Presents results from the first part of a two-part study of the characteristics of research conducted in the area of developmental education. Identifies the areas investigated, types of research being conducted, and the effectiveness of the research. Indicates that serious flaws were found in 63% of the studies reviewed. Discusses four factors…

Describes the development of a Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) by the National Library of Medicine that will retrieve and integrate information from a variety of information resources. Highlights include the metathesaurus; the UMLS semantic network; semantic locality; information sources map; evaluation of the metathesaurus; future…

A recently implemented program of institutional evaluation in Spanish universities, designed with the intention of improving the quality of teaching, research, and administration, is discussed. Objectives and mechanisms for assessment in each of these areas are detailed. (MSE)

Describes the conceptualization, start-up, and initial implementation of an evaluation approach that has been integrated into a network of 25 language centers participating in the British Council/Overseas Development Administration instructional English language training project. The evaluation is shaped by a framework based on a performance…

A formative evaluation model is proposed for use by administrators of large health services research grant programs. The model assists in assessing the purpose, methodology, and level of analysis of funded research. It is illustrated through a discussion of HIV/AIDS care. (SLD)

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of outcome-based education (OBE). Indicates that OBE's emphasis on concrete, demonstrable results allows educators to implement a unified and effective curriculum but that its methods raise questions about student motivation, the value of effort over ability, and compromised educational standards. (MAB)

When New Jersey passed the Quality Education Act to equalize expenditures between rich and poor school districts, it increased regulatory oversight for its 30 poorest districts. The oversight system, the burdens it created for districts, and the political control are described. The new system is evaluated as moderately effective. (SLD)

This paper briefly describes the 30 standards published in 1981 by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. The standards address utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy. Their application in conducting assessment and meta-assessment activities in higher education is discussed. (Author/DB)

Issues involved in applying the needs assessment model of the Colorado Social Health Survey to planning and management in Massachusetts are reviewed. The methodology in this special issue provides a new paradigm for mental health needs assessment in general and will be valuable in the Massachusetts plan specifically. (SLD)

Discusses two ways candidates may earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: the CDA Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3), a comprehensive, one-year, postsecondary training program; and Direct Assessment, the route most often followed by CDA applicants, which evaluates the overall competence of candidates based on applicants'…

One dental education program used patient-instructors to give individual feedback from the patient's perspective to students after each of five interview scenarios. Feedback was constructive and behaviorally oriented. Ratings assessed process and content skills. Results indicates student interpersonal skills improved significantly, content skills…

Defines assessment as finding out where the problems are in a program for the purpose of eliminating them. Presents a method for developing a formal assessment plan in history including principles of assessment, program goals, and objectives. Suggests determining what is already done and what further assessment methods are desired. (DK)

A model for measuring output of university departments is presented. The model includes teaching, research, and other activities, with weighting factors given for each. The model is applied to the College of Commerce of Kuwait University, and recommendations for its application at other institutions are made. (Author/MSE)

The article demonstrates how information managers at institutions of higher education can develop a checklist for evaluating the usability and effectiveness of institutional data and information. Three primary personnel roles (technicians, analysts, users) and five primary activities (selection, capture and storage, manipulation and analysis,…

In program evaluation and policy analyses, utility supplants rigor as the first and most important criterion in judging literature reviews. Although R. T. Ogawa and B. Malen emphasize rigor, a utilization-focused evaluation emphasizes purpose and audience, both of which affect the conduct of a multivocal literature review. (SLD)