This paper proposes a model for computer-based assessment systems that utilizes a step-wise approach to assessment design and implementation, within which the management and assessment of operational, technical, pedagogic, and financial risks are made explicit. The cyclic model has five components: planning, risk analysis and management,…

Describes the Brazilian National System of Evaluation of Basic Education and analyzes its impact on educational polices and practices, especially at the state level. Data from about 15 interviews, site visits, document review, and a survey completed by representatives of 23 state education departments show the strong points and weaknesses of the…

Misuses of null hypothesis significance testing are reviewed and alternative approaches are suggested for carrying out and reporting statistical tests that might be useful to program evaluators. Several themes, including the importance of respecting the magnitude of Type II errors and describing effect sizes in units stakeholders can understand,…

Discusses the benefits of individuals with visual impairments using a ball-bearing, rolling-tipped cane for traveling. Major benefits include reduced fatigue, increased durability and sensitivity, more stability, better sound cues, and greater safety. A method for assessing cane congruence is also discussed. (CR)

Demonstrates the use of converging evidence in examining the effects of class size reduction on academic achievement. Estimates derived from three different types of evidence is mutually supportive in this instance, suggesting that the effect of class size reduction from 24 to 15 produces modest, but lasting, increases in academic achievement.…

Describes the "corporate" approach taken by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to provide credible quantitative estimates of the long-term policy outcomes of total ACOA activity in its mission of economic development in Atlantic Canada. The Agency uses multiple lines of evidence, both qualitative and quantitative, in its…

Using an ecological approach to career development along with a soft-systems theory, this article identifies areas for assessment of career counseling programs and methods for evaluating progress in these areas. (SNR)

Discusses the need to develop a comprehensive research agenda to build knowledge about service learning assessment and refine concepts of best practice for assessment, examining: what is known about the subject; principles of good practice for service learning assessment; what knowledge is needed to develop the research agenda; and how this agenda…

Describes a logical sequence of courses to provide skills in areas critical to the entrepreneurship process. Offers five basic steps in designing assessment strategies. (JOW)

Describes the Lynchburg College Symposium Readings Program as a model for faculty development. The program encourages faculty collaboration, innovative classroom practices, and services as well as new areas of faculty scholarship. Also describes methods for assessing faculty work in the context of the goals of the program. (Author/SLD)

Evaluation in the 21st century will be characterized by critical and collaborative relationships, and citizens will include a basic knowledge of evaluation as part of their democratic literacy skills. Funders, program, staff, and participants will acquire the capacity to monitor and assess critical aspects of their own performance. (SLD)

Discusses how to develop an effective assessment process for learning communities, including initial considerations, the value of student involvement, questions guiding the study, data management, and considerations for future studies. (EV)

Outlines some nonrandomized constructed comparison strategies that can be used to evaluate interventions for children and illustrates their use for outcome variables that would be expected to change over age if no treatment were given. The proposed strategy consists of determining an expected age function for the dependent variable using pretest…

Assessed the effectiveness of a strategy for obtaining active written parental consent for the outcome evaluation of a drug abuse prevention program in 16 middle schools in 10 school districts. Discusses methodological and practical implications of the strategy, which was more cost effective than some previous approaches, but still involved 20% of…

Poses the ethical challenges involved when an evaluation report is being misinterpreted to serve political ends through program cancellation and considers the internal evaluator's responsibility and effectiveness. Commentaries reflect on codes of behavior and the position of an evaluator with respect to program management. (SLD)