Background: In the field of science education, the importance of assessment in students' learning process has been recognized. Understanding of how students perceive science assessment and feedback may be an important issue that science education researchers need to pay attention to in order to achieve meaningful learning. Purpose: The purpose of…

Background: A number of studies have contemplated aspects of cooperative learning that might emerge from a unit of sport education [Dyson, B., L. L. Griffin, and P. Hastie. 2004. "Sport Education, Tactical Games, and Cooperative Learning: Theoretical and Pedagogical Considerations." "Quest" 56 (2): 226-240; Dyson, B. P., N. R.…

We used self-report surveys to gather information on a broad set of non-cognitive skills from 1,368 eighth graders. At the student level, scales measuring conscientiousness, self-control, grit, and growth mindset are positively correlated with attendance, behavior, and test-score gains between fourth grade and eighth grade. Conscientiousness,…

Adolescent learning is a complex process, distinctive from learning prior to and after this stage because of the connection between learning and the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of students in this age group. Indeed, questions about middle school learning examine both "what" and "how" they learn (Gross, 2002). This…

Existing evidence suggests that high stakes exams result in little increased learning among students. Yet, given the federal mandates for greater accountability, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation and Race to the Top policies, and the "pervasive testing culture," the use of high-stakes tests is presently an accepted…

A preliminary investigation has been made of some claims regarding alternative assessment. Using the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS)--Middle Grades Mathematics Performance Assessment as a platform, the study examined how alternative assessment operates in actual practice. Early findings are presented in the following areas: (1)…

The Kentucky Education Assessment Program is an ongoing effort to gather information regarding progress toward attainment of the educational goals for Kentucky citizens. Major emphasis is on the determination of the actual level of pupil performance in relation to desired performance. In the eighth grade, relevant information was gathered in five…

Often referred to as "The Nation's Report Card," the mathematics assessments of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have come to be regarded by many policymakers as the primary yardstick by which to judge our schools' success in meeting national expectations. This monograph reports and interprets trends in NAEP…

Despite mixed reviews from many educators--and some researchers--Chicago's retention policy to end social promotion has turned out to be a popular program. Surprisingly, perhaps, its most avid fans are the people most affected by it: teachers and students. Chicago's ending of social promotion was intended to make educators pay more attention to…