The objective of the study was to determine whether Competency-Based Testing (CBT) schools altered their curriculum differently than Non-Competency-Based Testing schools (NCBT), and, if so, what selected factors were identified as contributing to the differences among the responses secondary schools made to CBT. The data from 410 member high…

This study was designed to provide insight regarding the psychological repercussions for students who repeatedly fail the Georgia Basic Skills Test (GBST), but are not identified as educationally handicapped. This criterion referenced test is designed to assess competency on designated minimum skills. A random sample of tenth graders were…

To determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the Alabama High School Graduation Examination were being taught in the Alabama public schools, a survey was conducted of teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. Competencies that were not being taught are identified and possible explanations are outlined. (Author/EGS)

Three mildly retarded 11 year olds were administered reading probes for a period of 4 months, and number of words read correctly were compared to student performance on a criterion-referenced mastery test. Findings questioned whether such probes alone yield sufficient information for making program decisions during the course of instruction.…

Issues in second language teaching methodology are discussed in light of the concept of proficiency as defined in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. It is proposed that rather than think in terms of identifying one optimal methodology for all second language learners, the profession should be…

This document is an assessment of a performance-based education project that involved a United States history course, offered at a community college. Thirty-two student performance objectives are outlined and lesson plans designed to achieve each objective are presented. Each lesson plan consists of an instructional topic, prerequisites, interest…

Discusses the importance of teaching thinking skills in a rapidly changing environment and describes a framework for developing school material that cultivates decision-making skills. An instructional model that describes decision-making strategies, necessary cognitive skills, and the educational objectives for the promotion of each skill is…

The effect of a basic competency education program on the achievement of high, average, and low-achieving students was examined for the Alabama Basic Competency Education program (BCE). California Achievement Tests scores in reading, mathematics, and language were examined for 3 years prior to initiation of the BCE program and for 3 years…

This Third Edition of the 1985 report, "Dialogue for Change," discusses options and examples of educational choice and teacher empowerment and summarizes developments between 1985 and 1987. The following key options are discussed in Chapter 1, "Proposed Options for Change": (1) magnet schools; (2) open enrollment; (3) purchase…

Reports on the structure and methodology of a British project investigating the impact and implications of competence-led curricula in further education. Outlines the alternative dissemination strategies, research methodology, and management approach used. Concludes that the teacher as researcher approach needs to be applied more explicitly in the…

This position paper offers a review of the recent criticisms levelled against the products of the National History Standards committees and addresses those criticisms. The four issues of controversy suggested for consideration when examining the U.S. history or world history volumes include: (1) Who wrote these books? (2) Are the standards…

Describes and evaluates computer assisted instruction (CAI) remedial program used for credit course in bibliographic instruction, noting need, requirements, development, planning, and implementation. Statistics are presented to support principle that CAI can be valuable instructional methodology for bibliographic instruction programs. Test-retake…

This practical guide is one of a series aimed at assisting academics in higher education in researching specific aspects of their work. Focusing on small-scale insider research in colleges and universities, the handbook covers contemporary issues, research methods, and existing practice and values in the area of assessment and evaluation. Issues,…

The comparative effects of instruction in self-questioning, summarizing, and question-answer relations on reading comprehension test performance were studied with 49 juniors and seniors enrolled in a remedial reading course at Georgia State University. The objective was to find a method to help students pass a statewide college reading exit…

Mississippi's Education Reform Act of 1982 calls for developing a performance-based school accreditation system that applies research findings on school effectiveness. This paper describes the conceptual model, the proposed accreditation process, and the field testing plan developed by the Performance-Based School Assessment Task Force. The model…