Quality is a main issue when practices of validation are developed. In the Nordic countries, a model of quality assurance in validation has been introduced, to be applied in the development of validation practices. The model puts the individual at the centre and introduces eight factors for quality: information, preconditions, documentation,…

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evaluates research studies that look at the effectiveness of education programs, products, practices, and policies, which the WWC calls "interventions." Many studies of education interventions make claims about impacts on students' outcomes. Some studies have designs that enable readers to make causal…

This paper presents the methodology developed by the State University System of Florida (SUS) to propose new programs and evaluate their viability prior to approval. Universities must initially request that programs for development be placed on the 5-year strategic plan. Once on the SUS strategic plan, universities may submit proposals following a…

This paper describes the process used by the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children for identifying recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education. Work groups in 14 areas identified practices that were then validated by a national sample of professionals and family members. Use of the…

Competency is defined as a set of related knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enables an individual to effectively perform the activities of a given occupation or job function to the standards expected in employment. Competencies for professionals in the performance improvement field have received considerable attention in recent years. For…

By law the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation has the primary responsibility for assuring the quality of elementary and secondary education programs in the state. The Commission finds its role as one of validation and process evaluation according to established procedures. Recently, the state legislature mandated the establishment of…