Abstract
This paper examines why portfolio evaluation of children to determine their potential for higher education is detrimental. It can reduce the student to just another portfolio, it can handicap students that are not up to the competitiveness of portfolio making, and it can mar the actual strengths and weaknesses of the student through the information it presents.

From the Paper
"Portfolio assessment is a popular non-traditional method of evaluating and preparing children for their future. A portfolio itself can be thought of as a personal scrapbook or a visual window into the progress, activities and records of a student or individual. A portfolio was originally conceived of to showcase and "market" a human being to people or institutions for a variety of reasons be it a job, a degree or otherwise. Portfolios are used in education to build up the conceptual and visual accolades of a student, and are becoming more and more acceptable in terms..."

Tags:education, portfolio, detrimental

Abstract
This paper explores the ways in which the public educational system in Europe and the United States has remained essentially unchanged from the publication of Charles Dickens' "Hard Times" in 1854 until today. The paper considers a different way of thinking about education, the Montessori method, as a possible alternative to the continuing problems of the educational system.

From the Paper
"In his 1854 novel, "Hard Times", author Charles Dickens takes a cynical stand toward the educational system in Britain. In making his protagonist, Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy merchant who espouses a view of the world based only in pure fact, Dickens comments on the state of education as a matter of leaning by rote, or strict memorization. No interpretation, imagination, or opinion is valued in this form of education. Approximately one hundred and fifty years later, in 2001, John Gatto argued that the educational system of the Western world remains much the same. Writing from the perspective of a retired United States schoolteacher, Gatto..."

Tags:education, dickens, gatto

Abstract
Psychological and psycho-educational tests are used in schools to help to identify types and bases and the extent of a student's learning difficulty or school adjustment problem. The assessment is used to make decisions about students. After defining the term 'test', the paper stresses the importance of the teacher to understand the test itself, the testing procedure and how to accurately assess the results. The paper also challenges the idea of assessing children's capabilities purely on the basis of these tests and seeks other alternatives.

From the Paper
"Teaching to the tests has become a major concern for parents and teachers. Domenech (2000) says that teachers believe that they spend an inordinate amount of time on drills leading to memorization of facts rather than spending time on problem solving and the development of critical and analytical thinking skills. He also mentions the renewal of school phobia in students as a result of the stress of testing on students. In addition to the problem of teaching to tests, Gardner (www.ericae.net/edo/ED315429.htm) identifies other common misuses of tests, including ignoring the error of measurement on test scores. He suggests estimating the standard error of measurement and setting up a band within which the true score will fall. He also warns against using a single test score for decision- making."

Tags:visual-motor, integration, skills, norm-referenced, Wechsler, Intelligence, Test, portfolio

Abstract
The paper explains how important it is to understand the difference between the terms "disability" and "handicap" when assessing individuals with disabilities. The paper further emphasizes the importance of diagnosing disabilities accurately. The paper then goes on to look at how the assessor evaluates the individuals' unique psychological and vocational abilities and determines how their various disabilities impact their vocational capabilities. The paper also discusses how the quantity and quality of client input is important to the assessment process.

Outline:
Issues in Psychological and Vocational Assessment
Types of Disabilities that Impede
Modification to Address Issues

From the Paper
"The person assessing the client must have a clear idea of the meaning of the term "disability." Although frequently used interchangeably, "disability," "impairment," and "handicap" all have different meanings. An assessor's perception of the client based on what some people might consider semantics can have a serious affect on that person's ability to accurately evaluate the individual being assessed. In strictest terms, a "disability" is a "physical or mental impairment that a) substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual" (Power, 2000, p. 37)."

Tags:impairment, handicap, modification, career, employment

Abstract
The paper discusses the differences between the two main terms of assessment and evaluation and their application in the educational environment. The paper addresses the deficiencies in the use of standardized tests and relates that schools are now expected to help students develop skills and competencies that apply to real life, and performance is often measured on alternative assessments. The paper then notes that today, assessment is defined to include teacher, peer and self-assessment and feedback processes that are both formal and informal. The paper also identifies ten guiding principles that are often used in today's practice.

From the Paper
"The assessment concept is mostly used in connection with testing and the judging of the potential of individual's intellectual recourses, attainments and performances. Assessment is often defined as the process of collecting data for the purpose of making decisions about students. The concept of evaluation is used in a much broader way and with a more general meaning. In the area of education it includes all aspects of means and methods in the education of new generations including all types of school settings, general and vocational, along with adult education (Lysne, 2006).
"Not too long ago there was a movement to change student achievement, because today's students face a world that will demand new knowledge and abilities. It was believed that the global economy of the 21st century would require students to understand the basics, but also to think critically, to analyze, and to make inferences. In order to help students develop these skills changes in assessments at the school and classroom level, as well as new approaches to large-scale, high-stakes assessment were implemented. Changes in the skills and knowledge were needed for success. A change was needed in the overall understanding of how students learn, and in the relationship between assessment and instruction. These changes lead to improved learning goals for students and schools. Assessment strategies were changed in order to tie assessment design and content to the new outcomes and purposes that were set forth (Critical Issue: Rethinking Assessment and Its Role in Supporting Educational Reform, 1995)."

Tags:standardized, tests, performance, curriculum, skills

Abstract
This paper presents a biopsychosocial assessment of a 24 year old, African-American male, living on a United States Naval Base who was referred to the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation, after pleading guilty to assault on a superior, non commissioned officer. It is an assessment of Antwone Fisher, the main character in the 2002 American drama, "Antwone Fisher," directed by Denzel Washington.

Table of Contents:
Identifying Information
Reason for Referral/Presenting Problem
Client's Description and Functioning
Physical and Economic Environment/Occupational Situation
Current Social Functioning
Family Situation
Sexual/Emotional Relationship
Personal and Family History Relevant to Current Focus
Assessment
Psychological/Social and Emotional Functioning
Worker's Understanding of Client's Presenting Situation

From the Paper
"Using cognitive therapy, supported by the theories of object relations and attachment, Dr. Davenport has assisted client in recognizing maladaptive behaviors and modeling appropriate social interaction. Information processing looks at the development of the mind in terms of how one processes information (Schore, 2003). Schore (2003) defines feelings as how one appraises a situation and decides what action to take. The working model explains how experiences are processed and stored in memory, stating that early experiences are carried forward in life. When information is excluded, it is harder to update that information when new information is presented. This creates contradictory working models in the individual. Cognitive disconnection occurs when a person disconnects or redirects what they think or feel. Previous reports by Dr. Davenport describe client, "He's honest, even in his anger." Dr. Davenport assess client as, "upset with his family because they didn't come to his rescue." Client is able to acknowledge that he brought his problems with him to the Navy, and that the fights he has gotten in to, have nothing to do with the Navy. The client shows accommodation, adjusting his existing schema when new information is presented, through the knowledge gained from reading various books given to the client by Dr. Davenport. The client's progress in overcoming his anxiety associated with building relationships is evident in the growth of his relationship with his girlfriend, his ability to form a secure attachment to Dr. Davenport. "

Tags:ethology, cognitive, behavior, aggressive

Abstract
Defines special education. Accountability issue. Pressure on school districts regarding student performance, parental, bureaucratic and legislative concerns. Process of assessing whether students are benefiting from their school experiences. Types and categories of assessment decisioins. Use by teachers to plan program placement. Meanaingful program planning. Influence of public law and compliance.

From the Paper
"ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PLACEMENT

What is Assessment
Special education is educational instruction or social services designed or modified to assist individuals with disabilities a range of services, including social work services and rehabilitative counseling, provided to individuals with disabilities from ages 3-21 through the public school system, including instruction given in the classroom, at home or in institutions (Gale Group, 1998, p. 1).

With the ever-increasing accountability pressure on school districts today regarding the performance of their pupils and a wide variety of interested parties ranging from parents to bureaucrats ..."

Abstract
The paper relates that administrators are calling on teachers to gather data related to student achievement and analyze it in order to create curriculum goals throughout the school system. The paper discusses the potential design and collection of data through a questionnaire and the Likert scale. The paper looks at the analysis of such data, the findings and a plan of action for the study.

Outline:
Problem Statement
Design and Collection of Data
Collection, Analysis of Data and Findings
Plan of Action

From the Paper
"Since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2001, it has become evident that all school systems must adhere to change if they are to meet the challenges given to them by governmental and educational leaders. In 2003 the schools in the New York City School system were additionally challenged by Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klien through a program entitled Children First. Children first created expectations that schools, administrators and teachers would work toward reform that would require "leadership, empowerment and accountability", leading to a school system in the city that exceeded national requirements for achievement ("Children", 2007, sec. 1)."

Tags:Likert, scale, questionnaire

Abstract
This paper examines how a bias in regards to cognitive psychology as it is applied in the educational forum has evolved and continues to influence the way learning is presented in the classroom. In particular, the study focuses on a study by Charles Bailey that contends that society is being dumbed down, which inhibits and discourages learning and critical thinking. The paper further defines cognitive bias according to Bailey's model, which the paper views as a sound approach to educational problems. The works of other educational psychologists are listed and analyzed in the paper as well. Despite the negative aspects of cognitive bias in the classroom, the paper also cites its benefits, such as it can potentially assist children in their social skills and behavior problems, provide a more entrepreneurial community, and prevent errors in judgments based on empirical evidence. The paper concludes by stating that that there will always be a cognitive bias in educational settings, but if it is addressed then the inherent problems will be minimized.

From the Paper
"Bailey's study seems to link the dumbing down of society with the cognitive evolution that allows us to recognize the fact that we are subject to such a process in the first place. If this is true, then the educational system implementing cognitive psychological aspects are, in fact, only hurrying the process. Bailey espouses a solution to the problem by providing 'cognitive accuracy'. According to Bailey, cognitive accuracy provides a yardstick for "accurate and rational thought and behavior" (Bailey, pg. 280). This paper asserts that perhaps the very act of attempting to accurately access a cognitive accuracy provides additional motivation (especially in the classroom) to dismiss attempts to learning unless it is defined by cognitive psychology."

Tags:educational psychology, teachers, classroom, students, instruction

Abstract
This research proposal aims to find out the prevalence of children's exposure to domestic violence in the Latin community, and to discover whether there are behavioral, emotional, and cognitive-functioning problems associated with exposure. The author proposes to oppose societal values that reinforce the stereotypes that stimulate men to use violence in the home. The target group and the methods proposed for the study are described. This paper includes a table.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Research Objective
Questions
Hypothesis
Study Rationale
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Research Methodology

From the Paper
"Domestic violence is manufactured by different underlying principles including threats, intimidation, isolation, and emotional and sexual abuse. It is a continuous abuse of power that is inflicted upon their victims for chronic torment. Men usually become abusive because they want to have power and control in the relationship, or witnessed these actions between their parents growing up. The effects of domestic violence can devastate people's lives, as well as impair a parent's ability to nurture the development of their children, since they become too preoccupied and depressed with the violence. It's a fact that in homes where domestic violence occurs fear, instability and confusion replace the love, comfort and nurturing children need."

Tags:aggression victimization, cognitive behavior, assessment psychological psych-educational, conflict resolution, diversity non-violent