The Local District Assessment Option (piggyback program) is an integral part of the Minnesota Statewide Educational Assessment Program, which provides the 162 participating local school districts with materials and procedures developed for the statewide program. Materials are available in reading, mathematics, social studies, and science for…

The document presents checklists by which music teachers and school administrators can evaluate concrete elements of orchestra programs in grades four through 12. The opening sections outline the immediate benefits of having a school orchestra; effects on later adult life of student participation in orchestras; goals of a school orchestra program;…

The goal of this study was to answer the question: "When ethnically diverse fourth- and fifth-grade students participate in a ten-week musical program, are there any shifts in the following: academic performance, attitude towards school, social skills, self-esteem, public speaking ability, and/or school attendance?" This study was…

The report summarizes a survey of 46 graduates of the Nova Southeastern University (Florida) doctoral program in optometry, the only such program in the state, concerning professional and program issues, including professional employment patterns and feedback on the doctoral program. Results indicate that school location was a primary reason for…

This project evaluated a program for enhancing student motivation as evidenced by improved academic growth and increased work completion. The targeted population consisted of fifth graders in a small school in a medium-sized rural community in the Midwest. The problem of lack of achievement motivation and lack of student concern about academic…

During 1993-94, Spokane Community College's Student Learning Outcomes project focused on abilities-based measurements, and specifically, on measurements of the "Responsibility for Learning" ability. Activities included two summer planning retreats; faculty focus groups to discuss the interpretation of "Responsibility for…

Because of the Goals 200 Quality Improvement program of the federal government, Head Start agencies are being held more accountable for their employees and the overall operation of their program. To evaluate these more effectively, agencies need an effective employee evaluation instrument. Strategies were implemented in an agency that provides…

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1995, personnel from the University of Memphis continued to be on-site evaluating the Synergy Foundation's project funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Through observation of the program, interviewing participants (N=173) and personnel, administering qualitative instruments, and analyzing records, it…

A lack of parent education programs in a rural midwestern county has denied rural families the support, advice, and education a parenting program would provide. Questionnaires were provided to 7 professionals and 13 parents in the county to determine if there was a need for parenting classes. The survey determined a need and concluded that no…

This paper examines the literacy services provided by public libraries in the rural areas (communities of 25,000 people or less) of West Virginia and Kentucky. Of the 93 libraries (68%) which responded to the survey, 89.8% acknowledge illiteracy as being a problem. However, although 92% of the librarians agree that illiteracy programs are an…

This survey of 39 University Affiliated Program (UAP) Outreach Training Directors describes UAP outreach training efforts to improve services to people with developmental disabilities. The survey examined the influence of different staffing strategies on the structure of outreach training programs, and the degree of participation by various groups…

This document contains parts of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). Rubrics and released items are provided for four levels and areas of the test including high school, grade 5, grade 8, and graphing items. (CCM)

A qualitative research approach was used to investigate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) educational efforts in achieving scientific literacy through mass media and other communication technologies. Six in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with various NASA education and public affairs officers throughout the…

Outcomes of an inschool suspension program implemented at a New England elementary school are described in this practicum report. Because out-of-school suspension may place children at educational and physical risk, the inschool program was developed to reduce school absences, provide continuing instruction, and serve both rehabilitative and…

This document consists of 11 information sheets on conducting literacy audits for social agencies in Calgary, Alberta (Canada). The literacy audit is a systematic in-house assessment of the accessibility of an agency for low literate adults. The packet begins with five information sheets that provide questions and answers under the following…