A formative assessment can provide a snapshot of what a student knows and is able to do. It can include written tests, performance tasks, formal or informal questioning, or teacher observations embedded in a unit of study. The information gathered from formative assessments is then interpreted and used to further student learning. Such assessment…

Site visits are one of the means the Department of Education uses to document each charter school's performance and progress. These visits usually take place during the second and third years of the charter. The Charter School Office, however, reserves the right to conduct visits at other times when deemed necessary. The primary purposes of a site…

Discusses the role that causal models play in program theory evaluation. Considers several types of causal relationships and discusses three causal models derived from systems theory, the theories of virtuous or vicious cycles, symptomatic solutions, and feedback delays. (SLD)

Addresses the benefits of formative assessment, the diagnostic use of assessment to provide feedback to teachers and students over the course of instruction, and provides examples and resources to supplement its implementation. (SLD)

Presents an approach to conducting a top-level analysis of training management functions when there are problems within a training system. Highlights include data gathering and analyses of a training system; training management functions and activities, including planning, staffing, development, and evaluation and feedback; and development of root…

Describes the different stages of tutors' evaluation process within a single discipline using a problem-based learning program and presents the results of their performance evaluation in two academic years. Confirms the existence of different tutoring styles valued by students and also the importance of continuous feedback in the improvement of…

This article gives a brief overview of the structure and purposes of rubrics; reviews the benefits of using rubrics as both teaching and grading tools; warns against approaches that limit the effectiveness of rubrics; and urges instructors to take simple steps toward ensuring the validity, reliability, and fairness of their rubrics. Tips for using…

This article addresses the construction of "critical friendships" within the practice of one particular program evaluation. It focuses on the evolution of relationships developed during one 2-year program evaluation study that examined a collaborative educational project. Findings show that a caring interest and mentoring rapport developed between…

The decisions evaluators make regarding how to work with teachers through the annual evaluation process can have a positive impact on teacher growth and student learning. In this article, the author examines the quality of feedback and how administrators use and provide this feedback to teachers through the evaluation process. What constitutes…

It is argued that assessment discourses are essentially local discourses. Assessment warrants, such as certificates and diplomas, are essentially local creations. They ought not to be treated as valid and reliable descriptions of general achievement. The case is developed by distinguishing between three forms of assessment and arguing that…

Describes a process which enables students to take an examination, discuss it, and calculate grades in one class period. Points out the benefits of discussing the test and announcing grades at a time when interest and attendance is high. Discusses benefits to the instructor such as not having to rush to grade examinations. (GEA)

Discusses how to design effective user interfaces for computer-based training (CBT) programs. Four types of interfaces are described: presentation, including consistency; conversation, including feedback and flexibility; navigation; and explanation, including online help. A job aid for evaluating CBT interfaces is included. (Contains 13…

Explains how to create an organizational system that will result in good performance. Topics discussed include process versus system; two views of a system, i.e., mechanistic and organic; and components of a system, including performance guides, measurement of results, feedback, and training. (LRW)

Explores the use of technology to evaluate technology, with an emphasis on recording user interactions with systems and gathering user feedback within the context of a multimedia environment. Focuses on analyzing electronic and networked environments, but offers strategies relevant to other evaluation efforts. (SLD)

Instructors use peer feedback to afford students multiple assessments of their work and to help them acquire important lifelong skills. However, research finds that this type of feedback has questionable validity, reliability, and accuracy, and instructors consider much of it too uncritical, superficial, vague, and content-focused, among other…