Examined the utility of general growth mixture modeling (GGMM) for evaluating early childhood education programs. Initially, growth mixture modeling procedures identified two growth patterns among Head Start children. However, GGMM procedures found that children with at least 2 years program participation did not have faster achievement growth…

Discusses the assessment component of individualized education programs for students with visual impairments. Important issues reviewed are the appropriate selection of a battery of tests; the knowledge base about a particular vision condition; the importance of supplementing testing information with meaningful observations and interviews; and…

Outlines the benefits of human performance assessment and examines the reasons why testing hasn't become a general practice in organizations. Describes five steps in creating a test/assessment instrument: analysis; construction; reliability; validity; and setting standards. (AEF)

Discusses sexual abuse among persons with mental retardation, skills for preventing sexual abuse, and methods for assessing prevention skills. Reviews research on abduction prevention programs for persons with mental retardation and on sexual abuse prevention programs for children, and makes suggestions for future research. (Author/CR)

A broad framework of goals for environmental interpretation was produced, and these goals were revised on the basis of input from a national panel. The goals comprised three hierarchical levels: (1) entry-level goals such as environmental sensitivity; (2) ownership goals such as resource site issue awareness; and (3) empowerment goals that include…

Developed an empirical strategy for studying broad-based educational change using quantitative methods and an extensive database consisting of state policy indicators and data on schools and classrooms from states participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Results of a Rasch analysis indicate that patterns of state policy…

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

The article proposes a strategy for the assessment of young children with handicaps in which brief clinical sampling is used to document developmental skills. This information may then be used in designing intervention programs. Principles and techniques of brief clinical sampling are described and application examples are given. (Author/DB)

Use-oriented approaches to evaluation have been challenged by contentions that the responsiveness of such evaluations undermines their technical quality. This discussion analyzes purported conflicts between these evaluation criteria of utility and accuracy by examining underlying assumptions related to evaluation's purpose and politics. (TJH)

Discussed are case studies of four early childhood special education programs, selected to represent a variety of approaches to early childhood special education decision-making and a variety of settings. The case studies focus on issues in diagnostic assessment and are used as the basis for assessment guidelines. (Author/MSE)

The political context of evaluation is described, with positive and negative influences. Strategies are proposed for preserving the credibility of evaluation in political contexts. Researchers must maintain the neutral posture of the basic scientist. (SLD)

Examines the frequency and types of evaluation research methods used in communication training programs. Finds that human resource (HR) trainers rarely conduct needs analyses while planning communication training programs, and that systematic and controlled evaluation research is not being undertaken to plan, implement, and assess communication…

The paper describes ways in which the computer can assist language clinicians in performing highly informative linguistic analyses that are useful in the development and evaluation of intervention programs. Two modules from the software package, Computerized Profiling, are described and two cases illustrating clinical application of computers are…

This paper suggests methodologies and guidelines appropriate for evaluating projects in the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Program. The paper aims to help projects carry out their evaluations, assist the Javits staff in determining the success of the evaluations, and aid in long-range program planning. (JDD)

Outlines the Colorado vision for student information literacy and discusses its implications for other states and communities as part of a national effort considering the future of library media programs. Highlights include Colorado information literacy guidelines, statewide training, assessment measures, research programs, and future scenarios.…