The evaluation theory tree typology reflects the following three components of evaluation practice: (a) methods, (b) use, and (c) valuing. The purpose of this study was to explore how evaluation practice is conceived as reflected in articles published in the "American Journal of Evaluation" ("AJE") and "Evaluation," a…

Mitigating the situational factors that give rise to state boredom is a consistent challenge facing educators. Despite the growing amount of literature devoted to the construct, the field has yet to arrive at a consensus regarding a clear theoretical or operational definition. Subsequently, inconsistencies exist in the assessment methodologies,…

Although adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience serious life impairment (Molina et al., 2009; Wolraich et al., 2005), very few effective psychosocial interventions exist to treat this population (Pelham & Fabiano, 2008; Smith, Waschbusch, Willoughby, & Evans, 2000). Intensive child-directed interventions are an…

As states and communities invest in initiatives to improve the quality of early care and education, the measurement of quality is becoming more widespread and the importance of measuring quality well is gaining increasing attention. Within the broad context of interest in improving quality, this report seeks to differentiate among a number of…

A survey of the purposes of measurement, abuses of measurement, and barriers to evaluation. (Author)

This collection contains 233 objectives and related evaluation items for mathematics--grades four to six. The following categories are included - (1) sets, (2) numbers, numerals, and numeration systems, (3) operations and their properties, (4) measurement, (5) geometry, (6) relations, functions and graphs, (7) probability and statistics, (8)…

Available designs and instruments for evaluation are not adequate to meet the varied needs of evaluation. Therefore, evaluation needs to be reshaped in terms of 1) consideration of how and where currently available theories, designs, and instruments are proving useful, 2) identification of needs that cannot be met ith currently available…

The relative utilities of subjectivity and objectivity in educational evaluation are debated. Page supports objectivity, while Stake supports subjectivity. (JKS)

In spite of the efforts of researchers and practitioners, performance appraisal systems remain more of an albatross than an effective organizational tool. The movement toward objective measurement, employee participation, multiple raters, and the like, represents a definite improvement over traditional trait ratings. Still, internal improvements…

Speech presented at the 54th annual NASSP Convention. (EJS)

Based on a theoretical model of program development, this taxonomy of evaluation relates six evaluation objectives or purposes to nine methodological alternatives. Use of the taxonomy may increase the efficiency of evaluation, improve communication, and assist in the choice of a methodology that is appropriate to the evaluation purposes.…

This document introduces a study conducted by the National Council of Social Studies (NCSS) to review, interpret, and disseminate findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments in citizenship and social studies. The study represents an investigation funded by the Education Commission of the States and coordinated by…

In the 1940's and 1950's, the goal of the schools was equal opportunity for all. Now the goal is to maximize the potential of each child through individualized instruction. As a result, standardized tests and measures lacking in prescriptive information on students are falling into disfavor. The three principal past uses of evaluation--placement,…