Since engagement in physical activity is now identified as an important outcome for students, teachers need to assess their students in ways that measure that behavior. Assessment serves many purposes in an educational setting. It can provide feedback, drive instructional needs, and evaluate outcomes of both students and programs. If done…

The author describes his experience with an educational audit at Laredo Junior College in Texas and says that the audit is a fast, inexpensive way of evaluating vocational programs that provides immediate feedback. (MF)

Schools are considering team evaluation, or 360-degree feedback, because student achievement is not improving with single evaluators, and employees get too-similar ratings. Iowa State University's School Improvement Model ensures that teachers and principals listen to their customers, not only to their supervisors. In a sidebar, a Massachusetts…

Performance evaluation involves at least 50 percent self-evaluation. Therefore, the success of an evaluation plan, if it is honestly aimed at performance improvement, depends more on self-involvement and self-evaluation than on any other factor. This book describes in detail methods of self-evaluation in the setting of performance objectives, the…

A role oriented accountability model forms the framework for evaluation and feedback in curriculum change. (Author)

Because technology is more prevalent and accessible for use in assessment, this article highlights what counselors and educators need to know when considering the use of computers and the Internet for that purpose. The article concludes with some predictions on how technology might influence assessment and accountability in the future. This…

Before teacher evaluation forms can have any significance for educational research their validity and reliability must be established. This study concerns itself with defining the suitability of the criteria-establishing items that may be contained on teacher evaluations. The areas of inquiry are: the rater (evaluator) difficulty level of each…

Describes a method for getting widely-based, specific student opinion about teaching methods and materials. Discusses the application of this method by teachers. (RL)

The Utah System of Higher Education's method for appraising presidents is described as a mirror effect to provide the results of confidential interviews conducted with a variety of competent individuals knowledgeable about the work of presidents. The procedures are outlined and four benefits are cited. (MLW)

Discusses the types of communicated information used by counselors and suggests some improvements in self-evaluation based on the research results. Discusses the use of behavioral, verbal, cognitive, and written communication suggesting they are used differentially to assess input or treatment of outcome. (Author)

Pedometers are quickly becoming a common and valuable tool for physical educators. These small devices offer a valid, reliable, and feasible method to assess children's step counts. Pedometers also provide teachers and students with immediate, concrete feedback about their physical activity levels. There are three primary uses of pedometers for…

A matrix management system designed for use by a highly technical nuclear weapons research and development facility to improve productivity and flexibility by the use of multiple authority, responsibility, and accountability relationships is described. (MSE)

Presents a basically simple, yet effective approach for evaluating a school guidance program. (HMV)

Current conceptions of literacy and what being literate means are discussed, and the strengths and weaknesses of the standardized multiple-choice test as a tool for assessing literacy proficiency and a way to report learning progress are explored. The possible advantages of alternative assessment strategies are reviewed, and an assessment model is…

Evaluation of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) programs is needed to provide feedback (descriptive data about a school's offerings) and accountability (program accomplishments). Thorough program evaluation verifies both a district's thoughtful, written philosophy of foreign language education and local goals. Some FLES program…