In 2018 the universities in the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) embarked on the ambitious project of creating a collaborative Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), aiming to raise awareness of the concept of University Social Responsibility (USR), boost the visibility of the achievements and social impacts of its members, and promote…

With the policy of developing a transparent and competitive European higher education sector, learning outcomes (LOs) are attributed a foundation stone role in policy and curriculum development. A premise for their implementation is that they bear fundamental similarities across national, institutional or professional/disciplinary contexts. In…

Policymakers are proposing the use of outcome measures as indicators of effective principal preparation programs. The three most common metrics recommended are: (1) graduates' effectiveness in improving student achievement test scores, (2) graduate job placement rates, and (3) principal job retention once employed. This article explores the use of…

The Foundation Phase is a Welsh Government flagship policy of early years education (for 3-7 year-old children) in Wales. Marking a radical departure from the more formal, competency-based approach associated with the previous Key Stage 1 National Curriculum, it advocates a developmental, experiential, play-based approach to teaching and learning.…

Reviewing the many possible outcomes (intended and unintended) of vocational education programs, the author posits four tests for evaluation criteria: appropriateness, importance, feasibility, and usefulness. He discusses policy implications of the lack of consensus over the particular outcomes for which vocational education should be accountable.…

The ways an institution, committed to assessment as a means to focus attention on the curriculum and the learning environment, can accomplish its purpose are described. The assessment process at Western Michigan University is described. (MLW)

Although considerable effort is being expended on school-based HIV prevention education, few data are available to suggest whether these programs are successful. Developed to help educators evaluate the quality of their HIV prevention programs, this handbook includes information on evaluation designs and measurement tools for collecting data on…

The conference reported in this document was attended by representatives of seven states (Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington). Participants focused on three key questions: (1) what are the issues and objectives behind assessment in each state? (2) what can be done regarding the implementation of…

This article emphasizes the importance of documenting gifted education results to governing bodies such as state legislatures and school boards. It discusses three general issues of communication with decision-makers: being clear on intentions, being considerate of decision-makers, and providing useful information. Data gathering suggestions for…

This document reports the oral and written testimony submitted at a Congressional hearing on implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act in the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) educational service and vocational and counseling services. Oral and written testimony was presented by Representative Jack Quinn, chair of the…

Systematic experimentation rather than random innovation is urged to promote effective curriculum designs, to establish an empirical basis for educational policy decisions, and to provide quasi-theories about educational policy change. CSWE is seen as potential coordinator and repository of data about the effects of changes in educational policy.…

This evaluation determined expectations of fellowship participants, reasons 18 fellows participated in a 3-week Primary Care Policy Fellowship to establish an interdisciplinary cadre of primary care leaders, and outcomes of the program. The fellows anticipated information on networking and influencing decision making and thought the program met…

A 1991 study conducted by the Ohio Legislative Office of Education Oversight examined the Career Education program funded through the Ohio Department of Education. During the 2 years studied, the Career Education program was funded for $11.5 million in 60 local programs serving 365 school districts in grades K-12. (Career education is not a course…

An analysis of national programs for monitoring student achievement in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia found that political considerations in all three countries have inhibited the clarification of program objectives and the implementation of the technology required to generate meaningful information capable of reliable…

The purpose of secondary vocational education has traditionally been occupational preparation, with the primary activity for achieving that purpose being occupationally specific skill training. Today, however, a significant amount of effort is also directed toward outcomes that prepare an individual for work rather than for a specific job or…