z41\doc\web\2000\05\orlich.txt To: wa-ed-deform@egroups.com From: Don Orlich Date sent: Wed, 3 May 2000 16:27:33 -0700 Subject: [wa-ed-deform] Student Expectations and Reform [ Double-click this line for list subscription options ] In the February 2000 issue, i.e, Vol. 81, No. 6, pp. 468-472, of the Phi Delta Kappan (internationally circulated educational journal) I had published "Education Reform and Limits to Student Achievement." The paper is important because it provides for the first time ever the complete table showing the percentages of students at various developmental levels (aged 5.5 to adult) developed by the world authority on the subject, Herman T. Epstein. These levels are then correlated with actual test data published by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP for over 20 years has tested various samples of students in grades 4, 8, 11 and 12 or aged-groups 9, 13 and 17. Tests are administered intermittently in science, mathematics, reading, writing, and civics. My presentation shows that there appear to be rather critical cognitive limits as to what students at selected ages can achieve. For example, when I did an item analysis of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) grade four test, about 60 percent or more of the items were at the formal thinking level, or NAEP levels 300 and 350. Over 20 years of testing about one or two percent of 9 year-olds can get those items correct. I predicted that in Washington state betwen 60 and 65 percent of the fourth graders would not meet the arbitrary standard set by the state superintendent of public instruction. Sure enough, 63.7% of state's fourth graders "failed." Just as I had predicted in the Spring of 1999. Used in my analyses were the Epstein table, the NAEP scales, a scale referred to as "Bloom's Taxonomy" wherein there are six levels of cognitive development--knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. For reading I also used Herber's reading comprehension scales. My analysis of the WASL is eight double-spaced pages and a very short version was highlighted in the joint Seattle PI and Seattle Times Sunday edition of October 10, 1999, which can be accessed at . The full data set of my item analysis is another 20 pages. I can attach these via E-mail to anyone interested. The PDK paper draft can also be attached and varies only in length from the published piece, as Kappan editors deleted some information, two tables and one figure to make room in the journal. These are far too lengthy to post on the net. If anyone desires print copies, I'll be happy to mail them if you E-mail me your mailing address. My E-mail is dorlich@wsu.edu Happy reading. Don Orlich Donald C. Orlich Pullman, WA 99164-4237 Professor (509) 335-4844 Sci. Math. Eng. Ed. Cntr. FAX (509) 335-7389 PO Box 644237 Washington State University Email dorlich@wsu.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ eGroups eLerts It's Easy. It's Fun. Best of All, it's Free! http://click.egroups.com/1/3863/2/_/8573/_/957399543/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------