explains why this theory is flawed, noting that many building blocks…

Studied a method for investigating the equivalence of translated-adapted items using bilingual test takers through item response theory. Results from an English-Turkish course evaluation form completed by 688 Turkish students indicate that the methodology is effective in flagging items that function differentially across languages and informing…

Reviews developments in educational assessment and in journals devoted to assessment during the editor's tenure with this journal, with a special focus on the place of performance assessment. Discusses the problem of generalizability in many new forms of assessment. (SLD)

Middle school teacher describes a framework that gives inexperienced, anxious writers the confidence to write. The process, called doing prompts, stems from analyzing prompts or writing assignments that outline the topic for a piece of writing. The process involves analyzing the prompt being called for, completing a graphic organizer, composing…

The first in seven sets of guidelines based on the consensus of experts in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on diagnosis and assessment. It includes the definition and levels of mental retardation, difficulties in diagnosing psychiatric and behavioral problems in the presence of MR, assessment…

The third in seven sets of guidelines based on the consensus of experts in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on psychosocial treatment. Guidelines cover general principles, choosing among psychosocial treatments, severity of MR and psychiatric/behavior symptoms, diagnosable disorders, target…

Assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the distance learning approach to education, and discusses how one institution, the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management, has developed a progressively expanding networked distance education program. Includes quotes from three students that suggest the quality of…

Four adults with mild mental retardation were taught to sort based on what two pictures had in common and to comply with a series of instructions to sort the pictures selectively. After failing the task, they were taught to act on what they told themselves and self-instructed correctly. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Provides a bilingual perspective about literacy development in deaf students and uses the bilingual perspective to recommend effective teaching strategies for this group of students with special needs. (Author/VWL)

Discussion of the evaluation of large systems of distance learning technology focuses on a statewide evaluation of the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System, a two-way interactive audio-video network. Discusses the evaluation process used, design and administration of the study, data analysis and interpretation, and suggestions for…

Contends that autobiographic writing, specifically copy change poetry, helps developmental students to connect prior experiences with present identity, to become more aware of their feelings, to think about decisions and their consequences, and to construct meaning based upon personal choices. Describes copy change as a simple procedure involving…

Presents tips for early childhood teachers on the use of photographs in the classroom. Includes suggestions for using the camera effectively, using photos of the children, and creating classroom activities with photos. Asserts that the photographs often enhance the meaning of a classroom activity for children. (KB)

Examines three challenges facing the field of early childhood education: (1) homogenization of early childhood education; (2) over-scientization of the field; and (3) bureaucratization of early childhood education. (KB)

Schools in the Seattle (Washington) area are leaders in a trend toward a new "success-oriented" physical education. Schools offer a wide variety of activities that provide opportunities for participation, success, and fun for every student; teach cooperation and problem solving in addition to skills; and promote attitudes and habits that…

Disability simulation offers a promising intervention when used in conjunction with other learning methods. Issues discussed include orientation activities that increase awareness and provide a context for examining personal values and biases, ethical and safety concerns, the role of the facilitator, and areas of inquiry specific to disabilities…