The research of the Biology component of the Teacher Assessment Project (BioTAP) of Stanford (California) University is described. BioTAP uses portfolio development as an important aspect of teacher assessment. Advantages and drawbacks of teacher portfolios are discussed, including issues of validity and reliability. (SLD)

The experience of the RAND Corporation as it develops the performance test component of a licensing examination for secondary school teachers is explored. The performance test, composed of written tasks that simulate important teacher activities, corresponds to portions of other professional examinations. (SLD)

The context and development of the assessment center exercises used in the field of secondary history and social studies under Connecticut's Teacher Assessment Center Program are reviewed. Preliminary findings suggest success in designing an assessment that combines the knowledge from formal instruction with the skills gained through classroom…

The CONNTAC program marks an attempt to develop an integrative performance assessment process that will measure knowledge, skills, and instructional repertoire of beginning teachers. The development of assessment center exercises and the critical role that scoring plays in exercise development are described. (SLD)

The status of federal law relevant to teacher performance assessment is in transition, paralleling that of professional practice in the area. Court decisions pertaining to teacher assessment are reviewed for their possible impact on state-of-the-art teacher assessment techniques. (SLD)

A methodology to address "soft system" problems (those that are unstructured or fuzzy) has these steps: (1) mapping the problem; (2) constructing a root definition; (3) applying conceptual models; (4) comparing models to the real world; and (5) finding and implementing feasible solutions. (SK)

Analysis of data on 101 entering proprietary college students found that (1) predictors of initial achievement were entrance exam scores, gender, race, age, grade point average, and expectations; (2) dropout predictors were marital status, work hours, prior achievement, absences, and faculty interaction; and (3) age, gender, race, and children did…

Surveys and site visits to four states (Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia, Washington) granting credit for vocational education toward high school graduation requirements identified policy issues: motivation, relationships, procedures, barriers/facilitators, and consequences. A suggestion was made that requirements be changed to a listing of learner…

The Michigan Vocational Education Personnel Development Project has three components: (1) participant involvement by basing activities on self-perceived needs; (2) collaboration among Michigan State University, the state department of education, and the Michigan Association of Area School Administrators; and (3) a systematic process for planning,…

Workplace changes require new ways to prepare workers who will be older, minority, female, immigrants, limited English proficient, or functionally illiterate. Special needs populations will need articulated training systems, responsive instruction, up-to-date staff, and a data reporting system. (SK)

Major issues affecting the workplace of the twenty-first century include productivity growth, globalization, resistance to change, worker alienation, and telecommunications. Opposing views of technology are that (1) it will improve the economy and create jobs or (2) the majority of new jobs will not require high skills. (SK)

Improved articulation between secondary and postsecondary vocational education and individualized approaches to training will increase the likelihood that minority youth will participate in and benefit from vocational education. (SK)

Workplace and demographic changes will require educational institutions to adapt and provide services enabling transition from schooling to work. Emphasis should be placed on individual career development and the needs of the job market. (SK)

Policy issues of the future workplace are expansion of resources, enhanced collaboration among service providers, role of the private sector, a holistic view of families and communities, and rigorous evaluation to strengthen policymaking. (SK)

Claims crisis in education, in part, has been caused by the rigidity of the education professional to continue in a traditional role. Contends for the school to become more responsive to the psychosocial-educational needs of students, the education professional must expand the pedagogical role to the five Ps: politician, psychologist, philosopher,…