How frequently should pupils be tested in a given school year using standardized tests? Perhaps, once in a given school year which makes it possible for parents and teachers to notice how a child compares with cohorts in the nation in a specific school year. The results need careful reviewing in order to assist in making curricular decisions. Each…

Data driven decision making emphasizes the importance of the teacher using objective sources of information in developing the social studies curriculum. Too frequently, decisions of teachers have been made based on routine and outdated methods of teaching. Valid and reliable tests used to secure results from pupil learning make for better…

Three methods of appraising student achievement are discussed: (1) the measurement movement (MM); (2) problem solving (PS) in the curriculum; and (3) decision making (DM) in the curriculum. MMs in education emphasize: verification of student achievement results; objective procedures; alignment of learning opportunities with test items; teaching…

Teachers, principals, and superintendents need to determine: who should be involved in choosing what learners are to learn; who should select learning activities for pupils as well as the sequence of these experiences; and who should be involved in appraising learner achievement in different curriculum areas. (JC)

Decision-making in reading instruction can be made by the classroom teacher or through scripted materials, such as teacher manuals. Teachers have undergone schooling and certification, and thus are qualified to make decisions concerning objectives of the curriculum, learning opportunities for students, and assessment methods. Programmed reading…

Four goals of reading instruction are problem solving, securing ideas, achieving state mandated standards, and making decisions. These broad goals provide general direction for teachers in teaching reading. In order to apply reading to problem solving, a teacher may propose a life-like and important problem to students. The pupils then select…