Applications of the qualitative approach in the evaluation of special education and second language programs are addressed in this paper. Qualitative data are recommended for providing detailed descriptions of specific program elements, and can be obtained through interviews, observations, case studies, and ethnographic studies. Six evaluation…

This paper examined some of the issues surrounding the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Examination (ATPE), including the rationale for teacher testing, the Arizona approach to testing, and selected student outcomes. Arizona moved from Legislative directive in April 1980, to the implementation of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Examination in June…

This study probed children's reasoning about both correct and incorrect but plausible statements of hypothetical children concerning the concepts of subtraction, with the intention of examining misconceptions in greater depth. Eight third graders, 14 fourth graders, and 14 fifth graders were interviewed individually to assess their understanding…

This research review on basic reading skills begins with an historical perspective on reading methods, followed by an overview of reading instruction methods for the general population. Research findings are presented on several instructional methods, including phonetic, linguistic, artificial orthography, basal reading, and language experience…

The objective of this project was to develop a valid and reliable multiple choice test of six basic science process skills for students in grades 4 to 8 (ages 8 to 14 years). Seven criteria were outlined for the test: an emphasis on the six most widely used science process skills (observation, inference, prediction, measurement, communication, and…

The development of reading ability among adults is compared with that of children. Discussed are the characteristics of adults at each developmental level, instruction for skill enhancement, difficulties experienced at various levels, a historical overview of literacy needs and standards, and the growing recognition of dyslexia in adults.…

Advances the following premises: (1) the thinking skills of low achievers should be cultivated as much as those of high achievers; (2) low achievers can be taught higher order thinking skills; and (3) the cultivation of effective thinking skills is at least as important as mastery of basics. Presents five recommendations for change. (AF)

This document discusses the need to increase the amount of U.S. international funding that goes to basic education. Because U.S. foreign aid programs are reviewed prior to a new fiscal year, this paper suggests that people can make a difference by working to raise the profile of basic education and by encouraging U.S. policymakers to increase…

This study describes Uganda, its rural primary schools, and the Namutamba-Basic Education Integrated into Rural Development (BEIRD) project from 1971 through 1979, which infused agriculture and appropriate technology into the curricula of teacher colleges and primary schools. A similar project in Belize, the Relevant Education for Agriculture and…

This paper outlines how the Austin Independent School District (Texas) tried to deal with the following questions: (1) Should special education students be included in the administration of standardized tests?; (2) Should their scores be included or excluded in the reporting of test results?; and (3) What are the evidences that test scores reflect…

To overcome various reporting constraints, numerous strategies have been developed to facilitate accurate and timely reporting of data concerning the impact of Louisiana's State-Funded Compensatory/Remedial Program. These strategies include: (1) using existing statewide communication networks; (2) employing the Basic Skills Test (BST) as the major…

A multi-purpose, multi-user evaluation system was designed to improve the quality of the reporting of information gathered in testing and evaluation practices. One part of the system, the reporting system for information resulting from a district standardized testing program, was described. The Student-Problem Package software was modified to…

This report documents the second of two studies on teaching and learning generic skills in high schools. It extends the earlier work by providing a model for designing classroom instruction in both academic and vocational classrooms where teaching generic skills is an instructional goal. Ethnographic field methods were used to observe, record, and…

To test whether elementary social studies texts have changed in response to the back-to-basics movement, a content analysis was made of selected basal texts series published between 1969-1972 and reissued between 1979-1982. Quantitative data, anecdotal data, and educational criticism were used to compare eight matched text series for knowledge…

Basic skills tests in which measurement of growth is defined in the context of national norms are discussed. An integral part of the construction of norms is the production of a trait or ability score which is normed. Test publishers define a multidimensional trait by including items which measure it. The trait as a construct is a distinct…