The National Academy of Education (NAEd) undertook this consensus report on the evaluation and improvement of teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Specifically, this consensus report aims to (1) identify and disseminate best practices for evaluating and improving TPPs to promote teacher effectiveness and student achievement; (2) provide…

Teacher evaluation has emerged as a major focus for reform at the highest levels of education policymaking, and for good reason. Most evaluations are based on scant evidence of actual effectiveness, produce inflated ratings, and provide teachers with little useful feedback. This paper offers policymakers and practitioners important "lessons…

In early November 2013, the authors started talking about visiting the Hurley School, a dual-language school in Boston, Massachusetts. The Hurley School had spent considerable time transitioning to the Common Core State Standards on literacy, but little time addressing the shifts in math. They worried that math classes were no longer rigorous…

"Direct evaluation," as a research concept, is based on the idea of "research as an intermediate technology," developed by Steven and Rachel Kaplan in "Cognition and Environment" (1982: Prager). A description of this evaluative technique and its major contributions to program justification, program evaluation, and…

In a comprehensive, nationwide study, the Richardson Foundation surveyed programs for gifted children. Based on survey results, the Pyramid Project is a five-year test in four Texas school districts with a goal of providing appropriate instruction for all above average students of all ages in all subjects every day. (MT)

An approach to enhancing program quality in educational institutions through program mapping is presented in this report. First, the objective of program mapping is specified as a means to evaluate and clarify the learning outcomes of a college's educational programs; and its use as a graphic representation of the interdependent relationships…

The author, an in-service planner, tells of the four main complaints his teachers have about in-service programs: irrelevance, presenters, loss of time with students, and locations. For each problem at Redondo Union High School in California, he explains the solution. (SJL)

Crownhill Elementary School in Bremerton, Washington, has succeeding in boosting reading and math scores of its students and building their self-esteem as it doubled in size. Teachers participate in budget and hiring decisions and share ideas. Some of the projects and programs are briefly described. (MT)

Describes reorganization of an early childhood education program for teachers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Lists changes in program elements, highlights program goals, describes key conceptual features, and includes student comments as evidence of program effectiveness. Notes that program focus is developing the students' capacity…

This digest identifies characteristics of successful higher education programs in environmental studies and trends in environmental studies programs and courses. Characteristics of programs that have continued for the past two decades are listed. Some of the variables associated with programs that have not continued are identified. Recent trends…

A synthesis and analysis is presented of the on-site evaluations completed on teacher education programs in Maryland over the past decade from 1971-1981. The nationally recognized standards developed by the National Association for State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) are the criteria used to examine teacher education…

Teacher-tested ideas for teaching and evaluating cognitive skills of students in physical education programs are offered. (DF)

A strong physical education program depends on support from parents and community. Information can be offered to the public by instituting community programs and demonstrating student benefits and through the media. (DF)

Describes one department's experience with curriculum development through the formulation of a departmental mission statement reflecting the shared sociological goals of faculty and students. Discusses the process of achieving consensus, the actual mission statement, and the curricular and program implications of such a process. (KO)

A model of ongoing consultation was effectively implemented in a community group home for eight adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Two consultants taught staff members to use a token reinforcement system, engage clients in a variety of activities, and improve staff interactions with clients. (Author/DB)