Educational researchers conduct studies to gather critical empirical evidence in the determination of what are "evidence-based" curricular programs, which in turn, directly inform adoption efforts. The predominate method of validating these programs is through the use of group experimental designs, although single-case designs have also…

Colleges of education have come under scrutiny in their preparation of principals. Even professors of education have joined in the criticism characterizing these programs as bankrupt, fragmented, and going down a road to nowhere (Norton, 2002). This article is part of a collaborative research effort of the University Council for Educational…

A field test evaluated "Auto Mechanics I" curriculum materials developed and published by the Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center, Oklahoma State Department of Vocational and Technical Education. The results and conclusions reported relate to student achievement and teacher evaluation and comments for each of the 23 units of…

Multiple matrix sampling is a data collection technique that ensures accuracy and efficiency in group performance. It has been widely used in large-scale curriculum evaluation since the 1980s. However, the design does not always fully embrace the dynamics of local evaluation demands. The purpose of this study is to introduce a modified matrix…

A study was conducted to validate the Oklahoma Curriculum & Instructional Materials Center's (CIMC) Distributive Education II curriculum manual. Participating teachers included sixteen teachers who attended a workshop for training in the use of the curriculum. Arrangements were made to obtain pretest and posttest results from their students on…

Several validation methods for the identification and dissemination of exemplary educational programs are explored, and the rationales for methods developed by the Program Effectiveness Panel are discussed. Comparative advantages and disadvantages of four selected methods are reviewed, and recommendations are made for policymakers and…

This report assesses the 1987 primary school (grades 1 through 6) curriculum in the Sultanate of Oman. The evaluation examined the degree of congruence between the designers' intentions (as expressed in learning objectives and recommendations for implementation) and the conceptions of administrators in the country's nine school districts and…

This report assesses the preparatory school curriculum in the Sultanate of Oman. This 3-year post-primary program is comparatively new in the infrastructure. General education is stressed and some practical studies are included. The evaluation examined the degree of congruence between the designers' intentions (as expressed in learning objectives…

A study was conducted to validate the welding curriculum materials developed and published by the Oklahoma State Department of Vocational and Technical Education. Twelve instructors collected achievement data (unit tests, assignment sheets, and evaluation forms) concerning the performance of 280 students on a total of 46 instructional units. Item…

This book is a collection of essays by various authors documenting the development and evaluation of Individually Guided Education (IGE), a planned attempt, involving thousands of scholars and practitioners, to produce more effective elementary schools. Part 1, "An Attempt to Restructure Elementary Schooling," consists of three chapters…

The purpose of this study was to examine similarities and differences in how schools and school districts have successfully implemented the California mathematics and science curriculum frameworks. Implementation factors include: the use of cross-role teams and implementation plans; assistance; administrative commitment and pressure; program…