This paper describes methods used to evaluate a secondary school's career education program. The program aims at enhancing students' career awareness and self-awareness in a group setting. The evaluation focused on effects on counselors, students and the schools. The evaluation data led to program modifications. (NG)

This study examines the usefulness of a networked portfolio assessment system for cooperative learning. The system is with instructional methods that expresses ideas via written report and oral presentation, accumulated dialogues through inquiries between peers, critical thinking via peer-assessment and self-assessment, and knowledge construction…

The Effective Early Learning Programme in the United Kingdom (UK) has included the voice of children as an integral part of their evaluation and improvement process. This study interviewed approximately 945 children from 23 different geographical areas of the UK about their views of certain aspects of their early learning settings. Children were…

This book describes the policy initiatives and economic realities that influence the design of programs for adult English language learners, demonstrating how the agendas of each stakeholder can be reconciled in a way that renders them mutually supportive. It focuses on the commonalities among stakeholder goals. It equips instructors to provide…

Training is a technical term, applicable to interventions that result in a performance outcome, however, the term is often used inappropriately to elevate conglomerations of content to training status even though no performance improvement results, or is ever likely to result. Myths about evaluation, that it is optional, or too expensive, or…

This is one of six innovative sessions organized by the AHRD Scholar-Practitioner Committee. It examines how research and theory can be applied to inform common practitioner questions on evaluation. By examining use of research and theory to inform evaluation practice, session attendees will consider how to improve their own evaluations and link…

Useful as a classroom text and self-teaching tool, this book outlines the process of designing and reporting action research projects in schools. The underlying assumption of the book is that research is not a domain that belongs only to academics, but is a powerful approach that can be used by practitioners to contribute to school renewal and…

This pamphlet describes the process of beginning to use portfolios in an elementary teacher training program. It defines the concept of portfolios and provides a rationale for their use in teacher education programs. Portfolios are suggested for use in preservice teacher education in three ways: to evaluate the preservice teacher education…

This book uses an extended case study to guide readers through the complexities of evaluating service learning outcomes and their relevance to the curriculum. Eight chapters include: (1) "What Is Service Learning?" (e.g., definition and rationale, developing a service learning program, and standards for effective programs); (2) "The…

This guide is designed to assist library media specialists in achieving the outstanding, comprehensive library media program outlined in "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning," published by the American Library Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. The guide contains the following…

This report summarizes the findings, issues, and lessons learned from the Developing National Public Library and Statewide Network Statistics and Performance Measures study conducted between January 1999 and August 2000. The overall goal of the study was to develop a core set of national statistics and performance measures that librarians,…

As part of its cost containment efforts, the U.S. Navy continues to evaluate its child development program to expand availability without compromising the high quality standards required by the 1989 Military Child Care Act. This manual provides guidelines for conducting Functionality Assessments (FA) and delineates the standards and requirements…

This paper uses research findings on program evaluations over the last 20 years to derive 10 "Golden Rules" that will help school districts increase student learning. Each of the rules is described and illustrated within the context of a five-part quality assurance and evaluation system of program screening, field-testing, adoption and…

In June 1998, California started an evaluation of standards-based accountability. The evaluation focused on the status and impact of local accountability systems, content standards, assessment measures, use of data, consequences and incentives, and assistance in school districts across the state. In the course of the study, the California…

This paper illustrates several collaborative program evaluation models and designs used in Newark, New Jersey, public schools since a state takeover in 1995. As part of its comprehensive design for school reform, the school district developed collaborations with community partners to provide direct services to schools. Each evaluation combined…