Discusses the fundamental principles of evaluation to show that the conventional approaches to testing have led to a situation where procedure requirements overshadow the objectives of the learning process. Advocates instruments that address realistic communication goals and states criteria based on the learner's need for continous, constructive…

Presents a method, based on the language experience approach, for informal diagnosis of young children's awareness of the technical aspects of print. (FL)

Problems in improving the reliability of essay marks are examined in this Australian study that considers the markings of 338 essays, each marked by one of 13 graders. It is concluded that improvement is needed but the changes necessary for the improvement are not feasible. (LC)

The development of spoken language is considered from three related aspects: symbolic function, auditory-vocal function and communicative function. Attention is drawn to the implications for education of developmental delay in any of these areas. Some of the danger signals presented in the classroom are mentioned. (Author/KC)

Case study recordings of a science lesson are assessed to examine the role of talk in the learning process. Implications are raised for similar informal assessments by practicing teachers. (Author)

The grading orientation of college faculty who assign high grades focuses on the individual student rather than the comparative aspects of grading. (JD)

Presents the Source of Stress Inventory which was designed for use in schools and clinics as part of the intake/referral procedures for children with emotional adjustment problems. It provides a means of systematically examining the sources of psychological stress in the assessment process. (Author)

The article explores activities which promote the development of accurate and functional concepts concerning the environment for blind children. (PHR)

Incorporates and integrates various aspects of portfolio development, implementation, and evaluation into a portfolio model for the evaluation of counselors-in-training. Considers ethical implications and the importance of providing feedback to students. Also outlines the structure of and the time involved in the evaluation process. (RJM)

Argues that learning outcomes are legitimate expectations for counseling, and that learning outcomes are best determined through informal assessment procedures. Describes a variety of assessment techniques, such as checklists and self-monitoring, and claims that such assessments give trustworthy evidence of client change and client and counselor…

Describes an informal assessment procedure that uses think alouds (readers' verbal self-reports about their thinking processes) to obtain information about how they attempt to construct meaning from text. (MG)

Discusses reorganizing classrooms for more active participation of students, to give children the freedom to work with mathematical materials in new ways and to allow teachers to monitor children's learning in new ways. Discusses the use of graphing activities to assess children's knowledge. (MKR)

Considers the rationale for and some of the uses of portfolios in an educational context. Discusses assessment and teacher education uses for portfolios and offers portfolio development guidelines. (MG)

Living in an age of communication, literacy is an extremely integral part of our society. We are impacted by literature during our infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. "Literacy for the New Millennium" includes information from specialists in the field who discuss the influence of popular culture, media, and technology on…

The transition to adult life for students with reading and writing challenges is an area that is not often addressed. The purpose of this article is to relate the informal assessment process to the broader context of high stakes assessment, high school exit exams, diploma options, and transition planning; identify the competencies needed for a…