Presents a conceptual framework intended to indicate the need to consider curriculum implementation, staff development, and evaluation as integrally linked in the curriculum change process and to reinforce the idea of involving teachers meaningfully. (RS)

Studies show a lack of evaluation as a fundamental element of curriculum design in further education. To this end, a model is proposed and its advantages outlined. The importance of relevant evaluative skills as objectives within college staff development programs is discussed. (CT)

Interest is growing in naturalistic inquiry and qualitative methods in educational inquiry. Naturalistic inquiry refers to a paradigm of inquiry with two major features: a low degree of manipulation or control of the variables prior to the inquiry and a low degree of constraints imposed on the outcomes of the inquiry. Qualitative methods seek to…

Proposes that a local homework club can provide the type of setting that supports a school's instructional priorities. Notes that homework clubs are also important because they foster individualization of instruction. Discusses key elements of effective homework clubs. Suggests that club activities can be enhanced through effective staff…

A central concern of Joseph Milner's February 1991 "Kappan" article critiquing the North Carolina Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument is that teacher evaluation will drive teaching. He errs in confusing essential skills with basic skills, ignoring all teacher evaluation's purposes except instructional improvement, and claiming the…

Utilizing teachers to observe and evaluate other teachers provides an opportunity for peers to exchange ideas and learn the components of competent teaching. A peer assessment program requires delineation of indicators to be evaluated, a procedure for lateral and vertical communication, and a procedure for selecting observers. (MLF)

To design cost-effective solutions to nursing practice problems, staff development educators must be able to identify problems accurately. This article presents approaches to problem identification and criteria for problem classification that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of staff development departments and activities. (Author)

Underscoring the need for improved supervision and evaluation policies as a means of increasing public confidence in the quality of education in Massachusetts public schools, this yearbook presents six articles describing supervision and evaluation innovations. Specific topics include a summary of recommendations compiled by the Study Committee in…

After noting the lack of attention paid to the evaluation of staff development programs in practice and in the literature, this monograph presents a conceptual framework for planning program evaluations. The monograph first discusses the purposes of staff development evaluation and then considers three prerequisites for the development of an…

The Koan technique was originated by Zen masters to help students open up to new possibilities and to help the individual realize his/her full potential. The staff developer should be engaged in the same process. Important factors in the evaluation process of staff development are listed. (JN)

Presents an evaluation of the U.S. Department of Education's Star Schools project for distance education. Topics include state regulations and requirements; selection process; teacher support; assistance to schools, including staff development; use of technology; student outcomes; affect on curriculum and school activities; funding cycle; and…

Course evaluation data can be a meaningful resource to improve the human resource development (HRD) practitioner's decision making. Recommended properties of an effective evaluation form are separation of the overall evaluation from the evaluation of specific aspects; a one-to-nine rating scale; strong, explicit verbal anchors on the rating scale;…

Staff development activities that affect professional ability must be coupled with efforts toward organizational development if two additional determinants of performance, employee motivation and organizational climate, are to be significantly improved. Indeed, emphasis on staff development alone may have negative effects in that such an approach…

Reviews the Stanford Writing Assessment Program that has three intended uses: district-wide survey of students' writing ability, diagnosis of classroom or district-wide instructional strengths and weaknesses, and staff development through training for administering and scoring of writing samples. Notes that of these uses, none is necessarily best…

Explains how clear communication of job performance expectations and evaluation can help employees improve productivity. (JM)