If the ultimate aim of education is to shift to the individual the responsibility for pursuing his education, then self-assessment is a very valuable strategy. Self-assessment begins with identifying suitable criteria. During the Science Enrichment Programs, Eastwell describes how he used self-assessment with upper primary and lower high school…

A report is presented on the evaluation and redevelopment of an 11-module course of instruction in restorative dentistry conducted under Project Acorde. The major learning goals for students were: acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge of appropriate tools and materials; and self-appraisal of one's own work in performing the various…

Proposes a model for transforming equivalency in education from a unit of measurement focused on time in the classroom to one focused on learner achievement. While allowing time and location to vary across courses and academic programs, the Capabilities Based Educational Equivalency (CBEE) Units model permits the valid comparison of student…

In the 20 years since the federal report on education "A Nation at Risk" appeared, much has been written on test scores of students in the United States versus their counterparts elsewhere. One of the issues is whether their scores are in fact inferior, or merely a statistical difference due to their universal schooling philosophy. Since…

The Bilingual Program in the James Monroe High School in the South Bronx in New York, was designed to offer bilingual instructional and supportive services to ninth through twelfth grade high school students under funding from Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The program was designed to provide a model for replication by…

Students' standardized test scores do little to gauge school program effectiveness. This article suggests that improving the data for monitoring schools, accounting for schools' varying financial picture, and relating outcomes to features capable of being changed will enhance program evaluation and school management. Some state efforts in this…

Marking strategies used in the Danish school system from the compulsory Folkeskole level through higher education are described, with emphasis on "the 13-Scale." Problems, impacts, recent developments, and trends in marking strategies and the communication of their meaning are discussed. (BS)

Reviews international academic achievement differences and argues that poor U.S. performance in math reflects curricular focus and teaching deficiencies, not inadequate sampling techniques. Reveals that U.S. student achievement has been weak for decades, suggesting fundamental school reform is warranted. (GR)

Describes the following organizations concerned with international comparative educational research: (1) the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA); (2) the International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP); (3) the Board of International Comparative Studies in Education; and (4) the International…

Describes the Australian Language Certificates project, an initiative which provides incentives to students studying second languages by offering external recognition of achievement and enhancing the status of secondary school language learning. It includes listening and reading assessment tasks in six languages. Students receive certificates…

The "achievement gap" is a well-documented problem in schools. Evidence of an academic performance problem requires that educators respond quickly and differently to signs of academic failure. As the lessons of the achievement gap suggest that historical decisions about when to intervene with performance support are flawed, performance…

This paper describes a computerized system designed and developed for the purpose of simplifying and improving scoring and summarizing the achievement of students participating in Title I programs. The goal of the evaluation and reporting system is to provide meaningful and comparable information about Title I projects at the school building,…

Educational accountability is examined from the viewpoint of (1) history--the development of the concept from that of cost accounting to one of the educator's responsibility to parents and taxpayers; (2) new requirements of the Ohio state government for yearly reports on student skills in various subject areas according to sex, race, size of…

Describes the development and implementation of an administrator merit pay plan for the North Salem, New York, public schools. The plan includes provisions for salary adjustments according to the quality of service (from "unsatisfactory" to "outstanding") and three sets of materials for administrator evaluaiton. (JBM)

Asserts that receiving an invitation to participate in the National High School Honors Orchestra (NHSHO) represents the zenith in the growth and maturation of young orchestral musicians. Describes how the NHSHO was initiated so that talented youth could have the opportunity to meet and work with other accomplished musicians. (CFR)