The Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) Program was designed to teach students complex problem-solving skills. This paper reports the effects of USMES on basic skills, explains the effects, comments on difficulties in data collection, and recommends data-gathering that should complement or replace standard basic skills…

To relate strategic-planning goals to assessment and accountability, the Sacramento City Schools measure reading and math goals against scores from the Stanford Achievement Test, ninth edition. District assessment practices recognize the need for balance in types of assessment, alignment with standards and instruction, and assessment-information…

The progress of students and schools in California is examined by reviewing the state's recent test history and the state's progress in creating a sound, standards-based assessment system. The story about California is mixed. Overall performance on the Stanford Achievement Test, ninth edition (SAT-9) shows that the state average, overall grades…

This report presents the findings of an analysis of the Academic Performance Index (API) scores based on SATs taken in 1999, 2000, and 2001. It focuses on charter schools in California that serve students from low socioeconomic-status (SES) families. The purpose of the study was to see how standardized test scores from charter schools serving…

In 1998-99, the 51,000-student Sacramento City (California) Unified School District saw unprecedented gains in SAT-9 scores. Significant attention was given to establishing a culture of accountability and collegiality, initiating a well- organized professional-development campaign, developing focused and frequent communications, and raising…

This article reports the technical quality of a measure describing the quality of classroom assignments piloted in the Los Angeles Unified School District's proposed new accountability system. For this study, 181 teachers were sampled from 35 schools selected at random. Participating teachers submitted three language arts assignments with samples…

Debate about teacher supply, demand, retention, and attrition has been renewed in recent years by an increased concern about the reduced numbers of prospective teachers entering teacher education programs, the high attrition rate of beginning teachers, and the resulting teacher shortages. U.S. schools are experiencing teacher shortages, especially…

Describes student-performance data-analysis system developed by the Hueneme School District in Port Hueneme, California, to meet state and federal accountability requirements. Tracks student-achievement data from four measures into database: Districtwide assessment, report cards, SAT-9 results, a California achievement test, and comprehensive…

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates that schools receiving federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Community (SDFSC) funds conduct an anonymous teacher survey of the incidence of, prevalence of, and attitudes related to drug use and violence. To meet this NCLB mandate, the California Department of Education (CDE) funded the development of the…

The purpose of this study was to take an initial step toward developing sound and versatile predictive instruments (i.e., benchmark measures) in reading, writing, and math that can be used to assess high-school students' academic performance in a manner that will not only predict scores on high-stakes tests but will also be amenable to repeat…

A study of resource distribution in California's public schools found that average class size differs little across schools; however, teacher preparation and high-school curricula (particularly advanced-placement coursework) vary considerably. Schools serving more disadvantaged student populations receive fewer resources, including highly…

The purpose of this study was to compare how learning outcomes are influenced by a number of key student composition (language background, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and gender) and school context variables on a direct writing performance assessment. The sample was randomly selected from a population of 13,604 third graders in 175 public…

This report reveals the problems with claims made by Arizona state public education officials that English Language Learners (ELLs) are thriving under English-only instruction. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and the state's accountability system, Arizona LEARNS, require all students, including ELLs, to participate in statewide…

In September 1962, the State Board of Education initiated a broad annual study of the academic achievement and scholastic aptitude of West Virginia public schools called the State-County Testing Program. The results of this program in Region II West Virginia schools for 1965-66 - 1969-70 are analyzed to: 1) identify discernable trends; 2) find any…

This report reveals the problems with claims made by Arizona state public education officials that English Language Learners (ELLs) are thriving under English-only instruction. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and the state's accountability system, Arizona LEARNS, require all students, including ELLs, to participate in statewide…