Teachers and researchers collaborating to implement and evaluate a pilot programme seems straightforward enough. However, unless appropriate steps are taken early to select appropriate staff and encourage shared definitions of the project's purpose, differences in understanding, as well as different priorities, values, and allegiances may…

This rejoinder to Grant Wiggins on performance assessment suggests that true educational reform will undoubtedly be evidenced by something more substantial than pocket folders bulging with student work. Labeling performance tests "authentic" does not ensure their validity, reliability, or incorruptibility. Such tests are neither replacements nor…

Presents the rationale for and the results of a pilot study attempting to document in detail how automatization takes place as the result of different kinds of intensive practice. Results show that reaction times and error rates gradually decline with practice, and the practice effect is skill-specific. (36 references) (CK)

Based on interviews with a principal and two teachers at a Virginia elementary school piloting a multiage program for six- to eight-year-olds, this article describes the program's bottom-up development, holistic orientation, and stress on team teaching and continuous progress. Next year's program will offer more options, including a fourth- and…

Discusses how three states are implementing the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, focusing on Massachusetts' Common Core of Learning, Delaware's First Schools in the First State pilot curriculum project, and Oregon's Initial Mastery and Advanced Mastery certificates. Notes that one of the aims of Goals 2000 is to make states true laboratories of…

Presents case studies of efforts by Nigeria, Morocco, and Argentina to introduce computers in primary and secondary education. Lessons learned from these experiences are discussed and educational needs are identified: program expansion; subtle introduction of microcomputers to teachers; organizational/national literacy campaign; and review of…

The usefulness of involvement and talent development theory in the assessment of charter schools and their students' success was studied as part of an effort to develop an assessment that would match the views of primary stakeholders (parents and teachers) more authentically. The research considered how parents and teachers define success in…

Discussion of the use of video in rural development projects highlights animation at the village level, training, and monitoring and evaluation of project management as examples of successful video integration. A pilot project to test the use of video as an integrated support to management is then described. (26 references) (LRW)

Discussion of digital imaging technology focuses on its potential use for preservation of library materials. Topics addressed include converting microfilm to digital; the high cost of conversion from paper or microfilm; quality; indexing; database management issues; incompatibility among imaging systems; longevity; cooperative pilot projects; and…

Since the Summer of 1991, the Boulder Valley Internet Project has been providing network links between the district's K-12 schools and the community. This article focuses on the project's planning, training, and support issues. Highlights include a discussion of advantages of district level projects; central servers; and ongoing teacher and…

Identifies techniques for the formative and summative evaluation of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) based on ITS research, expert systems design, computer-based instruction, education, and psychology. Highlights include criterion-based evaluation, expert knowledge, certification, sensitivity analysis, pilot testing, domain knowledge, student…

It is difficult to conduct randomized field experiments. In the past decade, the use of alternative randomization plans and incentives has contributed to their operational feasibility; legal, ethical, and professional arguments for experimentation have matured; and expectations have become better aligned with practical constraints that are likely…

This overview of computer uses in occupational training discusses three computer-based training modes--embedded, stand-alone, and adjunct training. An adjunct training system is described which captures task realism through a simulation to teach the use of a command and control system. A pilot study of this adjunct system's use is described.…

Reports on research that investigated characteristics of distance education programs in Germany that influenced the participation of women. Highlights include the number of women enrolled; drop-out rates; a description of the FernUniversitat, including degree programs and characteristics of the institution; and a pilot project aimed at single…

Discusses the explosion of government information in the electronic age, how to guarantee and enhance public access, and how to standardize and seamlessly link information services for better use. Pilot projects to develop governmentwide locator systems or services are described as possible solutions. (Contains six references.) (EAM)