The paper examines several basic grading procedures, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure for handicapped students. Eight alternatives to grading are mentioned; of these, four are considered: (1) contract grading, (2) pass-fail grading, (3) the mastery learning approach, and (4) written evaluations (including checklists). It…

By the time a student who has reading problems reaches adolescence, patterns of avoidance, denial, and resistance may hinder classroom participation. This book shows a teacher how to convince a student who is mistakenly labeled as unmotivated and without goals that academic success is attainable. The book provides tips, techniques, and strategies…

Describes one teacher's implementation of subjective grading to assess student's achievement on mathematics tests. Reports student and parent reactions to the method. Shares five practices that developed with the experiences, and provides an example of the grading policy utilized. (MDH)

This individualized inservice packet enables teachers to individualize instruction in the content areas through the utilization of suggested teaching tactics which encourage student mastery as well as independent behavior. It is one of a nine-part series of booklets--Teaching Teen Reading--in self-instructional format intended as a practical…

This article describes the ways in which a portfolio may be used in a mathematics classroom. It explains what a portfolio is, what goes into one, how one can be organized, and how one might be assessed. Examples of junior high school portfolios are included. (JAF)

This document uses a question-and-answer format to explain different approaches and techniques for measuring and evaluating the progress of Missouri special needs students. Following an overview and six-word glossary, the topics covered include the purposes of evaluation; the role of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or IVEP (Individualized…

Three activities are presented to assess the level of students' geometric understanding according to van Hiele learning model. The activities--Descriptions, Minimum Properties, and Class Inclusion--are applied to the example of classifying quadrilaterals as squares, rectangles, rhombi, or parallelograms. Implications of this assessment are…

Presents results of a study developing an informal social skills teacher rating scale for use with early adolescents. Reports that the scale includes skill identification and situational analysis. Provides information on identifying and ranking responses and checking a content validity and reliability. Concludes that the matrix can generate…

Reports results of a four-year experiment integrating writing into secondary mathematics classrooms. Discusses (1) the development of a pedagogical model for mathematics journal keeping; and (2) the practicalities of implementing journal writing in the curriculum. Includes sample journal entries. (12 references) (MDH)

Advocates using portfolio assessment in music education, more as a teaching tool than a final evaluative instrument. Explains those advantages and disadvantages of portfolio assessment that are peculiar to music education. Discusses materials for inclusion. (MJP)

This manual, which is designed for home economics teachers who are interested in using alternative forms of student assessment, shares current thinking, research, and practices regarding the use of alternative forms of assessment in family and consumer sciences occupational programs. The manual is divided into three parts. Part 1, which is devoted…

Noting that the protective factors that support positive development despite adversity are becoming better understood, this workbook discusses the importance of encouraging resilience and promoting prosocial behavior in adolescents living in challenging circumstances and shows how to evaluate resilience through the use of checklists and background…