This article examines key lessons learned by Russia while developing national assessment system in education. It shows that reforms are more likely to succeed backed with sustained political support, clearly defined goals or priorities, gradual introduction, and open discussion with stakeholders. [This article was translated by Lucy Gunderson.]

This article presents the results of two studies on the use of school self-evaluation in the Netherlands and Flanders. It focuses on which forms of instrumental use of school self-evaluation results can be found in schools, and how differences in self-evaluation use between schools can be explained. Results show that the instrumental use of…

After twenty years of expanding school-choice options, state leaders, educators, and families have a new tool: course choice, a strategy for students to learn from unconventional providers that might range from top-tier universities or innovative community colleges to local employers, labs, or hospitals. In "Expanding the Education Universe:…

Digital learning makes possible the "unbundling" of school provisions--that is, it allows children to be served by providers from almost anywhere, in new and more customized ways. At the same time, because it destandardizes and decentralizes educational delivery, digital education is far harder to bring under the yoke of the…

This Accountability Procedures Manual (APM) is designed to be used by Texas Education Agency staff and other education system personnel as a guide for on-site evaluations. It is the responsibility of each member of an on-site peer review team to become familiar with the contents of the APM. Quality peer review evaluations demand consistency,…

Two instruments have been developed to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating educational software and courseware: the "Courseware Description" form and the "Courseware Evaluation" form. Complete instructions for using both forms are provided in this guide, along with the forms themselves. Prior to the instructions is…

A literature search and polling of experts in severe disabilities generated a listing of 123 items representing Program Quality Indicators. Items were then rated by six groups (total N=254) representing such interests as behavior therapy, deaf blindness, mental retardation, state directors of special education, and parents. (Author/DB)

This study investigated how teachers and their unions reconciled the competing criteria of legitimacy to which they were held accountable (unionism and professionalism), comparatively analyzing peer review-based teacher education programs/policies and the districts and unions supporting them. Researchers examined documentary artifacts for programs…

Describes the implementation of a Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP) in one school district. Outlines how the district's maintenance department launched a comprehensive three-year facility management business plan, the department's decision to use a FMEP, the FMEP process and how it helped the district, and the decision to implement…

This packet introduces some concepts in evaluation and accountability for mental health professionals in schools. The first section presents two briefs from the Clearinghouse of the Center for Mental Health in Schools. The first, "Mental Health in Schools: Quality Control, Evaluating Outcomes, and Getting Credit for All You Do," highlights the…

This book provides guidelines for conducting internal audits of school districts. The first five chapters provide an overview of internal auditing and describe techniques that can be used to improve or implement internal audits in school districts. They offer information on the definition and benefits of internal auditing, the role of internal…

The ideal evaluation instrument would help educators consider the merits of a Holocaust curriculum in regard to historical accuracy, comprehensive presentation of major historical aspects, pedagogical soundness, and developmental appropriateness. Unfortunately, the 1995 guide issued by the Association of Holocaust Organizations is conceptually…

The identification, validation, dissemination (IVD) process represents a quality control effort whose ultimate purpose is to validate and disseminate projects of proven educational quality and significance. The IVD and the Joint Dissemination Review Panel (JDRP) processes are complementary, although their procedures and criteria are distinct. JDRP…

Systems chosen for teacher appraisal in both United Kingdom and United States frequently reflect interests of end users rather than teachers themselves. Drawing on experiences of group of teachers involved in open-ended evaluation process, this paper examines various appraisal systems and argues for those empowering teachers to reflect on their…

This paper presents strategies that address the needs of the school district assessment office for standardized procedures to support reliable and efficient test processing and reporting and that meet the needs of school staff for test administration guidelines. The key to test administration and processing quality is a knowledgeable test…