Great things happen when students are able to focus on their learning instead of their scores. However, assessment reform, including standards-based grading, remains a hotly debated issue in education. "Going Gradeless" shows that it is possible to teach and assess without the stress of traditional grading practices. Sharing their…

In this paper, we present a novel approach to defining, teaching, and assessing creativity by examining its origins and delineating the processes involved. The rationale for introducing this framework developed from studying existing thinking and questioning the current metrics for measuring creativity, which we posit are unfit for purpose. We…

For content area teachers trying to embrace the incorporation of the Common Core Learning Standards for Reading and Literacy (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2018) into their classrooms, understanding the best practices for accomplishing this task while enhancing presentation of content specific material can be challenging. According to…

What's the best estimate of student performance on the Common Core State Standards? ACT, an organization involved in developing the standards, wanted to know how well today's students are meeting them. To find out, it analyzed the test results of 256,765 11th graders who took selected forms of the ACT test in spring 2010. In its report, "A First…

The California history and social science standards-based reform has been touted as the "gold standard" for state history curricula. But the standards, framework, and tests that constitute this reform provide inconsistent and contradictory criteria for teaching and assessing history and social science. An examination of the political…

In July 2006, Senate Bill 130 was passed by the Kentucky legislature. The bill amended KRS 158.6453 to include the provision that "no later than the 2007-2008 school year, and each year thereafter" the Commonwealth's assessment program shall include a high school readiness examination in grade 8, a college readiness examination in grade…

Describes a successful use of portfolios to assess the development of eleventh grade students' writing skills by inviting self-reflection and encouraging students to assume control over their writing. (KEH)

This document is part of a series of materials meant to promote understanding of the knowledge and skills students must have and the kinds of work they must produce to be successful on the Graduation Exit Examination for the 21st Century (GEE 21). For GEE 21, student scores are reported at five achievement levels: advanced; mastery; basic;…

To encourage the students in her French class to read books in French, a teacher implemented a project involving literary journals. Students recorded their reflections on their reading, first of a novel chosen by the teacher, then of individually chosen novels. Appropriate evaluation of the journals posed a particular dilemma. (JLR)

Describes the grades 11-12 joint vocational program at an Ohio vocational school to illustrate the components in an educational matrix designed to meet the needs of all students. Programs include career development, assessment/evaluation, basic skills lab, occupational work adjustment, occupational work experience, and placement and followup. (CT)

This publication contains the Applied Mathematics Curriculum (Communications and Electronics) for grades 11 and 12 for the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools. The curriculum is part of a larger program (the Applied Academics Program), which emphasizes the integration of mathematics and the language arts with vocational content. Included in the…

This publication contains the Applied Mathematics Curriculum (Drafting) for grades 11 and 12 for the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools. The curriculum is part of a larger program (the Applied Academics Program), which emphasizes the integration of mathematics and the language arts with vocational content. Included in the document is a description…

This article describes the development of a one-semester science seminar course for high school juniors and seniors in a suburban/rural Pennsylvania school district. It addresses scheduling considerations and planning activities, the role of the teacher in the seminar approach, use of community resources and guest speakers, standards and…

A project involving thirty-nine eleventh grade students was undertaken at a senior high school to plan and initiate a community-based action learning program to provide students with a meaningful cooperative school-community work learning experience. Specific curriculum requirements were met through a combination of independent study,…

The "General Report" and "Executive Summary" provide information about the performance of the public school system of Utah. The Utah Statewide Educational Assessment (USEA) Program began in 1975 and has continued every 3 years through the April 1990 assessment, to be replaced in fall 1990 by a new testing program. The new…