New York City's Department of Education offers a course called Digital Literacies, in which overage and undercredited high school students in more than 60 schools develop key skills needed for life after high school, whether it entails further education, employment, or, more commonly, both. With a "blended learning" design, it is more…

This principal worked with teachers to develop observation criteria to use in evaluating the teachers. (IRT)

The judicial evaluation approach adapts and modifies certain concepts from both jury trials and administrative hearings in the field of law and relies on the law's acceptance of human testimony to clarify and, subsequently, to judge complex events. (Author)

The Indiana University experience should not be taken as "proof" that the judicial evaluation approach works or does not. The evidence is that this type of adversary proceeding needs improvement, that it holds great promise, and that the next attempt should tell us more. (Author/IRT)

Offers recommendations for an equitable grading system, including the use of daily quizes and analysis of the results of all tests. (IRT)

A past president of the American Vocational Association addresses a number of issues in vocational education, including financial support, institutional versus on-the-job training, the dropout problem, and the success of vocational education in meeting its objectives. (Author/IRT)

During a "planning" period in the teachers' lounge of a large American high school, conversation turned to uniform, numerical grading systems versus locally determined letter grades. Then various teachers attempted to apply numerical grades to a colleague's coffee-making skills, and a visiting superintendent missed out on a grade-A cup of coffee.…

Reviews the controversy over the difference between using aptitude test scores or achievement test scores as a basis for selecting college entrants. Concludes that emphasizing the Scholastic Aptitude Test fails to reward students who work hard in secondary school. (WD)

Presents results of traditional evaluation methods applied to an alternative high school showing that alternative schools can withstand and should welcome evaluation processes. (DW)

FOCUS, a program aimed at student valuing, self-image, and interpersonal relations, was found by a national Title III validation team to have improved student attitude toward school, increased attendance, and raised academic achievement. (DW)

Discusses report on the reading, mathematics, and science performance of Canadian 15-year-olds on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Program for International Student Assessment in 1999. Reports equity outcomes (effect of socioeconomic status on performance) in Saskatchewan are better than in the other provinces or any of…

Outlines California's major educational reform legislation during 1980's and describes a Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) study of policy implementations. Results show that nearly all schools correctly implemented key provisions of S.B. 813, that state level reform can be effective when accompanied by cohesive local strategizing,…

Discusses the report of the California Commission for the Reform of Intermediate and Secondary Education (RISE) and the preliminary plan of the implementation committee. (IRT)

To prepare for life in the real world, an "American Problems" course sends students into the community for practical, involved, experience learning in community agencies and activities. (DW)

First in a series, this article describes the rise and fall of John Adams High School, an experimental school in Portland (Oregon) that was recently closed after 12 years of operation. The experiences of those who tried to make the experiment work may help others interested in educational innovation. (WD)