The literature on the use of evaluative information in local education agencies is summarized. A general structure for studying evaluation use is presented. It is organized after the commonplaces of education (teacher, student, and subject matter). (BW)

The effects of a school district's testing and evaluation activities cannot be effectively assessed without an understanding of the explicit and implicit goals embedded in the policies and practices of the district. A structured workshop process to elicit a district's intentions related to the effects--uses and impacts--of testing and evaluation…

When a school system chooses to buy into modern computer technology as the way to solve some existing problems and to meet pressing needs, a myriad of new problems and issues are created. However, the new problems are worth solving to allow the system to benefit from the new technology. In other words, the conversion to using the latest computer…

Participatory curriculum evaluation can be a powerful force for curriculum improvement in local school districts. The evaluation process contains nine steps: (1) the curriculum area needing evaluation is identified; (2) the local board of education organizes an evaluation committee reflecting school communities or neighborhoods, organizational…

The purpose of this report is to comment on practice in the use of existing data bases in program evaluation and school improvement and to explore directions of increased and improved use. The report's impetus is the role that existing data plays in current efforts in local school districts and the possibilities for the future. To a great extent,…

An investigation was made of current uses of formative and summative teacher evaluation. A review of the literature on teacher evaluation systems revealed that most systems attempted to accomplish two potentially conflicting purposes: to encourage teacher development and improve instructional quality (formative), and to judge teacher effectiveness…

The current state of superintendent evaluation is described as reflected in the research literature, drawing especially on five surveys of school districts, and an effort is made to identify the most important issues in improving evaluation. Specific attention is given to the methods suitable for superintendent evaluation. (SLD)

Major changes have occurred in compensatory education evaluation practices and policies since the introduction of the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) and the Technical Assistance Centers (TAC) in 1976. This paper has three purposes: (1) to discuss these changes at the state and local levels; (2) to illustrate these changes with…

The role and influence of mandated testing in educational reform are reviewed. Mandated testing refers to large-scale (districtwide or statewide) multiple-choice testing programs used for policy purposes of evaluation and accountability, which includes nationally normed standardized achievement tests and tests custom-developed to reflect state and…