The syllabus for Workers' Education Association courses was revised to include explicit learning objectives while attempting to overcome adult student resistance to formal assessment. The form enables students to comment on the course and evaluate their own outcomes. (SK)

Responses from 427 adult basic education teachers (51 percent response) indicated that (1) 84.8 percent use tests for placement; (2) the Tests of Adult Basic Education are overwhelmingly the most frequently used; and (3) 77.7 percent find their testing practices effective, although informal observation and assessment received the highest ranking.…

Describes a study done by the Middle School Math through Applications project (MMAP) on informal assessment. Discusses some valuable techniques that MMAP teachers and researchers developed for organizing informal assessment so that it produces a coherent story of student progress, helps students make more progress with greater focus, and…

Interviews with 30 British primary and secondary teachers about informal math-assessment practices revealed differences in perceptions of how students can change, teaching practices, learning styles, desired outcomes, and views of math. These differences can lead to inequities in the way students are treated in educational systems. (SK)

Presents annotations from the ERIC database of eight journal articles, books, and conference papers (published between 1991 and 1995) on the issue of informal and classroom assessment. Notes that the annotations offer a wide variety of ideas and suggestions to help teachers carry out informal assessment in their classrooms. (RS)

GED (General Educational Development) learners are a diverse group--just like ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ESL (English as a second language) learners. For some, passing the GED tests closes the door on a history of defeat and failure and allows them to move ahead personally. Achieving the goal of passing all five GED tests is not easy for some…

Based on questions asked by teachers in classes, workshops, and conference sessions, this paper provides brief answers to eight of the most frequently asked questions about portfolio assessment. The questions answered in the paper are: (1) What is a portfolio?; (2) What should be put in the portfolio?; (3) How much should be put in the portfolio?;…

Alternative approaches to the assessment of language minority students are considered. A comprehensive assessment of the limited English proficient (LEP) student is said to cover the following components: cognitive development, learning proficiency or rate of learning techniques, social adaptation, language assessment (expression, reception,…

Suggested to parents are approaches for identifying and stimulating creative expression in gifted children. (LH)

A rationale for the recognition of prior learning is first based on the fact that learning experientially may be as necessary as learning through theory. One basis for the rationale is that adults in everyday life may have to acquire skills that belong to three domains: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. Furthermore, the rationale supports the…

A portfolio approach to classroom literacy assessment offers a different way to evaluate and document students' growth and progress in literacy. Portfolios place a high premium on using a variety of real literacy activities over a period of time which involves the interaction of teachers and students in the development and maintenance of the…

A systems perspective is offered of cooperation among various agencies providing educational and related services to severely emotionally disturbed children. The systems view is described in terms of interfaces of four subsystems which exist in each agency--structural, technological, human, and communication. The structural interface involves…

Holistic evaluation is a reliable, valid, and cost-effective alternative to the usual mechanical assessment of writing. Writing samples are scored on a five-point scale against an overall impression of development, organization, and coherentness. The method was applied to the Communication Activities Skills Project (CASP) for grades 3-12. Writing…

This "how-to" manual is designed to assist those individuals (laypersons and helping professionals) who wish to ensure high quality services for youth by visiting courts, detention facilities, and group homes. A description of homework to be done in advance of a visit, steps to take while on-site, and what to do after a visit are…

Gathering, interpreting and conveying diagnostic information to parents of multiply handicapped children is an essential first step in the child's development. Assessment should investigate response to materials, teaching methods and reinforcers. Communication with parents can be enhanced through enlisting their participation in the evaluation…