Various areas of educational research are interested in the transitions between different states--or events--in sequential data, with the goal of understanding the significance of these transitions; one notable example is affect dynamics, which aims to identify important transitions between affective states. Unfortunately, several works have…

The Labin et al. logic model describes the why, how, what, and potential outcomes of evaluation capacity building (ECB). Getting To Outcomes offers a frame and empirical results for operationalizing the ECB logic model of Labin et al. and for deepening the science and practice of ECB.

Evaluation scholars have long called for research on evaluation to provide an empirical basis for improving its theory and practice. Although calls to investigate evaluation have struck a chord in some quarters of the evaluation community, with the exception of research in the area of evaluation use, these calls have been infrequently answered.…

The changing context of work and organizations is making new demands of leadership. Differing expectations on the goals of leadership training, and development are also emerging. To date, few comprehensive models to guide evaluation research and practice in the field of leadership training and development have appeared in the literature. This…

Action research places a powerful tool for school improvement in the hands of teachers. By highlighting the outcomes that are possible and presenting clear steps in the research process, this book is one to encourage anyone who is seeking to implement evidence-based school improvement. Eileen Piggot-Irvine uses her Problem Resolving Action…

This paper presents the methods and the main results of the 6 studies which were conducted in order to test the validity of the comprehensive model of educational effectiveness. The synthesis of these studies reveals that some support to the model has been provided. It is also demonstrated that 2 characteristics of the comprehensive model…

This paper describes a comprehensive model of alignment that provides a foundation for meaningful reporting of students' academic progress over time. The model includes both horizontal and vertical alignment as integral parts of the development of content standards, test blueprints, items, item pools, instruments, performance level descriptors,…

This document provides some guidance to those who are exploring the connections between service-learning and evaluation. Categories are defined in the document by highlighting the following seven questions: (1) What do I need to know about the important issues involved in evaluating my service-learning program? (2) Do you have a model of…

This article reviews the literature and practice concerned with the evaluation of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies and the way these relate to theories of the innovation process. Referring to the experience of the European Union (EU), the authors review the attempts to ensure that the STI policy theory is informed by advances in…

Value-added modeling (VAM) to estimate school and teacher effects is currently of considerable interest to researchers and policymakers. Recent reports suggest that VAM demonstrates the importance of teachers as a source of variance in student outcomes. Policymakers see VAM as a possible component of education reform through improved teacher…

The assessment of practice in nursing and midwifery education programs across England was examined to determine its validity, reliability, fairness, and effectiveness in maintaining and developing the quality of care. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 was designed to identify theoretical and practical areas of concern that would…

This document contains 11 papers on researching service learning through a multidisciplinary lens. The following papers are included: "Introduction" (Shelley H. Billig, Andrew Furco); "Stretching to Meet the Challenge: Improving the Quality of Research to Improve the Quality of Service-Learning" (Janet Eyler);…