This article argues that a "probabilistic" interpretation of competence can provide the basis for a link between assessment, teaching and learning, curriculum resources and policy development. Competence is regarded as a way of interpreting the quality of performance in a coherent series of hierarchical tasks. The work of Glaser is combined with…

This article discusses the positive and negative consequences of large-scale testing on five key stakeholders of testing results: students, teachers, administrators, policymakers and parents. The factors that affect the nature of testing consequences are also discussed and means that may provide remedies for associated pitfalls are proposed.

In 1973 Australia established a national Curriculum Development Centre, following some extensive experiments with national curriculum initiatives. The centre was established in response to expressed public support for education and for a strong national role in education. (RB)

This case study examines the different educational institutes in Nigeria that work in the area of curriculum development. Some receive money directly from the government; others operate as independent academic institutions and are part of a university. One institute from each category is examined. (RB)

This paper discusses the ways in which the Dutch National Institute for Curriculum Development impacts the Dutch educational system. It describes the way the institute carries out its development activities. Results of several studies on the impact of the institute's projects are reported. (RB)

The Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI) was established in 1972 as an independent and government sponsored educational research and development organization. The responsibilities of KEDI include conducting research and disseminating research findings. (RB)

Discusses criticisms of international educational studies and describes ways in which such studies can be used advantageously for diagnosis, identification of "what works," and monitoring and accountability. Presents examples of these categories of use. (SLD)

Study investigated the factors that influence the use of evaluative information for decision making by school boards. Study suggests that there is no set process for decision making but that there are decision-making patterns that depend on contextual variables. (RB)

Two politically oriented factors are cited as major impediments to effective conveyance of evaluation findings to decision makers. The first factor, relevance, includes the elements of timing and matching of perceptions. The second, constituency support, includes recognition of reference groups and political benefits. (Author/LC)

Various educational practices resulting from research recommendations and the associated problems are described. The author suggests that educational research can create a more reliable foundation for policy decisions concerning the introduction of reforms, by evaluating their resulting effectiveness. Investigators should suggest more pertinent…

Based on a review of research on evaluation use, the implications for future research and for improving the practice of evaluation are discussed. Six principles of evaluation use are outlined, and internalization of evaluation functions by decision makers is addressed. (TJH)

The education evaluation efforts of the federal government are discussed, focusing on the question of their effectiveness in informing the policymaking process. Successful evaluation criteria are outlined. An evaluation must provide useful information to policymakers to be a success. (DWH)

The changes in evaluation of preschool programs resulting from: (1) synthesis of service delivery system and child development outcomes assessment, (2) change from a focus on a single variable to the interaction and transaction of contextual variables, and (3) change from a focus on child development outcomes to effective program elements are…

The role of the chief scientist in the formulation of a policy of evaluation research by a government unit is considered, together with issues facing his office. Such issues include: accountability; meeting the expectations of decision makers; increasing evaluation utilization; and evaluation feasibility. (AEF)

The implementation and evaluation of the 1968 Reform in Israel's educational system are reviewed, highlighting trends and problems in the relationships among researchers, research, and policymakers. The multifaceted aspects of these relations, their ramifications, and the various groups' ambivalent attitudes toward the study are discussed.…