This Working Paper explores the extent to which learning assessment data influence education policymaking according to the available literature. It presents the key conclusions arising from this literature as well as problematic issues which are still open for discussion. It is based on a broader literature review conducted by the UNESCO…

Presents an overview of the development of evaluation and comparative testing techniques. Topics discussed include case studies of evaluation in other cultures, objectives of evaluation, problems, uses, implications, success rates, and design principles. (Author/DB)

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)

Although important progress has been made in educational evaluation during the past decade new problems believed to be more serious threaten the progress that has been made. These problems are said to be a mixture of logistics and politics and are in large part an outgrowth of the increasing pluralism of American society. (Author/AM)

This document reports the activities of the Southeastern Teacher Corps Network's May 1979 conference on the validation of programs and the dissemination of information. Concerns of the meeting were: the establishment of procedures for program validation processes, the increased awareness of naturalistic data-gathering techniques for educational…

Guidelines for conducting a program quality review or school self-evaluation are presented. The program quality review process is designed to evaluate curriculum and instructional strategy effectiveness, guide the development of an action plan, and provide a model for school self-study. Part 1 describes applications of the quality criteria to…

In response to a request from its president, an institutional task force at Kean College of New Jersey studied approaches to program assessment used at other colleges, identified the measurement approaches being used at Kean College, and made policy recommendations for implementing an assessment program at the college. A major finding was that no…

This paper offers a guide for a dual purpose evaluation plan that can provide information for local program managers and simultaneously serve the accountability and reporting needs of a state legislature, district office, or other policy making body. The dual focus approach has two advantages: (1) it provides a common information base for…

The three general categories that encompass the legitimate uses to which test data can be put (i.e., public reporting at the local, state, or regional level; identifying needs and allocating resources; and making judgments about promotion and graduation) are identified and examples are offered of policymakers' use and misuse of test results. (LC)

Argues that, "If we are going to assess and evaluate creatively and in ways which reflect the organic complexity of the schools, we must begin to describe the methods of actual evaluation processes. We must move away from evaluations that exclusively concern professions and toward those that are the responsibility of persons at all levels."…

Eight criteria developed by the National Forum on Assessment (Washington, DC) as guidelines for evaluating existing and proposed assessment systems at any level are listed. Criteria call for clear definitions and fair assessments to assist educators and policymakers in improving instruction. Continuous review and improvement are recommended. (SLD)

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)

Reviews the status of national higher education evaluation systems and examines the lack of research into the process and nature of policy choice. Proposals are offered concerning methods to assist future policy choices and analysis of these systems. Identifies both positive achievements and controversial examples of national evaluation system…

The linkage of planning and evaluation in vocational education is a conceptual as well as an operational phenomenon. In an ideal situation, planning and evaluation are not two distinct sets of activities but rather interrelated aspects of a dynamic and inquiring system with the overall mission of reconciling policy design and policy action.…

In February, 1976, the Education Policy Research Institute sponsored this conference on the use of tests in educational policy formation; these six papers were presented at that conference. In the first paper, Jenne K. Britell discusses four points that have historically characterized debates about testing; psychometric and technical issues;…