This presentation will discuss quality appraisal methods for assessing research studies used in systematic reviews, research syntheses, and evidence-based practice repositories such as the What Works Clearinghouse. The different ways that the methodological rigor and risk of bias of primary studies included in syntheses is assessed means that…

A college degree is essential in our society, especially for students who historically have been left out of our higher education system. But with the current higher education information systems in place, it's difficult, if not impossible, for students and families to get the data they need to make an informed decision about the best institution…

The results of a study carried out to devise alternative systems of accountability for postsecondary education and its components, as well as to devise criteria and methods of evaluation to determine effectiveness and progress in meeting goals, are reported. The body of the report is a summary of subcommittee reports on the following:…

To insure the accountability of the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Legislature in 1973 set aside monies to employ two individuals who would work with the Controller's Office of the State Board of Education to review the reporting of student hours at the various community colleges and technical institutes. The…

This 97-item bibliography cites research in the following categories: purposes and structures of school accreditation/evaluation; the school evaluation process, involving self-study, team visits, and implementation; evaluation of the accreditation/evaluation process; external factors influencing school accreditation/evaluation; and objectivity in…

The costs incurred at Antelope Valley Community College (California) in evaluating the performance of college faculty members for the 1972-73 school year are summarized. Evaluation fell into two phases--implementation and operation. Implementation involved the issuance of written procedures, necessary forms, the purchase of equipment and supplies,…

A study attempted to determine (1) whether nontraining managers' future financial support for the training function varied based on the amount and kind of information contained in written evaluation reports and (2) the deeper logic and behavior that nontraining managers used in making their decision. The research used a quasi-experimental design…

This paper focuses on transition programs for youth to postsecondary education, broadly considered. It addresses the following questions: (1) What models or programs of transition exist? (2) On what basis can we say one transition program is more effective than another? In other words, how is successful transition defined? (3) How are…

The focus of this paper is on innovative evaluation, evaluation methodologies, and the development of evaluative instruments. Innovative evaluation is discussed as related to comprehensive evaluation, general evaluation with special emphasis, problems in comprehensive and general evaluations, and five components of an assessment model…

A statewide survey was conducted of local evaluation policies, procedures, and problems of implementing evaluation programs on the campuses of California community colleges. The following areas were studied: (1) the process of development of the evaluation program; (2) procedures utilized in the first year of implementing Senate Bill 696…

Ethnomethodological research involves participation in the field, with some degree of social interaction, with the subjects of the study; direct observation of relevant events; some formal and a great deal of informal interviewing; systematic counting; collection of documents and artifacts; and flexibility in the direction the study takes. This…

A series of workshops were offered for vocational education administrators and researchers to train them in institutional research methods in a systems planning context. The basic purpose of the project was to provide an opportunity for vocational educators to become familiar with (1) research methodology; (2) to train vocational educators to…

This paper describes work in progress on a project designed to provide the framework of an evaluation system which states may use to comply with evaluation requirements in the Education Amendments of 1976 (Public Law 94-482). The specific objectives are to: (1) develop and field test a process model to evaluate planning and operational processes…

The Cassette Review Program (CRP), developed by The American College of Life Underwriters, is organized into 10 sections corresponding to the 10 courses of the American College C.L.U. diploma program. It includes both audio tapes and notebooks. The formative evaluation of the CRP carried out in 1971 resulted in a restructuring of both the tapes…

This report summarizes the activities undertaken to aid the California State Department of Education, Vocational Education Unit, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office in their efforts to eliminate sex bias, stereotyping, and discrimination from vocational education programs throughout the state. Activities described include the…