This article addresses itself to the issue of accurate assessment techniques. The authors look at three assessment techniques--psychological tests, assessment centers and "biodata"--and compare them in terms of the information they provide, their accuracy, and ease of implementation. (Author/CT)

Two studies document benefits of implementing CBM (curriculum-based measurement) in both special and regular education settings. In Study 1 CBM is demonstrated to be a valid and reliable measurement system that aids teacher decisions regarding student placement, progress, and intervention effectiveness in an elementary school. Study II outlines…

Presents a brief rationale for selected aspects of program evaluation in counselor education. A brief description of instrument development, evaluation program objectives, and instrument uses and additional evaluation program components concludes with the presentation of a graduate follow-up instrument. (Author/JAC)

Many program evaluations involve some type of statistical testing to verify that the program has succeeded in accomplishing initially established goals. In many cases, this takes the form of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) with t-tests, analysis of variance, or some form of the general linear model. This paper contends that, at least…

In 1995, Head Start developed performance measures to promote accountability through the assessment of program quality and outcomes. This report is the Head Start program's first progress report on its self-assessment using the evolving Program Performance Measures. These measures were developed using ideas from the broad community of people…

In 1995, Head Start developed performance measures to promote accountability through the assessment of program quality and outcomes. This report is the Head Start program's second progress report on its self-assessment using the Program Performance Measures. The measures are grouped under the five objectives of Head Start: (1) enhance children's…

This brief offers a preliminary framework for understanding and implementing evaluations of out-of-school time (OST) programs professional development initiatives. In so doing, it draws on research from early childhood and elementary education and highlights the evaluation methods and results of recent OST professional development initiatives at…

The attainment of curricular goals, rather than improved IQ scores, was the basis for evaluation of the effectiveness of a program for disadvantaged preschoolers. Featured is the development of an Inventory of Cognitive Skills and Visual-Motor Functioning to evaluate the child's level of functioning in curriculum-related areas. (KW)

Describes two contrasting types of efforts (for individual programs and for classes of programs) used by the U.S. Office of Education to evaluate the effectiveness of bilingual education, and the sharply contrasting results. (Journal availability: National Dissemination and Assessment Center, California State University, 5151 State University…

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

Problems concerning the accreditation of teacher education programs include: (1) the differences in requirements at various institutions; (2) evaluating program substance instead of form; (3) determining actual qualifications of graduates; (4) the purpose of accreditation; and (5) the effectiveness of the evaluation. Various solutions are…

Evaluation design decisions for a child care provider training program are discussed as a function of three characteristics: decentralization, local autonomy and multiple delivery strategies. While decentralized process data were gathered, only centralized outcome data were collected. The design decisions made were appropriate for such diverse…

This article delineates certain concepts aimed at improving the process of program evaluation in bilingual education. Educationally defensible and politically-free approaches to such evaluation are recommended. (Author/AL)