This article is a commentary of a paper by Derek C. Briggs and Frederick A. Peck, "Using Learning Progressions to Design Vertical Scales That Support Coherent Inferences about Student Growth," which describes an elegant potential framework for at least beginning to address three priorities in large-scale assessment that have not been…

In this article, the authors responded to nine commentaries by 17 contributors to their article, "Issues in Differential Response." The authors found that a majority of the respondents agreed with the major conclusions of "Issues in Differential Response." However, there were varying degrees of disagreement regarding the…

The author proposes using an action research model to diagnose, develop, implement, and evaluate a career development (CD) program that fits the needs and goals of the organization. Phases of a CD program development plan (data gathering, analysis and synthesis, feedback, program development, pilot implementation, and tracking) are examined. (CT)

When different individuals operating in different contexts implement similar innovations, they approach the various parts of the innovation in different ways. When assessed according to the research procedures used to study innovation implementation at the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas at Austin,…

Hoachlander look at Perkins accountability requirements and suggests that they can lead to improved programs if they are used correctly. Rader and Quick discuss how to use spreadsheets to keep on top of student portfolios and program data. (JOW)

After a brief introduction indicating the value of the first Follow Through evaluation, this document offers ideas about how a new wave of Follow Through approaches should be evaluated. The discussion is based on the premise that the form of an evaluation must be derived from the questions for which answers are sought, the audience(s) to whom the…

This paper provides a rationale for studies of educational program implementation and offers a causal model for program evaluation emphasizing pupil-related variables that intervene between program implementation and outcome variables. The rationale is followed by a discussion of implementation as an evaluation construct. Process, independent…

Arguing that "needs assessment" is too vaguely defined, this paper considers the term's location within the planning field, compares two variants of the discrepancy model (classical versus social welfare approaches), and reflects on the assumptions and implications imbedded in needs assessment technocracy. Includes 16 notes and 26 references. (MLH)

The site variability issue for Direct Instruction Follow Through sites is examined from a variety of perspectives--meta-analysis of the Abt Associates' data, norm-referenced comparisons, and a longitudinal look at stability of effects. Much of the seemingly unexplained variability found in both the Abt report and the reports by M. Kennedy and E.…

A brief literature review and a report on two studies of change implementation in schools indicate that "directed development," in which experts give help directly to classroom teachers, is the most effective implementation strategy. The author's literature review traces research on program implementation from a 1975 Rand report…

Explores problems in the design and evaluation of programs by which special libraries market their services, and identifies potentially useful approaches and quantifiable measures for market structure analysis, design decision-making, and marketing program evaluation. Eleven references and a list of nine use studies with survey instruments are…

The No Child Left Behind legislation has drawn increased attention to student data. Data are most useful in educational decision-making when the purpose extends beyond vertical accountability and toward school- and classroom-level decision-making that enhances the experience and achievement of students. This necessarily involves getting practical…

From an institutional point of view, educational technology is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Success in deploying a new technology therefore requires careful definition of the institution's goals and careful investigation of the merits of the strategies and tactics used to achieve those goals. This paper begins by listing the…

Describes the role of community transition teams as a mechanism for developing school-family-community partnerships and enhancing student involvement in transition. Discusses challenges and lessons for building and maintaining effective partnerships over time. (Author)

Intended to establish a philosophical base for the acquisition and utilization of computers for both administrative and instructional purposes, this paper begins by briefly describing instructional applications and listing the necessary elements of a computer literacy program. Administrative applications are discussed in terms of traditional…