Focuses on the use of student self-assessment in the classroom. Considers using evaluative questions that enable students to think about their work and their growth as learners. Addresses self-evaluation forms for student use. Provides example evaluative questions and self-evaluation forms. (CMK)

Discusses the four assessment strategies used in the high school course "Social Advocacy: History, Theory, and Practice." The assessment measures class participation, journal writing, volunteer experience, and written assignments. Explains that the course focuses on social problems and self-discovery. Provides a course description. (CMK)

Considers the use of observation in the classroom as a means of student assessment. Focuses on developing an observation instrument, the scoring criteria, and using progress-based rankings rather than static rankings. Provides an example teacher observation form. (CMK)

Suggests that scoring criteria should be used in order to reduce teacher subjectivity in scoring classroom assessments. Describes scoring criteria as specific expectations made clear in task instructions used to evaluate student work. Provides an example assessment task for high school geography and addresses three common teacher errors. (CMK)

Discusses and provides historical background on the Michigan state content standards intended to improve social studies education. Addresses the role of statewide assessment in educational reform and the challenges in assessment. Considers (1) teacher preparation to support the standards and assessment and (2) the focus upon higher order thinking…

Describes the Comprehensive Social Studies Assessment Project (CSSAP), a collaborative effort by 23 states aiming to develop assessments for upper elementary, middle, and high school students in history, geography, civics, and economics. Explains that CSSAP aims to initiate a professional development program, implement a portfolio assessment, and…

Discusses the Maryland School Performance Assessment (MSPAP), addressing the benefits of MSPAP and the teachers' call for assistance. Focuses on the use of the Internet to (1) disseminate information about assessment to parents and students and (2) offer professional development for teachers on instructional and assessment strategies. (CMK)

Examines how student demographics, student engagement, and teacher instruction influenced student performance on one authentic assessment task. Based on a four-week unit on immigration by five U.S. history teachers. Describes Fred Newman's work on authentic intellectual achievement, the assessment task, methodology, procedures, and variables.…

Stresses that teacher educators should model portfolio assessment in their classrooms in order to encourage reflective thinking and develop future teachers' notions of assessment. Describes the aspects of the theme-based portfolio. Discusses how to evaluate theme-based portfolios, providing questions for peer review and a microteaching peer…

Addresses the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), which provides assessment and certification for accomplished pre-K-12 teachers. Discusses such issues as why teachers should seek NBPTS certification, what certification areas are available in social studies, the assessment process, and where to locate more information. (CMK)

Discusses the use of Quest, an internet activity that encourages higher-order thinking. Led by Dan Buettner and his team of "adventurers," students can tour with the Quest team as they explore different countries (AsiaQuest, MayaQuest, AfricaQuest, and GalapagosQuest). Provides examples of how three different teachers utilized Quest. (CMK)

Provides summaries of U.S. Supreme Court case decisions during its 1998-99 term on the following issues: (1) sexual harassment; (2) street gangs; (3) search and seizure; (4) welfare; (5) immigration; and (6) census. Previews the 1999-2000 term. Includes the article "Teaching Activities and Discussion Questions" by Hannah Leiterman. (CMK)

The aim of this article is to describe and analyze how computer supported inquiry learning effects two secondary school students' engagement in a literacy learning project. With comparative analysis of various sources of data we aim to understand what engagement is, how and why it changes over time and how changes in engagement are reflected in…

This study investigated whether preservice teachers' attitudes surrounding school grade labels influenced interpretations and recall of children's classroom behavior using the automatic attitude activation model (Fazio, In R. M. Sorrentino & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), "Handbook of motivation and cognition: Foundations of social behavior," 1986) as a…

The aim of this study was to propose and test a theory-driven model describing the network of effects existing between parental style and child involvement in bullying incidents at school. The participants were 377 Greek Cypriot children (mean age 11.6) and their mothers. It was found that a line of influence exists between maternal…