An approach for systematically observing and recording behavioral difference in the classroom is described, and its use with 11 behavior problem elementary students is discussed. The author points out the importance of peer sampling and the use of multiple observations to avoid erroneous conclusions. A case study of a second grade child…

This survey of recent developments in educational program evaluation is intended for persons who commission, implement, direct, or carry out evaluation studies. The attitudes of government officials, educators, and researchers toward assessment and their own evaluation needs are discussed. Various approaches to evaluation are briefly described;…

Task analytic assessment provides a method which classroom teachers and other community service agents can utilize to assess the level of functioning of severely retarded individuals. (Author)

A study was conducted at a school of social work to determine the effectiveness of student decisions compared to faculty admissions decisions. Faculty predicted the performance of applicants they rated more successfully than did students. Clearly-determined admission criteria are needed to predict student performance. (SW)

Describes educational systems in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, touching on tuition costs, adult education programs, vocational education programs, folk universities, admission standards, certificate of completion, radio and television courses, study circles, no-grade system, and the international folk college. (TP)

Describes procedures for constructing and administering informal reading measures on the secondary level and discusses the proper analysis of the test results. (MAI)

Available from: Executive and Editorial Office, 6635 East Villanova Place, Denver, Colorado 80222. Considered are the basic stages of an informal assessment model by which instructional goals for exceptional students can be planned and accountability demands satisfied. (SBH)

Teachers can use microcomputers in informal assessment of learning disabled students' academic achievement, math and science progress, reading comprehension, cognitive processes, motivation and social interaction. Selected software for unobtrusive, informal assessment is listed. (CL)

Teacher judgments of student need for compensatory education were found to agree moderately with student scores on the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS). Accuracy of teacher judgments was not influenced by student racial, ethnic, or economic characteristics, extent of individualization of instruction, or teacher training and experience.…

Reports on a case study designed to determine whether marking standards and reliability of assessments change significantly from one occasion to another. Finds a sex bias occurs with both men and women judges, leading to significant changes in the measures for girls, but not for boys. (KO)

Analysis of data on 1,404 young children with hearing losses indicated that 80% of the children were identified via informal hearing-screening procedures, such as parental suspicion and referral. Auditory brainstem response technology provided the lowest mean identification age. The study concludes that formal screening programs are not locating…

Observation is used to chart children's development, to gain insight into children's behavior, and to guide curricular decision making. It also plays an important role in assessment, by either replacing or supplementing standardized evaluation instruments. These ideas and guidelines offer practical, field-tested advice for incorporating…

Teachers need to help students determine which items in the students' portfolios should be saved for the following year. If the portfolio moves with the child to the next teacher, it is important to preserve items that show educational growth and progress. Teachers can also keep their own records using progress report forms. (MDM)

Presents anecdotal data from informal discussions with 12 secondary teachers about types of evidence of students' mathematics achievements that were used by the teachers. Discusses oral evidence, written work, observed actions, voluntary use of mathematics, knowledge of the child, teachers' views of mathematics, and behavior and body language.…