Most conceptualizations of learning disabilities are based on discrepancies between ability and achievement, but the dimensions of this parameter have not been documented. Discrepancies for 83 third graders, 48 fifth graders, and 50 twelfth graders were compared. The use of ability achievement discrepancies to determine the need for special…

This study tested the construct of student self-ratings and teacher ratings of generalizable mathematics skills. The correlations between the student self-ratings and teacher ratings suggest only a low to moderate relationship or agreement and suggest that a small amount of variance is explained between the two sets of ratings. (CT)

Reports on a study to examine learning styles as they interact with learning environment. Learning styles included convergers, divergers, assimilators, and accommodators. Environments were conforming or independent. Two levels of learning, rote and understanding, were measured. (CH)

This article describes data-based instruction, an alternative to traditional teaching and assessment strategies in education. Examples of data-based instruction in correctional education programs are presented. (CT)

Urges accurate assessment of program implementation and the determination of student performance in areas not measured by achievement tests. Offers indicators of hard-to-measure levels of achievement in teachers and students, as they have been developed in the Johnson City, New York, Public Schools' mastery learning approach. (JW)

The generalizability, and therefore usefulness, of some traditional reviews of literature is questioned, and the method of meta-analysis (reducing research statistics from a number of studies to a common measure) is suggested as an alternative. Research on the relationship of self and performance measures is used to illustrate this point. (MSE)

Suggests guidelines for evaluating department heads in elementary and secondary schools, especially heads who teach. Recommends getting teacher ratings and department head self-appraisals on 12 specific job tasks, as well as requiring monthly reports from the head to the principal and observing the head's normal job activities. (RW)

To investigate children's ability to infer their relative academic ability even when instructional groups are not overtly ranked, the author studied the level of agreement between individual junior-school pupils, their peers, and their teachers on class positions in English, mathematics, and creative writing. Agreement on rankings was high.…

The fourth national goal is for American students to be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement by 2000. Although the U.S. seems outclassed by other nations, an emphasis on test comparisons is misleading because of biased relative rankings of nations and discrepancies in sampling and testing methodologies. Includes 29 references.…

Reviews literature supporting "cultural deficit," the idea that membership in ethnic minority group is linked with academic achievement or, more specifically, failure. Examines ethnic paradigm of Asians as high achievers. Suggests researchers committed to ideas of cultural deficit support ethnicist conceptions of reform,…

Shares a grading system based on a percentage of the total number of points attainable. The system requires students to maintain a personal notebook of their work and informs students of how their grades will be calculated. (MDH)

Describes an attempt to assess a final-year course in psychiatry using the Triple Jump. In this course, students on placement in psychiatric units perfect psychiatry skills that were acquired during the previous year by direct contact with patients. The Triple Jump is used to assess problem-solving skills in management strategy on cases. (PVD)

Examines student experience of criterion-referenced assessment and, in particular, a criteria assessment grid developed for the Business School at Oxford Brookes University (UK). Findings revealed that students desired more reliable marking processes and clearer guidelines on assessment requirements and criteria. The criterion-referenced grid,…

Evaluates value-added approach to measuring school effectiveness in North and South Carolina. Finds that value-added approach favors high-achievement schools, with large percentage of students from high-SES backgrounds. Discusses statistical problems in measuring value added. Concludes teachers' and administrators' avoidance of low-achievement,…

Multilevel SEM was used to examine the extent to which student, instructor, and course characteristics affect student ratings. Data were gathered from 1867 students enrolled in 117 courses at a large teacher training college in Israel. Four alternative two-level models that differ in only the nature of the relationship among interest in the course…