Twelve common errors which can invalidate an otherwise sound evaluation are identified, and ways to avoid them are presented. The hazards are: (1) grade-equivalent scores; (2) inappropriate statistical adjustments with nonequivalent control groups; (3) administering norm-referenced tests at inappropriate times of the school year; (4) inappropriate…

This guidebook is one in the Target Topic Series developed to highlight issues and concerns related to effective community education operation. It is intended for the community educator who is responsible for working with the community education program staff--both paid and volunteer. A pretest covers material discussed in the guidebook. The…

Two different methods for collecting course-specific data on class learning and growth are discussed. The first, Item/Student Sampling, is directly dependent upon assessing class performance both prior to and following instruction. This procedure relies on multiple matrix sampling techniques. The second method, referred to as Self-Report of Course…

Practical and technical advice is provided for staff responsible for planning evaluations of Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 1 migrant programs at the state level. The report is limited to evaluating achievement gains in basic skills; this is, however, acknowledged as only one facet of a comprehensive migrant program…

Describes a geography literacy quiz project developed by the Geography Club at California State University (Fresno). Reports that poor quiz results sparked interest in developing programs to ensure geographic literacy. Comments on a program at Dos Palos (California) High School that will require geography proficiency examinations for graduation by…

This independent learning packet, which is intended for adult literacy tutors, reviews the literature regarding adults with learning disabilities. The packet begins with a learning disabilities pretest. Presented next is the literature review, which includes information on the following aspects of learning disabilities: definition and historical…